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Re: What's your modus operandi?
de bIGGy 05/22/2006 06:22
* Susan Bugher:
> Software is a "black box" - a door that's waiting to be opened. What's
> the best way to find out what's behind the door? (Is it a lady or a tiger?)
>
> What's your modus operandi before downloading/ installing a program?
> What checks do you make? What order do you make them in? IMO (YMMV) the
> first order of business is to find out about the author. If they are
> well known and trusted little additional checking is needed. . .
>
> I think this subject might make a nice web page - a guide for newbies to
> the wonderful world of Freeware - perhaps organized somewhat along these
> lines:
>
> 1. investigating the author
> a)
> b)
> c)
> 2. investigating the program
> a)
> b)
> c)
I usually check the program and it's authour out on the slelect few
download sites that I trust, NoNags, SnapFiles, PricelesswareHome, and
John Hood's Best of Freeware. I may also investigate a freeware program
that has gotten a very good review in PC Utilities Magazine or PC World
Magazine.
The posting of adware, spyware, and other malware in this group (some,
but not all, of it by Tramp) has meant that I won't uncatagorically
trust the opinions offered in this group. If I find something
interesting posted here I will check it out on one of the above web sites.
> 3. protecting your existing computer set-up
> a)
> b)
> c)
I don't expect others to protect my computer from viruses and malware,
so I run my own virus and anti-spyware scans prior to installation. I
would also recommend that those using Windows ME or XP create a restore
point with System Restore prior to installation. It is also a good idea
to use a tool like Total Uninstall to monitor the installation.
> 4. recovering from disaster
> a)
> b)
> c)
Disaster recovery shouldn't be necessary if you followed the above. If
it does become necessary then you will have the options of doing an
uninstall with Total Uninstall or rolling back your OS.
>
> ISTM a guide should hi-lite the most importants steps and of course the
> simpler the procedures are the more likely people are to actually
> implement them.
The above isn't perfect, but it should at least reduce the number of
problems some people have with freeware.
>
> Please climb on your soapboxes and offer your words of wisdom. Tidbits
> of advice or essays on the whole process. . .
>
> TIA :)
>
> Susan
--
Computers make it easier to do a lot of things, but most of the things
they make it easier to do don't need to be done.
Andy Rooney