Software makers Symantec, McAfee settle complaints

Two of the nation's largest security software companies have agreed to clearly detail the terms of subscription renewals and pay

penalties totaling $750,000 in a settlement with New York's attorney general.

Attorney General Andrew M Cuomo had accused Symantec Corp and McAfee Inc of renewing customers' software subscriptions without their knowledge.

The California-based companies produce software to protect computers from an assortment of viruses and spyware.

Symantec said in a statement Wednesday that it has worked to improve the auto-renewal subscription process to ``make it more transparent and visible.''

McAfee spokesman Mark Cochran said that his company has been working to clarify and improve its auto-renewal subscription process. He said future enhancements will make it easier for customers to opt-out of the service.