The Internet is a haven of downloadable freebies, ranging from movies, videos, music and various programs. Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous, since numerous malicious software are found in it. If you're not careful, you might accidentally download a harmful program that will pose danger to your personal security and your system. Remember these downloading safety tips.
What You'll Need:
* Internet browser
* Updated downloading software
* Virus scan software
* Anti-malware/spyware program
Check The Site
The site where you get the download can indicate whether the files are safe or not. Make sure it's a reputable site, before you start downloading. Pay careful attention to the start if the address, the part after the http:// and before the .com/,edu/.org. Check the URL bar found at the top of the browser window, and see if the address shown coincides with the current page you're on. If the page matches the name, you're good to go.
Check The File
At a glance, you can determine whether the file you receive will be harmful or not. Before you click "OK" and start the downloading process, look at the file extension, the three letters that follow the program's name. The most common and dangerous ones are .scr, .vbs, .exe and .com. If you see that the file you're about to download has these extensions, better cancel the process. These might be unsafe.
Keep Your Virus Scan Program Active All The Time
This is crucial, yet a lot of people underestimate this software. Always keep it active whether or not you're planning to download. Whenever you're downloading files, either from a website or from your email, the file automatically goes through your virus scanning software first, and it determines whether the file is safe or not. If you always download files that open directly in MS Word, this is very important.
Increase Your Browser Protection
Most browsers, like Internet Explorer or Firefox, have security protection built in them, which can ideally stop numerous threats that come from file downloading. As much as possible, increase this security protection. Sometimes, there are nasty tricks and malicious software hidden in web pages that you don't immediately see. Your security programs block these, making sure you're safe to download all the time.
Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Download-Safely&id=2374057
Author: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fredrick_Canlas
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