Articles
The Danger of Software Downloads (Part 1)
Windows does it. Adobe and HP Products do it. My neighbor Bob and cousin Chuck both do it. Both of my kids and ALL of their friends do it. Even my anti-virus software does it, or at least I think it's supposed to. So what could possibly be wrong with downloading software from the Internet? After all, some programs tell me that I NEED to download and install updates, and there are a ton of free programs on the net that can actually help me do my job.
The truth is that some software downloads are beneficial, and ultimately, many are unavoidable for the purpose of maintaining system functionality, security, etc. Unfortunately, some software, even the applications and updates designed to improve computing life, can actually cause problems with a system. These issues are typically related to three types of downloads: freeware (software that is legally downloaded for free use - if it's not a legal download, just don't do it); software updates (patches / fixes to software already installed on your PC); and malware (any program intended to cause problems such as viruses and spyware, usually downloaded without the user's knowledge).
FREEWARE - BUT IT'S FREE!!! HOW CAN IT BE BAD?
Ever hear the expression, "you get what you pay for"? Free software is free for a reason. Some people write software and give it away or ask for donations because they want to make the world a better place - truthfully. Some companies create freeware with limited functionality or "time-based" functionality for promotional purposes in hopes of selling the full package later. In any organization, you will likely find the use of several free applications. The problem with these programs is that they have gone through either limited compatibility testing or none at all, and because it's free, the publisher likely won't care if it "kills" your system. Since the software publisher is giving away the software, they cannot afford to spend the time and money to conduct thorough platform compatibility testing. Even with purchased software, many users who have purchased "the latest and greatest" have discovered compatibility problems that may take months to resolve until a software update is released. It is impossible to know all the possible environments that an application will be exposed to, thus it is impossible to test applications at the level the consumer would like. However with freeware, these tests are seldom done AT ALL. The best thing to do when a free application looks beneficial is to ask your IT Professional about it. Ask him/her to research and test the application prior to going into production. Find out if there is a full / retail version of the software. If running a trial version to determine if it will really meet your needs, have that software completely removed from your system at the end of the trial, whether you move on to the full version or not. The remedial work may not seem worth the trouble, and users may still not be able to avoid EVERY problem related to compatibility, but the cost of a down system should justify the added caution. Also, if for some reason you choose not to check with your IT Professional prior to installing a free application, be sure to take good notes regarding the application, the steps you took to install it, and WHEN you install it.
The question to ask with all things IT is, will this REALLY make life easier, or just more complicated? And when in doubt, just don't bother. This is true ESPECIALLY when it comes to software. In our next issue, we'll look closer at the seemingly unavoidable pitfall of Software Updates and the different types of Malware designed to ruin your computing experience.
