Why Freeware Isn’t Free
Many consumers are tempted to download software that is offered free of charge, under the assumption that it is a risk-free proposition. It’s also common for PC users to download a similar product, adware, which requires them to view ads while they’re using the software, explained Wise Geek. Shareware is also modeled on a similar idea but requires users to pay fees after they’ve used the software for a certain period of time.
In particular, freeware presents numerous dangers to PC users:
- No technical support: If a user encounters a confusing question or threat, there is very rarely any kind of technical support available. This means that a user could waste hours trying to begin or resume productive operation. Installing the software could also trigger parallel PC performance issues that users would have difficulty identifying or solving.
- Performance issues: For users that download freeware and use it for their personal or business data, there is no guarantee that the software will continue to perform consistently. Over time, if problems occur, a user could lose any information stored or developed using the software.
- Unintended downloads: A common technique employed by freeware is that when a user downloads the software and accepts the licensing agreement, they fail to read the fine print that explains what additional components may be downloaded along with the program. A fake toolbar or pop-up ads are often an unintended side effect of a download and can slow down computers and compromise PC performance.
- Malware and spyware: Because anyone can post freeware, it is possible that the software contains a virus or malicious program that, once installed, could steal your information, infect your computer and even allow a hacker to take over your system. This could result in a user’s identity being stolen, their data being destroyed or compromised or even financial data being used to steal money. In addition, viruses can cause slow computers and prevent applications from working properly.
“These subversive installations are often difficult to get rid of,” explained Yahoo contributor David Reinstein about a bad freeware experience he had. “Windows uninstall often does not work correctly or completely for them. You often need to manually enter the registry (via ‘regedit’) to delete all remnants of these programs before they completely go away.”
While freeware presents many risks, consumers continue to be tempted by its low price of zero dollars and zero cents. While smart downloading practices, like accessing freeware on reliable sites, is critical, computer users can also protect and declutter their PCs using a PC optimization suite that fights Windows problems that can accumulate over time. A security solution that uses both signature-based reactive and behavior-based proactive detection strategies will work best to protect your computer. System Mechanic Pro offers a security solution that combines both strategies to build two lines of defense to stop known threats and build a general sense of whether a given file intends to harm your computer. The software also contains all the tools in System Mechanic that fight Windows slowdown by repairing, cleaning and stabilizing your PC with a series of automated actions no other utility performs.
