Free Stuff from the Internet
Frequently, you see things on the internet offering “free” stuff, such as free screensavers, free software downloads, free games, and so on. My experience as a computer repair person, has shown me that all too often, this leads to infected computers.
How can you know which is okay, and which is not?
First, you need to understand the motivation of the website offering “free stuff”. It cost them money, to offer downloads. So why do they give it away? Often, they are offering a free sample, but you have to pay after 30 days use. Frequently, they ask for your credit card up front, and then “promise” that you can cancel at any time, and if you do it in the first 30 days, they won’t charge you.
Note: In a couple a cases, when I tried to cancel, I had extreme difficulties! I've had to cancel my credit card to stop the charges, as the merchant would not stop the charges! This happened with AOL, and with a credit card "discount thing" that I unwittingly signed up for. see Top e-tailers profit from billion-dollar Web scam
In other cases, they offer "free", so they can steal your credit card info, infect you computer, steal information from your computer, etc.
Think about it! If a total stranger on a street corner in a big city, asked you for your credit card, would you willingly give it to him? On the internet, you have no idea, who you just gave you credit card!
So how do you build trust?
Trusted Sites: I have a short list of sites that I trust! JC Penney, Sears, Amazon, TigerDirect, CNET, to name a few. On my website, I am building a list of websites, that people have come to trust, and I am asking you to send me websites that you trust. These are typically encrypted, and have proper security.
Use a credit card for on-line purchases. Many of my customers do this. They can cancel at any time, if they sense abuse. They can challenge any charges. Using a debit card is risky! You do not have the insurance that credit cards provide, plus they can empty out your checking account! Try buying groceries or pay bills with a zero $$ balance, and now you have overdraft fees! Talk to your bank, and your insurance agent to determine if you have "Identity Theft" coverage for your debit card.
The most common “free stuff” that infects computers: Pornography, Free Games, Free Downloads, free music (file sharing).