Can Freeware have Spyware?
Posted by Susan Reynolds on June 23rd, 2009
A lot of people like downloading freeware as against purchasing the paid software. A freeware can be understood as software that is free of cost and can be downloaded from internet. Every freeware is meant to provide some sort of functionality to the end user. It is also not difficult to install this software. It comes with an easy to understand read me file and very user friendly installation wizard.
There is another side to the story as well. If you are not careful about the authenticity and credibility of the freeware, it could download Spyware with it. There is nothing worse to having a Spyware on your computer. A Spyware can leak all your important information to the web. It is therefore recommended that you take good amount of care before downloading and installing any available freeware. Below are listed some of the very good tips to stay away from this dangerous software.
If the freeware manufacturing company is reputed and reliable, you could safely download it. You must therefore do a serious research about the company. Check out the previous track record and market image of the company. A good company with good market image is certain to develop reliable and authentic freeware.
You must do a rigorous research on the freeware product that you look to download. Many people must have shared their experiences on forums, blogs and other communities, about this freeware. This information would give you a lot of idea about the credibility and performance of the freeware. You must collect a lot of information and not get carried away by just one positive review. Only once you are satisfied with the review should you download it.
Visiting reputed website that offers software download is another good idea. Check to see if the website has listed the freeware you are interested in. A good and reputed website would not list a freeware that is malicious. If you manage to find the freeware on one or more such websites, you get a green signal. However, if you do not find it anywhere, the freeware could be suspicious and you may need to survey more.
Another important thing to do is to read the terms and conditions page very carefully. This page can give you a fair idea about the manufacturer and its credibility. Although one can not take these pages for granted, they can still give you a reasonable idea about the company.
Before you have finally decided to download the freeware, you must ensure that your computer has an anti Spyware installed into it. An anti Spyware can protect your computer just in case you happen to invite a Spyware to your PC. An older version of Spyware would not be able to identify a new Spyware. You must therefore keep your anti Spyware up to date.
On the whole, there is no harm installing a freeware if you can be careful doing it. Be smart enough to download only authentic freeware and you will always be on the safer side.
