Downloading files and programmes from the Internet can be a simple process and limited only by the speed of your connection. The problem is with the potential to have nasties e.g. viruses or malware, included along with the downloaded material. Following a few simple rules, such as in the sequence below, can reduce such risks.
Before downloading what appear to be a useful programme it is wise to look at a few reviews of the programme. You can do this by using Google (google.com) with the search word review xxx – where xxx is the name of the programme. Look for reviews other than those of the programme developer to limit bias.
When downloading a programme go to the site which is owned by the developer of the programme. Often, when the programme is downloaded from a ‘mirror’ the software has an added payload which may be a virus, advertising or malware. It is also not unknown for the ‘mirror’ to charge for the download of what is normally a freeware or open source programme.
Before downloading a programme have a good look at the file size. Large files may choke your internet connection and cause the download to abort (it’ called the rural problem!).If you know the file size you can find the download time by using this online calculator at tinyurl.com/2woya8, which I do if sending files to rural destinations.
Set a system restore point. This ensures that if anything goes wrong during, or as a result of a download, you can set your machine back to the state it was in before the download. A friendly description and explanation of the process is found at tinyurl.com/2p9unw.
To speed your download, there are a number of programmes that you can use. One that I recommend is FDM (which surprisingly means Free Download Manager!). It can be sourced at www.freedownloadmanager.org (which is the developer’s site). Just click the Download button at the head of the page.
As noted, be careful of the downloaded programme carrying features you did not expect (like viruses and other nasties). If you have an efficient and effective antivirus programme such as the free Avast at avast.com and an anti-spyware programme like the well recommended free SUPERAntispyware, they should capture such material on download. If you have an antivirus programme on your machine you should, by right clicking on the download icon, get a menu which includes your virus scanner.
When downloading don’t be tempted to click on other boxes on a page. They are generally a recipe for disaster in that often they ask you to purchase unwanted things or take you to sites that (may) make you blush!
Beware friends bearing a gift of software as it may also contain nasties. If you are going to use it, check the disc in the same manner as above and run your spyware programme over the disc. Many antivirus and anti-spyware programmes will automatically recognise and check an external disc or drive. Have a look at the help file for your programme to see what it checks.
When installing a new programme you may find that a series of boxes appear appealing to you to tick or untick them. Look at such boxes carefully as they may be requesting you to add other features that you may not need. Some of these are search toolbars, newsletters and automatic update downloads (they are useful but can be quite large).
My Xmas and New Year wish is that you be clear of the nasties I have mentioned (which you will be if you follow the rules!)..
