computer security
2006-06-17 19:00:22 · 15 answers · asked by AKKOO 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
There is a risk involved, but the level of risk depends upon WHERE you are downloading them from. If you are downloading programs through reputable websites such as PCWorld.com or CNET.com, the chances are very slim. If you are using a peer to peer file sharing program, the risk gets much greater. It behooves you to ALWAYS run a virus scan on any file that you introduce to your computer prior to running it.
2006-06-17 19:05:04 · answer #1 · answered by Garth 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Relatively small chance. If you see that the site you're downloading from has a lot of advertisings and popups, it's probably ridden with viruses. It would be useful to have an antivirus program. McAfee is free (i think), and you can download it off http://www.download.com. Remember, when you're on a suspicious website, set your Internet Cookie Protection to "High." If you're using Internet Explorer, go to the top left hand corner, click on Tools, then on Internet Options, go to the tab Privacy, and move the slider almost to the top.
2006-06-17 19:06:52 · answer #2 · answered by demon_card99 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
VERY HIGH
Depending on the site you download from.
Virus protection does not have to cost a fortune and is an excellent precaution:
Take a look at this from a known and trusted site:
http://www.download.com/sort/3120-20_4-0-1-6.html?qt=virus&ca=20
2006-06-17 19:03:30 · answer #3 · answered by blewz4u 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say an 80% chance. If you're not getting a virus, you're probably at least getting spyware/adware. It's always best to save the file you're downloading to your desktop, then scan it with your anti-virus.
2006-06-17 19:44:20 · answer #4 · answered by spookykid313 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The chances are very great. Get a good virus security from those who offer internet. So good, so far.
2006-06-17 19:15:47 · answer #5 · answered by joeslam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very high, free things, high chance, ****, very high. Think about it. Only download from trusted sites like yahoo and msn, not google. Google is a cache of metatags, I can create a metatag that grabs the top line on google and when you click it, I give you a present, a virus. It's that easy.
2006-06-17 19:23:21 · answer #6 · answered by zipperz41 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Until you are downloading from registered sites like download.com, softpedia.com, etc. the chances are very few. But when start downloading from unregistered unrecoganized sites the chances go very high.
Also always scan the file with an anti-virus if you have downloaded it from an unregistered site.
2006-06-17 19:17:52 · answer #7 · answered by Amandeep 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what you are downloading, and from where. To be safe, be sure you have a virus scan program like McAfee or Norton and make sure it has its preferences set to check downloads.
2006-06-17 19:03:08 · answer #8 · answered by dreamcatweaver 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great chances of the virus attacking your computer
2006-06-17 19:04:49 · answer #9 · answered by NchantingPrincess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the website you are downloading from. If it is a large website with many corperate sponsors (such as Cnet, FileFront, IGN), the downloads are always checked and clean. If it is a website from God knows where (aka "warez", ****, unknown email adresses), then well you are flipping a coin.
2006-06-17 19:04:26 · answer #10 · answered by egg0rz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋