Avoid Unsolicited Links
If something doesn’t seem right, trust your gutit’s probably not right.
Running an antivirus program and keeping it updated is important if you’re downloading software.
In other words,someone has already done the hard work for youand figured out which programs are best.
Gerd Altmann / Pixabay
Use that free knowledge and avoid being the guinea pig yourself.
We sometimes find ourselves trying to pick the least-worst place to link you to from 10 bad options.
This is especially the case withfreewaresoftware.
Some software makers intentionally confuse visitors with this trick on their download pages.
Of course, the downloadprocessis free!
It’s unethical and a rampant problem among lower-quality software programs.
Not all software download pages have download buttons, eithermany are just links.
The biggest tip we have here is to choose theCustom Installationmethod if you’re given the option.
One way to avoid all of these installation-based problems is to chooseportablesoftware instead ofinstallablesoftware, when available.
Many software makers create versions of their programs that run without needing to be installed at all.
By then, it might be too late.
Verify the Downloaded File’s Integrity
Some websites provide something called achecksum valuewith their downloads.
It’ll look like a long string of letters and numbers.
SeeHow to Verify File Integrity in Windows With FCIVfor more information.
Which Download Sites Are Best?
If you’re downloading mobile apps, use your unit’s official app store.
