Sometimes you want to try out software before you buy it, or you pick it because you don’t want to buy software, but regardless of the reason there are 3 main things to pay attention to when installing with free software.
- Download from a trustworthy site
- Scan the download with an antivirus program
- Pay attention during the installation process
Download From a Trustworthy Site
When you are looking for free software many sites show up, but how do you know you can trust them, so that you won’t catch a virus?
You have a number of options:
- CNET’s Download.com
- Filehippo.com
- Open Source programs from Sourceforge.com
- The trial version of a program you want to try out before you buy it
Note:
Filehippo also gives you the option to monitor your installed programs and then informs you when there is an updated version available.
Check The Download With An Antivirus
Now that you have downloaded the program it is a good idea to check it with your Antivirus program, even if you have downloaded it from a ‘safe’ site.
Pay Attention During The Installation Process
Just when you think you are home free, there is another point where distributors tend to sneak in extra stuff that you could very nicely without. That is during the installation process. Yes, sometimes you just don’t pay careful attention to what you have to click during installation and you only realize that you have accepted another useless toolbar, that is more of a pain to unistall than you thought. The easiest way to fix it is to just hide it.
In the example below, in addition to wanting to add a toolbar, they also want to make Ask.com your new homepage. If you do not pay close attention to this, you will be in for a big surprise the next time you boot up your computer and your carefully chosen homepage is gone.
For more tips when installing free software check out this article from Makeuseof.com.