If i want to download something from the net i want to know what is safe to download, what will not have a virus
2006-08-09 02:16:09 · 11 answers · asked by Bijohn 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
There is no better answer than ANTIVIRUS. There are SO many dangerous files floating around on the 'NET, and they come in all different file types - EXE, JPG, MPG, DOC, XLS - there is NO WAY TO KNOW all of them!
Now here's the thing - you can SAVE (download) a file to your computer safely, THEN scan it with an antivirus. So in that respect, it's always safe to download a file, just DON'T RUN IT until you've checked it out. That means don't view a movie file, don't open a picture, don't install a game until you've checked it out.
But here's the other "rule of thumb". I personally, feel safe enough (of course there's never 100% guarantee) downloading games and stuff DIRECTLY from reputable sites like Yahoo!, Microsoft, and the like. MySpace, by the way, doesn't count. Anytime the files are provided by other "users", there is a chance for virus infection. But if you are downloading a file DIRECTLY provided by a reputable company, it can be safe to assume that it has been checked and is clean.
But it's always best to avoid playing guessing games with your $1200 - $3000 computer. You can always spend a mere $35 a year for a good antivirus subscription and be safe.
Hope that helps!
2006-08-09 02:35:07 · answer #1 · answered by TruthIsFreedom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Visit siteadviser.com and check for the site offering the software.
If it is ToolBar or Desktop utility, straight away decide NO!
Download only from Cnet.com or Tucows.com or Dowloads.com, or from a well reputed site. Making a search on these products will give you a clear idea - read the review - both User'ss and Editor's.
Find at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.aspx?displaylang=en whether it is windows recommended.
Cross check at Google using the search term SoftwareName+spyware. This will show you the list of forums and the discussions.
If you are not able to find any related articles in any third party site about the software, then hold on for few months and decide.
Even if you buy the software decide using the above tests.
Recommended software for a PC security is:
1. AVG antivirus
2. Zone Alarm Firewall
3. Ad Aware Anti Spyware
4. IE SpyAd from http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm
5. SiteAdvisor Tool
6. Good Internet Security and Privacy setup in you browser
If you use a licesed Windows XP, then you may need only item No. 1, 4, 5 and 6
2006-08-09 02:29:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
USE Avast! Antivirus, (http://www.avast.com/eng/programs.html) because it's free and it automatically scans all incoming website downloads. Also, you could manually scan separate files before running them, for viruses, by right-clicking the susceptible file, and choosing "Scan blahblah.exe"
Unfortunately, new viruses are harder for virus scanners to detect, so it's always good to be wary of downloading files from "weird" sites. I mean, it's probably okay to download a program that's well-known and reputed to be effective, but on the other hand, don't download things like free-screen savers (because you have a 97% of getting a virus or adware by running a free-screen saver utility). Generally, .exe files are the things to watch out for because that's the way most viruses get through.
Good luck and safe surfing!!!
2006-08-09 02:29:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, getting an items from a strange place is always risky.
Be weary of file paths that end in .exe, .bat, .vbs.
You can always download the file, then scan it with a virus program. Again, its all about common sense.=)
2006-08-09 02:19:25 · answer #4 · answered by Kain 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The URL (web site) must be a trusted sight, such as Microsoft, etc.
But other than knowing who you are downloading from - a company, person, or organization you feel confident enough to trust, there is no other real way of knowing for certain.
Sorry.
2006-08-09 02:20:33 · answer #5 · answered by no1home2day 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try using software like Norton Anti-Virus. It will scan any files before you download and tell you if they are safe and virus-free. Try http://www.norton.com
2006-08-09 02:21:52 · answer #6 · answered by verry_cherry_chica 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any legit program from a legit site will probably not have anything like that. You can scan the file with your virus scanner...if you don't have one, try AVG...it's free.
2006-08-09 02:20:30 · answer #7 · answered by Yoi_55 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good question and even i am waiting for better answers than
use a good antivirus and scan before downloading
2006-08-09 02:20:07 · answer #8 · answered by bobgali 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scan it with your antivirus program.
2006-08-09 02:19:56 · answer #9 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scan it. Most scanners will alert you if trouble is comming in.
2006-08-09 02:19:22 · answer #10 · answered by Puppy Zwolle 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋