So you download your free software and run the installer, and it installs the thing you were trying to get – and also some adware, some fake anti-malware and some system tools that only slow your computer down. I’ve seen about five different people in the last month who have infected their machines by trying to find free software in every case, the software was something that our regular NiNite installer would have installed for them.Īnother issue is that a lot of free software is now getting bundled with adware and other unwanted programs, even if you download it directly from the maker. Is it actually from the manufacturer of the software? For example, is your Acrobat download from or ? There’s a difference (see this article if you want more information), and you want to make sure you’re on the right site. One of the tip-offs that you may be getting tricked is the download link.
Since you’re expecting to download and run an installer, all they have to do is lie about what you’re getting. One is that malware profiteers know that people who are looking for free software can be tricked into downloading malware, so they create sites to take advantage of people who are Googling terms like “free Acrobat” (or other software names). There are a couple of problems with free software, though. And, of course, a great deal of what we do with computers relies on free software, from Adobe’s PDF reader to Java, from Microsoft Security Essentials to Firefox or Chrome. It’s nice when you identify something you need to do (convert a file type, etc.) and then find a good, free tool for doing it. Eventually, nothing’s free.”įree software is a cool thing. “Sign upon the dotted line … nothing’s free.
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