My first year of McAfee LiveSafe expires----renew?

[#1 Cowboys Fan]

It's just a year old, so a safe bet would be Win 8 or 8.1

Not sure the exact way to find out---but under Control Panel, etc., System and Security I see something about "Add features to Windows 8.1:".

So, I guess I have 8.1 ????

Pat

 

[dioxide45]

Not sure the exact way to find out---but under Control Panel, etc., System and Security I see something about "Add features to Windows 8.1:".

So, I guess I have 8.1 ????

Pat

If it is the new annoying version without the traditional Start menu, then it is Windows 8/8.1

 

[Passepartout]

Not sure the exact way to find out---but under Control Panel, etc., System and Security I see something about "Add features to Windows 8.1:".

So, I guess I have 8.1 ????

Pat

Pat, if you put the cursor at the lower left of the opening screen and right click, a dialog box will open. Click 'System', I suspect it will return Windows 8.1 64 Bit System. Mine does and is about the same age 'puter.

Jim

 

[#1 Cowboys Fan]

Pat, if you put the cursor at the lower left of the opening screen and right click, a dialog box will open. Click 'System', I suspect it will return Windows 8.1 64 Bit System. Mine does and is about the same age 'puter.

Jim

I did that---and DID get the result you said.

Pat

 

[taterhed]

final reply and suggestions

I'm going to close out my inputs here...by adding a few closing comments.

I am not a professional software analyst etc... this is merely advice from one who has experienced the whole (bad) enchilada. I hope all of the info in this thread is/has been helpful. Of course, computer software always has a lot of people who like one company or program or operating system more than the rest. There are many good products out there both free and paid. Read the reviews and take your pick. My silly rules of the road--take it for what its worth:

• NEVER operate a computer without some type of anti-virus and anti-malware program in operation. Even CD's/DVD's/USB keys can introduce unwanted programs onto your system--sometimes with or without your knowledge. The faster your internet connection, the more likely you will be infected (assuming the computer is left connected and turned on.) Public (open) wi-fi connections are a virtual jungle of predatory attackers. You don't have to visit 'illegal' or 'adult' sites to be infected with nasty stuff.

• Having an 'anti-virus' program just isn't enough. Depending on the specific software, edition, operating system etc... you need to have a 3 pronged approach to maintaining a healthy computer:

1. An active anti-virus program than is constantly monitoring, scanning and detecting/removing/repairing any virus (etc) that infects your system. Automatic updates are a must.
2. An active malware scanning system that can detect and remove malware. Using a manual-scan only software product (free version) may expose you to months of spyware before your next (manual) scan.
3. A system in place to schedule the above scans and updates automatically. Manual scans and updates are 'too little too late' for most casual users.
4. (optional) Parental control software to prevent your 'kids' (young or old!) from accessing inappropriate websites--not just porn, but file-sharing sites etc.. These are common sources of spyware and worse
5. (optional) Password protection: software to help you use and remember strong passwords for all your logins. What good is having a strong password if you can't remember it? Having once password for everything (or a super-simple password) means exposing every online aspect of your life to hacking and identify theft in just one compromise.

• If you have the best Anti-virus/malware programs in the industry, your computer will still run like crap if you don't maintain it. You need to periodically (auto best, manual acceptable) scan and clean your computer to remove old files, old program garbage, unwanted cookies and to optimize your registry and hard drives. Note: some of the 'Computer Security Suites' have an all-in-one approach (anti-virus, malware, computer tuneup, parental control, passwords) that provides several/all of the tools necessary for your computer to keep running well--bundled into a single software package. In the past, some of these suites were extremely taxing on the performance of the computer (especially an old slow computer that needed to be cleaned up after years of not being scanned/cleaned). Those days are pretty much past--most of the modern suites operate with minimal impact to the user. Keep in mind, some of these suites are very minimalist and 'do their own thing' in the background without bothering you. Other products 'scream from the top of the roof' telling you every single thing that is happening to your computer. Most software will allow you to configure these alerts and turn them off if desired. It's up to your personal choice--read the professional reviews.
• There is a plethora of available "Free" software out there to protect your computer from virus, detect/remove malware and scan/optimize the performance of your computer. I use several of these. Of course, there is always a catch:

1. Many free programs will constantly tempt you to upgrade. They may provide extremely convincing warnings that "OMG your computer may already be infected--upgrade now to find out!!!!" in order to get you to pay high $$$$ to upgrade instantly (on the road in your timeshare :~ ).
2. Free programs often require manual updates, manual scans or have limited scans/features. Manual scanning usually results in people scanning the computer when something goes wrong--often too late to prevent consequences.
3. Installing free software is like walking a minefield. There will be many opportunities to inadvertently install toolbars, redirect internet homepages and search engines etc... Some of these installations will 'ransom' your computer and request a payment (upgrade) to uninstall the software. Trust me, these can be removed, but not by the average common computer user.

• Finally, in the spirit of TUG, NEVER pay full price for computer software. The many electronics, office and mail-order superstores (Best Buy, Amazon, Staples etc.....) will sell you software at a great price--and sell you multi-computer bundles as well.

I personally like Norton products; their 2015 software suites have been rated pretty well. 360 is now dead: Norton Security w/backup has taken it's place.

Windows Security Essentials/Windows Defender (Win8 +) AND Malwarebytes (paid) is an ok solution as well (basically free buy pro Malwarebytes)

Bitdefender, Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky, Avast, Avira : all have been reviewed and well rated as Computer Security Suites (McAfee Livesafe)


I pay about $10 a year, per computer, for a complete computer security suite with backup. If you only have one computer, this runs around $30-$50. I use a separate password manager (Onepass) and pay an additional fee for it as well--across all my devices/platforms.


Remember: Windows Security Essentials/Windows Defender ALONE is not enough; you still need malware protection. Also, WSE/WD is not the world's greatest anti-virus. It may fit your needs however.



To answer your original question: if you like McAfee LiveSafe, it's a well reviewed competent program. There are better ones and worse. It's available online at Amazon for $29 (key only; for all your computers--no need to buy a box or download the program unless prompted to update). I would recommend reading the professional reviews on the product. Because you already have this program installed on your system (and operating normally?) the renewal (typing in the key) should be pretty seamless.



Good luck.