6 Quick Tips to Safely Download Programs from the Internet
Downloading programs from the internet is certainly the easiest and quickest way to get the applications you want on your computer. While convenient, it’s fraught with risk and it should be done with an abundance of caution.
With that ominous warning, here are some information and tips on how to more safely navigate the installation process.
There are a ton of good programs out there to install on your computer that are free, work very well and are virus and malware free.
There are even more that are scams and outright virus that disguise themselves as seemingly helpful programs.
There are also very good programs out there that monetize their product by including add-ons that are not so good.
Below are some good practices to avoid potential issues.
1.) Do not install a program unless you have a personal recommendation from a trusted source, or check with someone that deals with IT support. I am happy to answer any questions if you run into something you are unsure of.
2.) If a program wants you to download a an optimizer, turbo download, or any sort of additional program to allow you to download a program, they are adding junk to your computer that can slow it down and worse.
3.) You will have to accept the license on any software you download. Once you have accepted this license, you may be prompted to accept other offers. We have been conditioned to think we must accept anything in order to use a program. Carefully read what they are asking you to accept before proceeding. Clicking decline when they are asking to add a third party software will not stop the install of the desired software.
4.) Always have your virus scanning software up to date. Anything that is a potential virus should be caught and keep you from a great deal of time, expense and frustration.
5.) 99% of the time, toolbars for search, coupons and just about anything else are thinly disguised malware whose real objective is to reroute your internet traffic through them in order to receive pay per click revenue. You have a search bar in your browser that will accomplish the same tasks with out slowing down your system.
6.) A lot of times you will have options to add a program icon to your quick launch, desktop. The program will work fine if you only choose to install the start menu icon.
In short, be vigilant when installing anything on your computer. While anti virus and backups can fix most anything, it will not return your lost time or productivity.
Feel free to ask questions or comment in the comment section below. Thanks for visiting.
Bud Faulder
Services Consultant
Pro.Fastteks.com
919.455.1042
gfaulder@melanarinc.com
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