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Thread ID: 118370 2011-06-01 11:56:00 Does Freeware Worry You? Burnzee (6950) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1206196 2011-06-01 11:56:00 Hi Guys

We all know freeware is a way of introducing viruses etc into your computer . For this reason, many of the readers of Press F1 seem a bit hesitant to install freeware . Here's how I see it:

As you may know I have a real interest in freeware . Viruses, malware etc are part of the terrority . Got my computer damn well protected, Secunia, Mircosoft Security Suite, Malwarebytes . If that lot doesn't get rid of it then I have a King Hit - Comodo Time Machine is installed which recovers my computer back to it's present form . Finally I have the restore disc for my lappy . In addition, everything is backed up automatically to external hard drive . Nothing but the system files are on the internal drive .

There are some great freeware out there and from time to time I write about them . Having said that, I never recommend any software that has viruses or malware . It's a pity these A-Holes ruin it for both freeware writers and computer users by including crapware . I refuse to let these Pricks win .

Not suggesting for a moment you should take viruses lightly but I believe it's a matter of being prepared in advance . Get good software to protect your system, Firewall, Anti-virus, Anti-Malware, Anti-Crap etc .

BURNZEE
Burnzee (6950)
1206197 2011-06-01 12:34:00 Meh, I don't care. bot (15449)
1206198 2011-06-01 12:36:00 I do a full Image before I install other things so it makes getting back easy should anything go pear shaped. Snorkbox (15764)
1206199 2011-06-01 20:39:00 I am also fully backed up an imaged. In addition I very rarely install anything I have not already seen recommended/reviewed by a member of this forum. CliveM (6007)
1206200 2011-06-01 20:51:00 I almost exclusively use freeware or similar. I only have 2 paid for pieces of software on my whole system, one is my backup software and the other is MS office which I got at student rate so a fraction of its normal price otherwise I wouldn't have it gary67 (56)
1206201 2011-06-01 21:00:00 We all know freeware is a way of introducing viruses etc into your computer .

It is?
I would have said Warez and porn .
pctek (84)
1206202 2011-06-01 21:39:00 This is where a test PC with nothing on it comes in handy :D pcuser42 (130)
1206203 2011-06-01 21:45:00 I'm less concerned about malware hiding under the freeware label than I am about bundled tracking/advertising/browser toolbar rubbish that they include in order to get a trickle of income.

Even trusted names in internet security have been guilty of including crapware with installers for their products.

I always check all the options during an install rather than just clicking Next, Next, Next, coz sometimes there's garbage that you can opt out of if you take the time to read...
Paul.Cov (425)
1206204 2011-06-01 22:10:00 This is where a test PC with nothing on it comes in handy :D

Ditto :thumbs:
Plus if there's a portable version I'll grab that instead of an installed version.
Renegade (16270)
1206205 2011-06-01 22:15:00 I can't say i've ever come across freeware with viruses/malware attached. There's plenty that install or try to install toolbars etc though.

The only piece of freeware that has annoyed me lately is Spybot v2. It was completely useless.
autechre (266)
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