Tech: Trial Pay - free? software

Subject: Tech: Trial Pay - free? software
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 12:43 PM

I was just looking to download the most up-to date version of Zone Alarm (free) firewall.
At the downloads page, I was presented with an option which claims that you can get the full featured version (normally pricey) for free by using something called Trial Pay.
To lift what it says :-
Do you know you can get a copy of fully licensed ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite for free? Through our new partnership with TrialPay, you can try or buy products you already need from hundreds of name brand retailers and THEY will pay for your software.

What I want to know is ...
Where's the catch?

Has anyone come across the deal?
Is it worth signing up for (they want your e-mail address) am I going to get "Targeted Offers"?.
Do you REALLY get something worth having for FREE?
IS there a catch?
Do you end up committed to paying out for something else to qualify for what you get?
Is it just a strings free way for them to advertise other stuff which you have no obligation to buy?


Just wondering!
If it is worth going for I see no point to any of us missing out on a better deal than the free option, but I don't want to be caught in something I can't afford.

Quack!
Geoff the Duck.

Subject: RE: Tech: Trial Pay - free? software
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 01:46 PM

One Random Forum indicates that at least one person found an "option" that worked(?). Comments suggest that you can choose any of several "options," most of which would amount to joining a "buyers' club" that could be expensive, and/or may require a long-term commitment to "participate" in something.

This poster claims that if you choose the "ebay offer" all that's required is that you prove that you registered with ebay and submitted a bid (and you don't have to win the bid).

Question: Will you later have to pay an annual "renewal fee" for keeping the version you get current? With just a firewall, perhaps not; but then ...

Someone posted a question about it at Yahoo, implying that "Getright, WinZip and Zone Alarm" all make the same offer; and got the following "result" -

This question has been deleted #49
Sorry, we had to remove that question.

The question had no answer and expired
The question violated community guidelines

There's very little about this via Google, with searches I tried.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Trial Pay - free? software
From: Jim Lad
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 01:56 PM

Geoff: I honed in on this "products you already need".
If you don't already have what you need, there are plenty of freebies out there. "AVG" & "Avast" come to mind but there are more.
What I gleaned from your caption above, looked more like an invitation to invade the space of anyone who comes into contact with you.
Not by you, of course but by the marketers.
I'd suggest that if you really need their product then the most reasonable thing would be for you to buy it.
I do find it ironic that the company which is selling "Firewall Protection" shows a fairly keen interest in finding ways to invade your neighbours, with your help.

Subject: RE: Tech: Trial Pay - free? software
From: Jim Lad
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 02:03 PM

What I'm trying to say, Geoff is ... Are you willing send this crew to everyone in your address book so that you can get a good deal?
Sounds like your neighbours need the protection more than you do.

Subject: RE: Tech: Trial Pay - free? software
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 02:50 PM

I already use the FREE version of Zone Alarm and find it makes the right noises when possible intrusions are attempted,but am just about to do some major restoration of an old backup of my computer. I want to update my protections (antivirus antispyware and the like). Rather than messing about, I decided to just install the newest versions rather than major updates to earlier versions of the same programmes.

As a Yorkshireman, I am automatically wary of somebody offering anything for free and would ALWAYS look in the mouth of a gift horse. I do not trust such offers without evidence that I will not somehow lose out. That is why I am asking if any Mudcatters already have that evidence - in favour or against.

In theory Zone Labs ought to be one of the Good Guys, but they are also trying to sell the higher specification of their software. I am never sure when to stop trusting the money makers.

I have no intention of compromising my bank balance (which is pretty mythical) or my privicy (which is dubious) or that of any acquaintance       (which in these days of cyberspace could be mainly imaginary}.

I repeat my first question - has anyone done (or know somebody who has done) any of the deals and if so, was there a catch?

Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: Tech: Trial Pay - free? software
From: Jim Lad
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 03:17 PM

I just pointed out the catch, Geoff. Nothing against you.
Just keep me off your address book though.