Tips For Downloading Freebies - When "Free" Isn't Really Free.

As this blog attempts to find and collate all the free software, applications and web services in the Web, it is worth reminding that caution should be always be taken when downloading any freeware from the Web. Some so-called "free stuff" isn't really free but comes with trojans, spyware and viruses coming along for the ride into your PC.

While every effort have been made to ensure that the freeware mentioned in this blog are spyware & viruses free, including testing on my PC before endorsing the product, it is highly recommended that like-minded "freebies" follow these guidelines when downloading free stuff :

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU DOWNLOAD.
Carry out a search for the product and vendor to determine it's popularity before you download or install a free application. Pay close attention to users reviews of the product. If there are hardly any mention other than at the publisher's own site, the program might not be widely used and that should be a major consideration. If the site makes you uncomfortable, skip the download if you think it's questionable.

Alias - Complete 1st Season

2. GET AN OPINION ABOUT THE PRODUCT.
Consult editorial or user ratings at reputable sites like PcWorld.com and look at the number of downloads to determine whether the product has negative reports and it's popularity with users. There is no necessity to take risks as there are plenty of alternatives.

3. LOOK OUT FOR TELL-TALE SIGNS IN GENERICALLY NAMED SITES OR PRODUCTS.
Scammers frequently choose product names or domains that look and sound similar to those of reputable applications and sites to confuse downloaders. Make sure you are getting the product you want and most importantly, downloading it at reputable sites like PcWorld.com or SourceForge.net.

4. CONSIDER THE RETURNS VERSUS REGISTRATION.
Registering is sometimes required for a piece of freeware but consider carefully the returns for the freebie versus registration. You could get spammed and tele-marketed to death in return for a lousy piece of software. Always read the small print in the "Terms & Conditions" to ascertain your obligations before you download.

5. REPUTABLE SITES FOR FREEWARE.
The following are some of the reputable and safe sites for freeware:

*PcWorld.com
*SouceForge.net
*MajorGeeks.com
*NoNags.com
*Download.com
*Freebyte.com

*Related Posts :
- The Top 10 Freebies Posts for 2007.
-Great articles about freebies in the Web.

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