

You can see from this whether it’s the correct download link. A preview of the link’s actual web address will show at the bottom of your browser. Hover your mouse over the download button before you click on it. Sometimes these will be from ads and may link to a different software package or even download malware. Many people just quickly scan the page and click the first download icon they see.

3. Double Check the Download Link is the One You NeedĪ lot of software hosting sites are cluttered with adverts.

Some good ones can be downloaded and used for free, while several paid products offer extra protection. If you don’t, there are lots of options available. You may already have one built into your computer, such as Windows Defender. Make sure you have a reliable scanner on your computer and that it’s switched on before the download. They’ll scan your files before installation and block any in the software download that is harmful. These are your first line of defense in case your software download turns out to be malware or is hiding a harmful computer virus. SSL/TLS encryption makes the website harder to hack and helps confirm its authentic 2. Before Downloading, Turn On your Malware and Virus Scanners If there’s a lock symbol or the address starts with HTTPS, it means the website has a certificate showing it’s secured with SSL/TLS encryption. Check the web address in the address bar of your web browser. Your software download and upgrade will only work if it’s genuine and came from a legitimate source. What to Watch Out for When Downloading Anything Online 1. Follow this guide to make sure your download goes without a hitch. Whether you’re downloading and installing free or paid software, the process follows the same basic steps. Many websites also let you download “freeware” (software that’s free) directly. Sometimes, you can download it direct from the company’s website.

Often when you buy software online, you’ll receive an email along with a download link for the program. With the massive amount of new software released all the time, many developers have switched from distributing their programs through CDs/DVDs to digital downloads.
