I’ve Got Nothing to Lose, it’s Free!

The allure of free software is very strong these days as users need to save money and require instant remedies for their computing issues. The thought process for users seems to be – if it’s free, then I have nothing to lose. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Many of the so-called ‘free’ alternatives are actually badware programs or ‘trial period’ software.

Badware is a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

Badware programs essentially install malware and are designed to corrupt and damage a computer system while simultaneously convincing the user to purchase a fix for the problems. Unfortunately, there isn’t much recourse for users who succumb to badware. Users are unaware that the software is useless and possibly infecting their own computer system by using it. Although frustrating, it is a very common occurrence and users have very little warning beforehand. The makers of such badware are able to advertise and promote their product just like any other legitimate software maker and more often than not are better at it. They tend to portray a feeling of emergency or ease of use to lure users into downloading the product. It works and their isn’t a whole lot than can be done to combat it.

Stop Nagging Me!

The ‘trial-period’ software that users evaluate is, in many cases, not as risky but can still lead to future problems or a decrease in system performance. We recommend if the software in question is limited to trial-period only, that clients do more research or contact us before committing. Most times a more suitable alternative is available that fits our clients’ needs. The real problem with trial software is just that, its a trial version, which means at the end of the trial it will stop working and inevitably nag users endlessly with popups and reminders until they ultimately purchase the software. Generally speaking, users don’t want to be nagged, they don’t want to be told what to buy or when to buy it and they definitely don’t want a software product to suddenly stop working. Trial software can be useful if you honestly just want to test before buying, just make sure you know everything that’s being installed and how to remove it afterwards.

Is it Junk or Treasure?

So how can users spot the badware and wade through the junk to find something legitimate? There are a number of things. The best thing to do is call your “Computer Specialist”, we will assume you all have one (if not contact usto ascertain the information you need). They have the knowledge you need and can quickly offer solid advice on particular products and it is the simplest approach. Another option is to ask someone you know, friend or family member. Odds are the software you’re interested in relates to an activity you would like to engage in with those people, so they may have some insight . One of the most difficult ways to determine if junk is junk is to very carefully read about what is being advertised. The word “free” itself should set off warning alarms. That doesn’t mean that free is always bad but if its free with the promise of solving a problem, then it likely has other motives. For instance, if free is the main point of attention for a product and there is a claim to somehow improve your computing or resolve system issues then you should be cautious. Whereas, if you pay for a service and are then offered something free or provided free software that is by nature providing an alternative rather than a solution then those options are likely to be valid and worth inquiring about.

Call a computer specialist for information and services.

Ask a Professional

If you need a service which resolves problems, call a professional and save yourself from potential identity theft or financial loss. Admittedly, we are a bit one-sided in that thinking but experience supports that statement. Users inevitably believe they can solve their system issues themselves by finding a ‘magic bullet’ type free solution. If that were really the case, tech professionals would be out of work and there wouldn’t be words like cyber-warfare or hacking being thrown around when sensitive bank or government data is compromised. If you dislike the idea of paying someone for something that wasn’t your fault, you’re not alone. You, as the user, have done nothing to deserve an infection or malicious scheme. However, take the time to call around and talk with professionals. Listen to what they have to say and of course check prices. If you don’t like the price, say so and maybe they can offer a discount of some sort. Either way its better than dealing with identity stealing spyware and system corrupting viruses on your own.

Conclusion

Finally, remember that just because it’s free doesn’t mean you should try it. Know what you need and do some research before sampling something. Absolutely do not download every free piece of software you run across. As an example, there are literally dozens of browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc.) available to users. Only website developers should use multiple browsers for testing purposes. The average user should not be using several browsers on a regular basis. Find one you like and stick with it. Although browsers are generally safe to install, there is absolutely no need for an average user to have 5, 6 or more browsers installed on their system. It’s unnecessary and overkill and a prime example of the ‘free bug’ hitting the end user.

Browsers are probably the most used application on any computer system regardless of operating system and hardware configuration.  They are the visual window to the web and the number one tool for interacting online.

Without drudging up the past and reliving the evolution of the browser we’re going to take a look at a more recent trend in browser development.  Speed.  Microsoft’s Internet Explorer long controlled the browser market as they were the dominant operating system.  Now users have many more choices available, in fact just listing them all would be a paragraph unto itself.  Suffice to say, browsers have become very important to users and their online experience.  Now with so many choices, some are trying to differentiate themselves as ‘the most this’ or ‘the most that’.  The conversation has shifted towards speed with Google leading the way, or are they?

Google Chrome Sets the Bar High

Google’s offering has become a beacon for competing browsers.  The Google Chrome browser has been designed to be fast in all aspects of browsing.  Google has identified the most important factor to users surfing the net.  Speed.  Users want information faster and they want online applications and in-browser games to run faster.  The demand for quick access and fast browsing has propelled Chromeas a major competitor in the browser race.

Chrome has been tested by various random speed tests and third party benchmark testing.  While some are more thorough or detailed than others, the overall results show Chrome to be a leader in browser speed.  As a result, Chrome has forced the hand of other browser developers to put more emphasis and focus towards browser speed.  Even if speed is not the most important factor for you while online, the positive effects from browser development towards faster browsing will improve your overall experience.  Browsers like Safari and Opera have already started making speed one of the most important factors in current and future development to remain competitive.

The Competition

Opera development has rolled out a pre-alpha release of their web browser which shows incredible speed increase in javascript.  If Opera is able to maintain the speed increase shown in the pre-alpha version, users could see a very impressive alternative to Google’s Chrome.  At very least Opera will be a close second in speed to Chrome unless additional enhancements to the other browsers are added , Firefox included.

As mentioned, without some more attention to speed from the Mozilla team, Firefox is likely to slip in market share as users become more informed about alternate browsers and seek faster and faster browsing experience.  That’s not to say Firefox isn’t making improvements to speed, in fact the 3.6 beta 1 shows some real progress in speed when opening multiple tabs.  Additionally, memory consumption has been a real focal point and 3.6 beta 1 shows impressive results.  While not directly speed related, memory consumption on older or slower machines is very important.  It stands to reason that browsing speed will increase as memory usage decreases.  While those improvements will benefit the user, there is still much to be done to make up ground on Chrome.

For those wondering about Internet Explorer advancements, there really isn’t much to say.  IE is slower than all the browsers mentioned in this article but at the same time Microsoft does not make robust announcements about upcoming advancements in their browser technology.  Does that mean they are not working on creating a faster browser?  No, but it does mean we likely won’t know until they release an update.  IE is still playing catchup in some areas and so we will have to wait and see if they have shifted focus to point towards speed and faster browsing.

Conclusion

Bottom line is, whether you are a fan of Google or are scared to the bone, the Chrome browser has elevated the development of browsers with regards to speed.  In the end, it doesn’t matter who wins the award for fastest browser, what does matter is that all browsers will be competing for the title.  When all browsers are pushing the limits of browser speed, we all win.  Their competitive nature will benefit all users.  We will search faster, gather information quicker and better utilize time online.

If there is one prediction to make, it’s that browsers are sure to change over the next decade and likely become a far more integral part of our current desktop experience.

While it would be nearly impossible to cover all browsers, those listed in this article are regarded as top tier in terms of popularity and so we chose to focus our efforts towards them.

Which browser do you think will excel in the area of speed?  How do you think browsers will evolve over the next decade?  Your opinions are welcome, so let us know!

Thanks to our readers and visitors for the past year.  Please let us know what you would like to see in the year to come and what topics we can further explore for you.  We’ll do our best to improve as we move forward.  From all of us at GeekITDown, Happy New Year!