Verizon adds internet security, online file storage for Mac
updated 09:15 pm EDT, Mon September 28, 2009
Verizon internet security, online storage
Verizon has announced both a new Mac versions of its Verizon Online Backup and sharing software (VOBS) and its Verizon Internet Security Suite. With the storing and sharing app, users can back-up selected files and folders to their designated storage plan, and restore them at a later date. Users can also send or receive invitations which allow people to download or upload photos onto their storage space, for simpler sharing of music, videos, or files. The online storage plans range in size from 5GB to 250GB, with monthly fees starting at $2 and ending at $20.
The Verizon Internet Security Sweet (VISS) offers anti-virus protection, a firewall, and a content manager. The software is designed to run in the background and protect from both worms and Trojan viruses, along with other malicious programs. Users can manage outgoing traffic using the firewall, or use the content manager to set restrictions on when or how the internet can be accessed. Additional features include a pop-up blocker, privacy manager, and a PC tune-up function for either removing unnecessary files or reorganizing them on the hard drive.
Current Verizon customers can receive the internet security suit for $6 a month, with a $2-a-month discount available if users combine both VISS and VOBS. Both programs are compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 or later, and come with a free 30-day trial for new users.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2009
Again, we're treated as second-class citizens
As usual, it appears that Mac users receive less for the same cost.
The PC-compatible Internet Security Suite lists 10 features while the Mac-compatible version has 3, and we are charged the same $$$ as the PC users who actually need this.
Both Comcast and Verizon have offered a PC security suite as "free" for years and my repeated arguments with them that since we Mac folks could not use the supplied McAfee or Norton Windows software we were being charged a higher rate than PC users and should be offered a lower "no-software rate". This always got me a reply of "it's not our fault that you chose a system that can't use our free software".
I suspect a Mac-friendly legal firm could make a class-action or discrimination case out of this sort of treatment, but they certainly wouldn't get rich off of it.
At least this way I do not have to pay for "protection" I can't use, but I don't expect to see our broadband rate to drop by the $5+/month this service costs...