Want some free antivirus software? Click here
HERE'S THE DEAL: The folks at Panda Software have long offered their antivirus and firewall software to IT professionals for free, in the hopes that someday those pros will buy the enterprise versions for their companies or at least become familiar with the Panda brand.

Last Thursday, the Panda people told me they'd extend that same offer to AnchorDesk readers. I wanted to pass that along to you as soon as I could, to give you the chance to get the software before Panda comes to its senses and rescinds the offer.

Getting the software will require a little, um, creativity on your part. But before I get to the how, let me explain the why.…

If you would like to download a free, fully functional copy of the software, which automatically updates itself daily, start by going here. http://www.w2knews.com/panda/download.cfm?ref=inn3107 There, you'll find a form that asks you to "prove" you're an IT professional.

If you aren't an IT pro and feel queasy about pretending that you are, please note that many of us have been doing this for years, faking qualification cards to get free magazine subscriptions. Also, you'll be spoofing with the permission of Panda's marketing department: The Panda execs I met with said they are perfectly OK with AnchorDesk readers spoofing their form to get the software.

I recommend unchecking the "Subscribe to W2KNews" link at the bottom. You can't uncheck a box that says Panda will be sending you promotional materials. You can, however, enter a bogus e-mail address, like reader@coursey.com if you like.


http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/stories/story/0,10738,2914249,00.html