Internet Service Offers Security Service I Don't Want

zineeditor · 04-29-2008, 02:43 PM

I have Windows XP and use Norton Anti-Virus and SpySweeper software. I'm also about to add Ad-Aware. My concern is that I'm considering changing my Internet service to Cox Internet. I understand that they offer McAfee with their service. I thought I would decline from using the software but I came across info on the net that states that Cox makes their Internet subscribers remove their own software and use theirs. Well, I don't care for that idea at all. Anyone know about their policies? (I could check with Cox but I find that too many big companies are so anxious to sign up new subscribers that I'm not sure the representative would be on the level with me.)

**Cellus** · 04-29-2008, 11:33 PM

There shouldn't be any need to have "special software" installed to run standard high-speed internet.

I highly recommend you contact them and ask them straight out. If they do not level with you with a simple Yes or No, ask to speak to their supervisor. No really. If they for some reason say one thing and it ends up being another, you can always file a complaint, which can and will be supported by your recorded conversation (phoning technical support for major ISPs commonly state "your conversation may be monitored for quality assurance purposes", which can and is used in supporting complaints).

Personally if I had a choice between Norton and McAfee, I'd choose Norton any day.

johnwill · 04-30-2008, 07:00 AM

If I had my choice between Norton and McAfee, I wouldn't choose either of them. I'd far rather have something like ESET NOD32 than either of those bloated pigs!

zineeditor · 05-02-2008, 01:36 AM

I asked someone today at Cox and he told me I could most certainly use my own software. I will see how that turns out when the tech shows up. If he tells me I have to use theirs I will be running him out the door!!
THANKS for your help.

**koala** · 05-02-2008, 09:38 AM

Your ISP can't make you install any security software you don't want, it's just offered as an option. My ISP, Sky, wanted me to install McAfee as part of my broadband package. I told them I'd use my own, and the tech said "I don't blame you."

04-29-2008, 02:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
zineeditor Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 50 OS: WindowsXP	Internet Service Offers Security Service I Don't Want I have Windows XP and use Norton Anti-Virus and SpySweeper software. I'm also about to add Ad-Aware. My concern is that I'm considering changing my Internet service to Cox Internet. I understand that they offer McAfee with their service. I thought I would decline from using the software but I came across info on the net that states that Cox makes their Internet subscribers remove their own software and use theirs. Well, I don't care for that idea at all. Anyone know about their policies? (I could check with Cox but I find that too many big companies are so anxious to sign up new subscribers that I'm not sure the representative would be on the level with me.)

04-29-2008, 11:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
Cellus Moderator Networking Team Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 2,388 OS: Windows XP Pro SP2 My System	Re: Internet Service Offers Security Service I Don't Want There shouldn't be any need to have "special software" installed to run standard high-speed internet. I highly recommend you contact them and ask them straight out. If they do not level with you with a simple Yes or No, ask to speak to their supervisor. No really. If they for some reason say one thing and it ends up being another, you can always file a complaint, which can and will be supported by your recorded conversation (phoning technical support for major ISPs commonly state "your conversation may be monitored for quality assurance purposes", which can and is used in supporting complaints). Personally if I had a choice between Norton and McAfee, I'd choose Norton any day. __________________ TSF Networking Team HijackThis 5 Step Process Donate!

04-30-2008, 07:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 27,300 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Internet Service Offers Security Service I Don't Want If I had my choice between Norton and McAfee, I wouldn't choose either of them. I'd far rather have something like ESET NOD32 than either of those bloated pigs! __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

05-02-2008, 01:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
zineeditor Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 50 OS: WindowsXP	Re: Internet Service Offers Security Service I Don't Want I asked someone today at Cox and he told me I could most certainly use my own software. I will see how that turns out when the tech shows up. If he tells me I have to use theirs I will be running him out the door!! THANKS for your help.

05-02-2008, 09:38 AM	#5 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 7,845 OS: XP/UBUNTU My System	Re: Internet Service Offers Security Service I Don't Want Your ISP can't make you install any security software you don't want, it's just offered as an option. My ISP, Sky, wanted me to install McAfee as part of my broadband package. I told them I'd use my own, and the tech said "I don't blame you." __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here