Use Caution if Freeware Seems Too Good To Be Free

Free software is great. But consumers should be smart about using it and take precautions.
* Protect yourself: Don't download software from Web sites you don't know. Protect your computer with up-to-date virus and spyware programs. If you're in doubt about a particular product, research it and see what others have to say.

Visit blogs or chatrooms for people who use the same product.

* Watch out at work: Some free programs, such as those offered by Google, require users to store files created in these programs on the company's Web site. This can be a good thing because storing files anywhere other than your own hard drive acts as a great backup .

But Boston software engineer Nat Budin, 25, cautions that you should be careful about what you store on someone else's server , particularly if the material involves proprietary information.

* Watch that URL: If you're in doubt about whether a Web site is legitimate, train your eye to immediately go to the address line in your browser.

Gary Olinger, a Denver-based computer consultant, advises that just because a Web address might have "apple" in it doesn't mean it's the official web site for Apple. So-called "spoofers" will set up sites to mimic official sites and this is one way they do it.

* Stay current: Sign up to receive regular e-mails notifying you of updates for your free software applications.

* Don't bootleg: Sharing your friend's expensive software programs is against the law and, if you're caught, won't save you any money.

* Beware of the fakes: Some free software programs are so good that sneaky people will make copies of these programs and then offer them for $29 or $49 on competing Web sites. If you think a product should be free but you land at a site that's asking you for money, do a careful search to see if this product is available somewhere else free.

Download free programs only from reputable sites. Among the best are download.com, downloadsquad.com, macupdate.com, versiontracker.com

* Don't forget free tryouts: If you think your only option is to purchase a high-priced piece of software, don't forget that most programs these days allow free tryout versions that can be downloaded and are fully functional for up to 30 days. This is great if you need to test drive a program -- or if you're on vacation with your laptop and you forgot to load a program onto it.