How to avoid getting viruses from freeware?

**robertall** · 12-07-2005, 19:29

http://freeware.pcwebtalk.com/Downlo...20freeware.htm

I am very sorry that i based it on a website this time. Can you please tell me what you think. (Do not complain that it does not work correctly in FF or NS, i recommend IE.)

Here is what the content is.

What are errors?

They are things that you have done by mistake, this includes installing software and other things. The main errors I have to say that you can make is installing bad files, deleting shared files during an uninstall, and make decisions before you think things though. I have once made this errors, and I do not want anyone to make the same mistake twice.

Introduction

It is very annoying when you get an error, and it usually happens when you least expect it, I will talk about the less serious things first, and the worst last. Some of the things here you will not consider a error, but I have added them so that you aware that they are happening.

Dealing with freeware

Freeware is encrypted freebies, and you must ask a few questions;
1. Why are they giving this away?
2. What is the purpose of the program?
3. Which site should I download it from?
4. How can figure out what and if something is unsafe?

Why are they giving this away?

Most people would say that they are kind, but some things are what they call to good to be true, and you must try and avoid these at all costs, the hardest thing is that loads of friends have it, and they say that it is great. Virus scanners are the worst of the freebies, as they only have a small percentage of what Norton antivirus software has, and it is important that you only use things that you know are going work.

What is the purpose of the program?

Avoid things that are illegal, or can get you in very serious trouble. These include P2P programs like LimeWire and torrent files, it is safe if you know what you are doing, which is not the case with many freeloaders. When you use these, do not download archives or exe files.
If you do not need the file, then I would recommend not downloading it, only use it if you really do need to use it for everyday life. Limewire is a safe program, and it is ok, but avoid Kazza or anything else.

Which site should i download it from?

Tucows Vs download.com, whichever you choose, just make sure that they have a small notice next it saying that if there is a dodgy file, you can report it, if not, then do not download the file in the first place. If you do not do this, then you cannot report the problem, and other people will get the problem as well.

How can figure out what and if something is unsafe?

Use google, and make a search for the program, and then add ?virus problems? or ?problems? to the end. This can help if it is a crappy piece of software, or it does contain a virus. Avoid forums as they are usually a very unreliable source. Also avoid *scam.com sites, as they are always biased.

Some people may have different views about this, but i have put it into words that are usually easy for people to understand, and it gives you information about the files. I personally recommend using Open source files only. Of course loads of people will disagree, and they will say that they are great. This can work for any other type of file, and even after this, you can still get a virus, this just helps with ways to aviod it happening. if you want to check for viruses i would recommend norton.

**monaghan** · 12-07-2005, 20:08

Obvious suggestion :-

Update your AV software before download and scan the file during download or before execution.

**robertall** · 12-07-2005, 20:33

I said to use norton, because it scans the most different viruses it possibally can.

**monaghan** · 12-07-2005, 21:02

The make of AV in use is not the point. You should ensure it's fully up to date which ever AV you use.

FrozenDice · 13-07-2005, 01:32

Yes yes. But if you do want to get the statisticly best AV go with F-Secure it has a rate of over 99.2% Norton was like 92 or something.

12-07-2005, 19:29	#1 (permalink)
robertall Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: post is there >> Posts: 1,586 iTrader: 0 / 0%	How to avoid getting viruses from freeware? http://freeware.pcwebtalk.com/Downlo...20freeware.htm I am very sorry that i based it on a website this time. Can you please tell me what you think. (Do not complain that it does not work correctly in FF or NS, i recommend IE.) Here is what the content is. What are errors? They are things that you have done by mistake, this includes installing software and other things. The main errors I have to say that you can make is installing bad files, deleting shared files during an uninstall, and make decisions before you think things though. I have once made this errors, and I do not want anyone to make the same mistake twice. Introduction It is very annoying when you get an error, and it usually happens when you least expect it, I will talk about the less serious things first, and the worst last. Some of the things here you will not consider a error, but I have added them so that you aware that they are happening. Dealing with freeware Freeware is encrypted freebies, and you must ask a few questions; 1. Why are they giving this away? 2. What is the purpose of the program? 3. Which site should I download it from? 4. How can figure out what and if something is unsafe? Why are they giving this away? Most people would say that they are kind, but some things are what they call to good to be true, and you must try and avoid these at all costs, the hardest thing is that loads of friends have it, and they say that it is great. Virus scanners are the worst of the freebies, as they only have a small percentage of what Norton antivirus software has, and it is important that you only use things that you know are going work. What is the purpose of the program? Avoid things that are illegal, or can get you in very serious trouble. These include P2P programs like LimeWire and torrent files, it is safe if you know what you are doing, which is not the case with many freeloaders. When you use these, do not download archives or exe files. If you do not need the file, then I would recommend not downloading it, only use it if you really do need to use it for everyday life. Limewire is a safe program, and it is ok, but avoid Kazza or anything else. Which site should i download it from? Tucows Vs download.com, whichever you choose, just make sure that they have a small notice next it saying that if there is a dodgy file, you can report it, if not, then do not download the file in the first place. If you do not do this, then you cannot report the problem, and other people will get the problem as well. How can figure out what and if something is unsafe? Use google, and make a search for the program, and then add ?virus problems? or ?problems? to the end. This can help if it is a crappy piece of software, or it does contain a virus. Avoid forums as they are usually a very unreliable source. Also avoid scam.com sites, as they are always biased. Some people may have different views about this, but i have put it into words that are usually easy for people to understand, and it gives you information about the files. I personally recommend using Open source files only. Of course loads of people will disagree, and they will say that they are great. This can work for any other type of file, and even after this, you can still get a virus, this just helps with ways to aviod it happening. if you want to check for viruses i would recommend norton. __________________ Free .org domain - Click for details!* Do not pm asking for things. My inbox is full. Add me to MSN!

12-07-2005, 20:08	#2 (permalink)
monaghan Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Herts, UK Posts: 1,030 iTrader: 1 / 100%	Obvious suggestion :- Update your AV software before download and scan the file during download or before execution. __________________ Alex Monaghan - Monaghan Consultants Ltd Web hosting, ADSL, IT & Database consultancy Custom Web hosting on UK or USA servers using Linux (cPanel) or Windows (DotNetPanel) Mobile Phone Ringtones, Logos, Java Games & more

12-07-2005, 20:33	#3 (permalink)
robertall Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: post is there >> Posts: 1,586 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I said to use norton, because it scans the most different viruses it possibally can. __________________ Free .org domain - Click for details! Do not pm asking for things. My inbox is full. Add me to MSN!

12-07-2005, 21:02	#4 (permalink)
monaghan Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Herts, UK Posts: 1,030 iTrader: 1 / 100%	The make of AV in use is not the point. You should ensure it's fully up to date which ever AV you use. __________________ Alex Monaghan - Monaghan Consultants Ltd Web hosting, ADSL, IT & Database consultancy Custom Web hosting on UK or USA servers using Linux (cPanel) or Windows (DotNetPanel) Mobile Phone Ringtones, Logos, Java Games & more

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13-07-2005, 01:32	#5 (permalink)
FrozenDice Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 389 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Yes yes. But if you do want to get the statisticly best AV go with F-Secure it has a rate of over 99.2% Norton was like 92 or something.