Get Norton AntiVirus 2013 3-user edition free after rebate

Arguably the only thing worse than a sick Cheapskate (which I am) is a sick PC. That's why it's important to run reliable antivirus software, as the last thing you want is an infection.

There are plenty of good free utilities that will get the job done, but to my thinking, why not get the commercial-grade stuff if you can?

For a limited time, Newegg has Norton AntiVirus 2013 3-user edition for free. That's after redeeming a $45 mail-in rebate (PDF), which comes in the form of prepaid debit card.

Also available: Norton 360 Premier 2013 3-user for $9.99 after a $55 mail-in rebate. That's arguably the better deal, as it offers a more comprehensive suite of tools, but for purposes of this post I'll focus on the freebie.

Symantec's security products are still overcoming their reputation for being slow, buggy beasts, but professional and user reviews alike indicate that Norton AntiVirus creates minimal impact on system performance.

Because it includes a three-user license, you can install it on three PCs. However, take note that Norton AntiVirus auto-renews after one year (though you can cancel that option anytime you want), so check back with me in November 2013, and we'll see about finding another deal.

As I said before, I know there are plenty of freeware tools that can keep a PC secure, but Norton AntiVirus has the advantage of being backed by live human phone support. (Most of the freebie alternatives offer online support only, if that.) Thus, I recommend this for less tech-savvy users and anyone who just wants noninvasive security without a lot of hassle.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm crawling back into bed. Unfortunately, there's no antivirus software for humans.

Bonus deal: This may be a mistake, but there's a sign-up page where you can get a free six-month subscription to ShopRunner -- the service that gives you unlimited two-day shipping and free shipping on returns at a variety of stores (including Newegg!). Ostensibly this was for folks who signed up for Cozi (one of my favorite apps/services ever), and supposedly the promotion ended in August. But the promo page is still live. For how much longer, I have no idea.

Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.

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Fix slow booting after changing drives in OS X

Select the startup disk to use in the OS X System Preferences.(Credit:Screenshot by Topher Kessler/CNET)

Resetting the PRAM to help fix slow boots may especially be needed after fixing errors found in Apple's Fusion Drive (either official or custom-configured drives).

In addition to ensuring the system has the drive set as the default boot drive, be sure to check the drive for any errors. To do so, open Disk Utility and first choose the boot drive device (listed above the boot volume name) and click the Verify Disk button in the First Aid tab. This routine will check the drive's partition table layout. Next, select the boot volume itself and rerun the same verification routine to check the drive's format structure. If either of these show any errors then click the Repair Disk button to fix them (you will have to boot to the OS X installation drive to repair the volume structure).

After checking the drive for errors, you can also use a maintenance program such as OnyX to clear boot caches and other temporary files from the system that may influence a slow startup. For a more in-depth maintenance routine to clear other potential errors that could affect how the system runs, try running a full general maintenance routine.

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