My Norton antivirus update subscription is about to expire and I checked around to find the best way to continue my virus protection. I had purchased 3-packs of NAV in the past on eBay for my two computers. One thing I learned about this method is the clock starts running on your 12-month subscription when you make the first installation (of 3), so this is OK if you really have three PC's needing protection, but is not a way to install a new copy of NAV with another 12 months of updates.

I stopped by Fry's Electronics and found they had rebate offers on two Norton (Symantec) products.

* Norton Antivirus 2006 (the latest version of what I've been using)

* A bundle consisting of Norton Internet Security (includes virus protection) and Norton Ghost (automatic backup and restore of your hard disk).

The two products each had a purchase rebate and an upgrade update, so that after the rebates arrive in the mail, the product costs nothing. This was repeated on the shelf card at Fry's. The upgrade requires that you currently be using any Symantec product or a competitor's virus program.

The rebate offers don't seem to be limited to Fry's, but they do specifically exclude purchases from discount stores like Sam's Club. They also had some time limitations, but these all were still in effect when I bought mine a couple of days ago.

If you use NAV, this might be a good time to purchase new versions, even if you don't install for a few months till your current subscription expires.

I bought one of each of the above (cost approx. $90), since the sign on the shelf indicated rebates were one to a customer. I'm not sure whether this was a store limitation or a Symantec rule. From past experience, I know rebates take FOREVER to arrive, but if you can wait 4-6 months, you eventually get your money.

I've been a happy Norton Antivirus user for the past 5-6 years. I'll let you know if there are any problems with the Norton Internet Security package I installed on my desktop. It seemed to install OK, and other than complaining that I have automatic updates for Windows turned off, has not raised any alarms yet.