How to Save on Security Software Without Compromising Quality

 Once again, this is not always true, and responsible steps have to be taken in order to protect a person's identity and data. 

Security software is big business these days, bridging the gaps where we have online vulnerabilities. The problem is, the costs mount up, and usually, they continue by a paid monthly subscription. This article acknowledges the need for people to have secure computers but offers ways for you to save money on the software.

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Note Special Discount Days

It's great when someone doesn't have to buy a cheaper equivalent brand but simply waits for the right time to buy. One example is Black Friday & Cyber Monday Tech Discounts, which occur every year. There are websites that show the best deals available. Such products as VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), password managers, antivirus software, and secure email products may be featured. Many online companies explain what the software can do and disclose discounts and ongoing monthly prices. 

If someone were to purchase an annual license for security software at this time, they could secure another Black Friday discount the following year. National holidays are another occasion when people should scout around for discounts. Such events as Halloween, Thanksgiving Day, or The 4th of July may all present opportunities to save money. 

Consider Special Licenses

Such organisations as the government or schools often qualify for special discounted licenses on their security software. This is partly because they are a good cause and are also generally bulk purchases. Anyone needing to buy security software should also keep a lookout for 'Back To School' deals and discounts too. 

Buy New, Don't Renew

In England, it's common for mortgage lenders to offer discounted rates for new customers. Once this period has expired, the discounts cease. It's very similar to security software: once a license has expired, there's the opportunity to extend it with few extra benefits for staying faithful to the same company. Therefore, it's better to let your license expire - even if you are going to stay with the same software. Simply take out a brand new license and receive the 'new customer' benefits on offer too.

Think About Trial Periods 

If a software company offers a free trial for one or several months, it's a great way to receive the benefits for free while you check you're happy with it. Some companies make you pay for the software but offer a full refund if you cancel during the initial trial period. This removes the risk element once again. 

People shouldn't go from one free trial to another to save money. As well as being unscrupulous, companies will detect if you keep doing it. Extended trial offers are a great option too. Some companies don't just give you a free trial before you subscribe but also continue a free period after you do. 

Look At Bundle Deals

Some people buy firewall software to monitor the ingoing and outgoing traffic on their computers. Later on, they purchase antivirus software to protect their pc from such things as malware, spyware, trojans, worms, adware, spam, and ransomware. It's usually inevitable that people pay more if they buy individual products this way. Bundle deals are a bit like bulk buys: extra discounts can be secured if you buy the antivirus software, firewall, and other programmes in one large package from the same company. 

The Value Of Subscription Products

Whilst some security software is obtained using a one-off all-time payment; most come as monthly subscriptions. This helps drive costs down because you are dividing the annual payments by twelve. It also enables software developers to create a realistic budget for planned updates and improvements. If a person decides to switch to different software, they simply cancel the subscription. 

Many companies use a monthly subscription to provide their software. Each time there is an upgrade or modification, the computer will automatically download the changes. This ensures someone is using the most up to date version. It's always advisable to run the updates as soon as they appear, particularly as they often address system vulnerabilities. 

Consider Cheaper Or Free Versions

Computer software can be like fashion because people often buy for the brand. They choose a well-known software company, even though there may be better products sold by lesser-known businesses. Security isn't always compromised by price, and you might get what you need for a quarter of the cost. 

There are many websites that offer freeware or open-source products. Some of them are completely safe to download and function in a similar fashion to sold products. Having said that, it's important to be aware of the dangers of doing this. Some sites are not secure, which means your computer is open to hacking. 

Some freeware brings viruses with it. Once downloaded, it self-installs and can be very hard to remove. You may also have your data shared and start receiving marketing emails and adverts from different companies. Anyone who considers buying a cheaper product or downloading free software should do an online research first. Many websites will review the different options for you and advise what's good and what's not. 

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Subscribe To Newsletters

Let's face it: companies are always trying to get our email addresses. They want them so we can become future recipients of their email marketing campaigns. When researching software companies or downloading a product, it can be tempting to select 'no' when asked whether we wish to subscribe to their newsletters. 

In this instance, it can actually be beneficial to select 'yes.' That way, the companies will keep us up to date on their deals and discounts without regularly doing our own research. Sometimes businesses offer discounts on their new products, to promote sales. Anyone who is subscribed will reap the benefits of that. 

It has now become clear that people or companies can gain full computer protection and save money at the same time. Whilst security is paramount, and corners should never be cut, there are genuine ways to gain good deals when we look for them. 

Isabella Humphrey

Update 28 September 2020