A warning for those not already aware of this "feature" of Norton 360 (version 3). At the end of the subscription period all functions are disabled (no antivirus, firewall, backup, etc) except for the ability to restore from backups previously made.

This is a major departure from previous subscription arrangements from Symantec. It used to be that the subscription related solely to the ability to access updates to the virus signature database. It appears the current arrangement is to simply disable all of the protective features at the end of the subscription period. This change in policy was not at all abvious to me (although, using my magnifying glass, I now see the 6-point type on the top of the box states that I get the right to use the product for the service period for one year). I was used to letting Symantec products expire and then casually checking out the different offers (subscription renewal vs new retail box) and taking the risk that I had exposure to new viruses identified following end of subscription until I renewed or installed a fresh product.

My gripe is not so much to do with the naked greed in forcing customers to renew/replace immediately - that's a perfectly fine commercial choice (notwithstanding my pejorative characterisation). What leaves me a little fromaged-off is that these [expletive deleted] people do not make it crystal clear that the product is rendered inoperable as at the termination date.

Has this become the new standard for AV packages generally or is Symantec a <tongue-in-cheek>"market leader"</tongue-in-cheek> in this respect?

Grrrr!!

On the plus side there is free beer and pizza in my future so all is well with the world.