Is It Spyware?

How do you know whether the free software you?ve seen is spyware?

Generally, if it?s free, you need to check. Even if it isn?t spyware, it might be adware, which can be as bad – unwanted advertising, pop-ups, security holes.

Fortunately, it?s possible to find out in advance, in most cases, by asking a few questions first:

• Is it included in lists of known spyware/adware? (You can check this one by searching for it by name at SpywareGuide.com.)
• Does it mention that it?s advertising-supported in the small print? (Yes, you have to read the legalese.)
• Does it ring alarm bells when you scan it before installation with spybot or ad-aware?

Obviously, if the answer to any of these is yes, then stay away! Here are a few other tips that will help keep your machine malware-free:

• Only download software written by companies you trust.
• Only download software from trusted sites – it?s always best to download from the people who wrote the software.
• Scan all downloads with virus and spyware software.
• Never install pirate software – it?s often infested with viruses, spyware and other nasties – and your anti-malware program may not catch every one.

Staying malware-free is an art, not a science. Hopefully you?ll develop a knack for it. Until then, if it?s free, ask why.

Under no circumstances would we recommend you install any of the following software:

• Kazaa
• Realplayer media player
• MyWebSearch Toolbar
• Comet Cursor
• Cool Web Search
• Internet Optimizer
• 180 Solutions
• HuntBar / WinTools
•  Grokster
•  Weatherbug
• Download Accelerator Plus
•  FlashGet
• GoZilla
• NetAnts
• Any ?Gator? or ?GAIN? products

If you have any suggestions for us to add to this far-from-exhaustive list, please let us know.

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