I would like to give our customers some simple advice on safely downloading.

1: Do you need to download. There is an ever increasing amount of software that is available that promises, speed up your computer, registry fixes, virus, adware or malware fixes, amongst others. The general feeling in the Technical Community is that these programs do not deliver what they promise, and indeed can be quite dangerous. Unless the software is downloaded from the original destination, the Original Software Developers site, eg. (these are examples of legitimate software developers) McAfee or Nortons, DO NOT DOWNLOAD!!

Although shamefull, regular practice these days is to include all kinds of harmful add ons, hijackers and even computer destroying virus's in the most sought after "free downloads".

The internet download sites are extremely competitive and need to make a living, often at the expense of the end user. When you download from a 2nd or 3rd party site there is no guarantee what else you are downloading. These sites are often paid by software developers whose sole intention is to harm your computer, adding annoying adds, virus's or who knows what will be next.

They often point to a site that offers a paid fix, this is just a way of fleecing your money, as there is no fix other than a good technician, do not be enticed.

2: If the software has a very general yet not familiar name it is most probably bogus. This is not right all the time, before you download anything "that seems amazing" do internet searches to confirm it is legitimate, or give me a call so I can confirm that it is safe, and indeed will perform some useful task.

Quite often other users will have had problems, let this serve as a strong warning!

3: Anything you can download for free that is copyrighted will cost you in the long run, whether it be the potential to hijack your machine or the infringement of copyright, the internet is always advancing, do not be one to be caught. It is not worth the risk, as the the fines are not worth the risk.