OPEN LETTER TO MCAFEEYou have protected my computers for years and years. When you first started offering an online solution, I was convinced. I feel as though our nine-year, online partnership was beneficial. I have never had a serious problem due to malicious software. I remember coping with your problematic upgrade when Vista first arrived. Still, I'd have to say I've been very happy with your company.
Recently, you sent around a notice that credit card information would be kept and that subscriptions would be automatically renewed. This was not left as a choice for customers and I do not like keeping my credit card information on a third-party server. More importantly, I find automatic charges very annoying.
I contacted cusomter service and opted out. As you had expired card information, you would've been unable to change me anyway. Today, I received email notification that I could get a $10 reduction on your normal $39 annual fee. I last bought two or three years of protection because you offered a good value. Yet, in the message it again said that my card would be automatically charged at the end of my subscription. I have to assume it would not be eligable for any discount. As I would have had to again contact customer service to remove my account from auto-renewal, I started thinking about alternatives.
I realize you are running scared because Microsoft now offers basic virus protection for free. I can sympathize that you are worried that you will be losing an important revenue stream. I may have stayed with you had you not shown such disregard for home PC customers.
Although I had more than six weeks of protection remaining, I have just installed Microsoft Security Essentials on my home PC and my notebook. Farewell McAfee, I wish you success in your enterprise-wide security business because you will be losing most of your formally-satisfied home users, including me.