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How to Download Software (Safely)

I've downloaded and installed scores of shareware and freeware programs. I consider some of these programs essential -- TrueCrypt and FlashGet, are two examples. Some just make it easier and more fun to use my computer. I've described a few others on my favorite software page.

There are some handy online scanning services and a online tutorial that will enhance the safety of your download adventures.

First things first: software categories

Commercial: Mainstream software offered for download by big companies. Some is even free or free for home use. Most of it is priced in the "boxed software" range. The same software is usually available in stores as well as online.

Freeware: Some freeware rivals the capability of commercial software, but usually it's smaller programs developed by individuals or shareware developers. Warning: freeware can be addictive -- it's free -- easy to download -- often excellent -- and there are thousands of programs to try. :-)

Many freeware programs are superb, but a few are written poorly. Freeware can also conceal "spyware", viruses or Trojans and other parasites. Avoid problems by using your common sense and by following the rules for safe downloading listed below.

Shareware: Usually modestly priced, intermediate in size and closer to commercial software in features. Some shareware is the best software written. The usual price range is $10 to $30. Often there's both a freeware and shareware version of the same software. The freeware version may run ads and/or limit functions. Shareware can often be used for 30 days or so on a free trial basis. After that time it will shut down unless you buy a registration code to keep it working.

Updates & Extensions: "Filters", "codecs", "modules", updates, etc., that augment or revise the capabilities of Windows and other programs, mostly browsers. They're usually free, and they are often offered when you click a link that won't work without the new software. They're often needed by Multimedia programs like Windows Media Player and RealPlayer. Be very sure the site is trustworthy before you proceed though.

Basic rules to download by

  1. Use your common sense: Be very, very suspicious of any unsolicited invitation to download something wonderful. These offers often appear as a flashy ad or popup window. The may come as email, often with an attachment -- usually you'll recognize it as spam.
  2. Never download a file -- including pictures and music -- unless you know the source is trustworthy. Download software only from well-known companies (Microsoft, Symantec, Intuit, etc.) or from other trustworthy sources, such as those listed in the section below.
  3. "Google" it: Let's say the program is called Spyban. Go to Google and enter "Spyban spyware" (without the quotes) and see what you get.
  4. Read the description and recommendations at the download site, or at the program's website. You don't want to install something that won't be compatible with your needs or your computer.
  5. Before you install any software you download, make sure that you have a current backup of your documents and system.
  6. Take precautions against viruses, Trojans, adware and the like. It's no longer a sure thing, but it's still good practice to scan files for viruses, worms and other malware before you open them -- no matter what the source. [see handling files safely]

Safe places to download software from

SiteAdvisor is a new service that checks websites for suspicious activity. SiteAdvisor helps protect you from all kinds of Web-based security threats -- spyware, adware, spam, viruses, browser-based attacks, phishing, online fraud and identity theft. Note: SiteAdvisor does not protect against Phishing, as that is a different kind of attack.

List of some major "trusted downloaded sources" They usually have ratings of the software (often written by the supplier however). Check a couple to compare notes.

Tucows :: MajorGeeks.com :: WebAttack :: NoNags :: Jumbo! :: Pricelessware :: WinPlanet :: ZDNet Downloads :: CNET

Gizmo's Top Picks maintains "Best Windows Freeware/Shareware Sites", which is a very comprehensive guide to downloading software.

"The Best-ever Freeware Utilities": This community-based site features picks of the "best of the best."

You'll find over 5000 programs at Microsoft's Free Downloads Center. Lots of games, but many other programs as well. The Ultimate List of Windows Software from Microsoft may make it easief to find what you want.

Download managers

Download managers, Zip programs, and of all things, anti-spyware programs are often used as bait for adware and spyware. Don't forget the "rules to download by" when you're considering one of them.

If you do much downloading, especially on dial-up, you'll appreciate a download manager. Download manager let you pause downloads, or resume interrupted ones without losing the part you've already downloaded. They'll also help you keep track of the files you download.

PestPatrol has an extensive list of download programs that they've reviewed. My download manager is FlashGet, used in conjunction with the "FlashGot" extension for Firefox. The two integrate seamlessly. FlashGot is very "intelligent" in finding it's way through the typical download link maze, and finding the actual download link.

LeechGet looks like a good alternative. Both are free for personal use. FlashGet no longer installs an adware module. The version of FlashGet is the same as the registered version now. I did eventually register FlashGet because it's such an excellent program.

Ed Bott suggests a simple but effective way to keep track of not only downloads, but the essential information that goes with them.
http://www.edbott.com/weblog/?p=693 -- getting them organized
http://www.edbott.com/weblog/?p=1254 -- keeping them organized

Zip/UnZip

Windows XP handles Zip files as "compressed" or "zipped" folders. You can view the contents just like a regular folder. You can make compressed folders work almost as well as a Zip program. [Click Start > Help and Support > enter "zip", "zipped" or "compressed" (without quotes) > click the green arrow.]

If you run Windows 98, or just don't like the way XP does things, you need a Zip program. I recommend UltimateZip [no longer freeware] or WinZip. Don't just pick any old unzip program -- many of them harbor spyware. There are some good free ones out there though.

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