Why Free Software Downloads Aren't Always Safe

Who among us doesn't love free stuff? But when it comes to free software, however, you might want to watch out. A free program you download over the Internet could contain harmful code that could do all kinds of damage to your computer or mobile device. It could mess up other software, take control of your computer, or compromise your personal data and expose you to possible identity theft.

Free software -- known as "freeware" -- is growing in popularity for computers and mobile devices because it can be easily accessed over the Internet. But there is another side to getting software for free. The old saying that "you get what you pay for" may apply to freeware.

Here's what you need to know about freeware, the risks and how to keep your computer and its data secure:

Q. What is freeware?

A. To put it simply, freeware is free software that you install on your computer -- knowingly or not. For example, freeware can be a free game you install on your computer or a free program that helps you track expenses or even weight loss. Freeware can be delivered to you in a few ways, including on a CD or downloaded from a web site. And these days some freeware goes by another name: widget.

But what about security? Well, some freeware is safe and some isn't. It often depends on the source. Freeware lacks some of the standard features that we have come to expect in software -- tech support, bug fixes, downloadable patches, and virus definitions, among them. Tech-savvy users might be able to understand and weigh the risks of using freeware, but more novice users might not want to expose themselves to potential hazards to their computer, their files and their personal information.

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