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Get McAfee AntiVirus Plus 2014 (Win) for free

This one-year, one-user license would normally cost you $24.99.

Rick Broida Senior Editor
Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie").
Rick Broida
2 min read

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McAfee

First things first: if you were unable to take advantage of yesterday's Laplink giveaway due to heavy site traffic, the company has extended the offer through tomorrow, May 17. So you still have a chance to score PCmover Image & Drive Assistant for free.

And while we're on the subject of free software, how about a year's worth of antivirus?

For a limited time, you can get McAfee AntiVirus Plus 2014 (Win) for free when you apply coupon code 2Y3DD584AY6C4F0C at checkout. That's a full $24.99 off the current promo price.

What you're getting here is a single-PC license that's good for one year. After that, you'll have to decide whether to pay for additional years. (Hopefully by then you'll have wrangled up another freebie. They do float by on a semiregular basis, though usually as an "after rebate" offer. This one: no rebate.)

As I've noted in the past, I have mixed feelings about security software. Truth be told, I don't use any on my current

PC. Virus problems to date: zero.

On the flip side, I am constantly having to deal with relatives' malware-infested machines, so obviously good protection is essential for users who don't know how to steer clear of common threats. (No judgement here; some of that stuff is mighty sneaky.)

There are, of course, some very good free antivirus programs out there, but with McAfee you're getting one important extra: support. A freebie utility won't let you get help from a live person.

So whether you would benefit from that or you know someone who would, this is a freebie well worth considering. CNET hasn't reviewed this version, but PC Mag rated McAfee AntiVirus Plus 2014 four stars, noting that it's "practically a mini suite, with firewall, phishing protection, and a variety of bonus features."

Not bad for $0, eh?

Bonus deal: Game time! (Again? What can I say -- lots of crazy-good game deals this week.) Here's something you don't see every day: a Microsoft freebie. Through the end of May, Xbox Live Gold Subscribers can get THQ's Saints Row: The Third for free. (That link takes you to the Web listing for the game, where it still shows the regular $19.99 price. To get the freebie, head to Marketplace on your Xbox.) This top-rated action game offers "fantastic missions, outrageous weapons, and awesome vehicles."

To see even more deals, check out the CNET deals page.

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