Let me explain this one briefly. If you visit any website that claims to provide you the full version of any premium app for free, there are higher chances that you are downloading an infected file. That free thing can cost you a lot later. Several sites trick users by claiming to provide a free version of a premium app. Usually, these apps are packed with viruses, malware which can cause severe damage to the computer.
So, make sure to know what you are downloading. Downloading software from online portals seems to be a straightforward process, but the chances of getting infected by a virus are high. So, make sure to double-check the site before downloading the file. Well, by the comment section, we mean app reviews or user reviews. User Reviews are always the best option to know about the file that you are about to download.
Just read out the comments, and we are pretty sure that you will get some clue. If many users are claiming that the file is legitimate, you can download it. You will also find many fake reviews and comments usually planted by the website holders, but you can quickly figure out the fake comments.
Try to get yourself a decent anti-virus program on your computer. Norton, AVG and Avast! Even if you just get the free version, it's worth having a defense against a multitude of threats. Type the name of the website on a WHOIS site and it will find you lots of details that help you decide whether you can trust your download.
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0. If you receive an E-mail from an unknown sender with a file attached, delete it immediately. That has 'virus' written all over it. Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0. Virtual Machines or sandbox programs such as Sandboxie can provide a safe way to test files. Try an add-on, such as VTzilla. It can scan files before you download them and can also scan links. Try this: Open command prompt.
The type the command: ping www. If you use Kaspersky, it is a great idea scanning the file with a virus check before running it - just to be extra sure that your computer isn't at stake! Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. If you downloaded something suspicious and ran it, download and install an appropriate program to find any threats on your computer. Avast, AVG, or Malwarebytes are good and free programs. Helpful 18 Not Helpful 9.
If you're totally worried and don't know whether you should trust the file or not, don't. There's no point downloading something if you don't trust it.
Some software that looks and is legitimate can actually be hacked. When in doubt, always scan the file for viruses! Related wikiHows How to. How to. About This Article. Tested by:. Co-authors: Updated: March 4, Categories: Internet Security. Nederlands: Weten of het veilig is om iets te downloaden. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. Is this article up to date? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.
You Might Also Like How to. Featured Articles How to. Trending Articles How to. New Pages How to. Watch Articles How to. Let me know what you think about VT Zilla. The file would have to be on your machine — i. The only way it could work perhaps is if the add on works in conjunction with some kind of online service.
Before, I would download many programs with the idea that would benefit the system, cleaning, defragmenting, etc. But after having two pc with errors and corrupted files, I have gotten to the conclusion that those are worthless to the less.
What do you think? Am I right? Leo generally dis-recommends programs designed to optimize your computer. Often, optimization software causes more harm than good. Unfortunately a recent Windows 10 update? March notified me with an error message that it was not compatible with Sandboxie and I had to uninstall it to complete the update. What if I download the file directly from my iPhone? I made the video myself, added it to drive from my iPhone, and then opened drive on my computer and tried to download it.
I am trying to send it to people but it is too big for email, text, Photo sharing, etc. Only extremely rarely do I actually download software from download sites — usually, because a program I want turns out to be no longer produced, and is therefore available nowhere else.
Comments violating those rules will be removed. Comments that don't add value will be removed, including off-topic or content-free comments, or comments that look even a little bit like spam.
All comments containing links and certain keywords will be moderated before publication. I want comments to be valuable for everyone, including those who come later and take the time to read. Search Ask Leo! Vet your visitors before inviting them in. Image: canva. Checking whether a download is safe before you download it is nearly impossible. Your best defense is your own skepticism, plus anti-malware tools to scan what you choose to download.
Related You run good security software and got infected anyway? Related Questions Can websites download things without you knowing? Can downloading a file be dangerous? What is the process of downloading? Do this Subscribe to Confident Computing! I'll see you there! Podcast audio. I'll review what those are, whether to panic, and how I'm looking forward. Keeping the Neighbors Out - A question I received reminded me of something important that everyone needs to do: secure their router.
Hopefully Sandboxie will update so you can use it again. Leave a reply: Before commenting please: Read the article. Comment on the article.
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