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Customer Service > Technical Support & Subscriptions

Technical Support & Subscriptions

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What is the difference between an upgrade and a subscription renewal?

An Upgrade is the purchase of a new version of a Symantec product to replace your older version. When you purchase an upgrade, you purchase a full version of the product. To purchase an upgrade please visit www.symantecstore.com and click on "Upgrade" in the left frame.

  • If the product uses subscriptions, then the purchase includes a new subscription. Typical Symantec products that use subscriptions include Norton AntiVirus, Norton Internet Security, Norton Personal Firewall, and Norton SystemWorks.
  • New versions may include new features and compatibility with newly released operating systems or operating system updates (service packs).

A Subscription Renewal is a service that you purchase to continue to receive virus definition files and/or content filter lists that the service provides. When you renew your subscription, you buy the service that provides the virus definition files and/or content filter lists for 12 months. For help with subscription issues please see the Subscription Troubleshooter.

  • Subscriptions do not add new features to your Symantec product, and do not make that product compatible with new versions of the Windows operating system.When you purchase a subscription, you are not purchasing a new version of the product.
  • Subscriptions are used to keep your product aware of new security threats such as new viruses or new Web sites that you might want to block from your computer.

Still need help? Contact Symantec Store Customer Service