Viruses
There are viruses and trojans in free software. You'll need a good antivirus programme, and you'll want to make sure it's always up to date. If you only download files from places you know and trust, you should be fine. On our site, you can get some free stuff. We try to test out everything for free first.
Security holes in the server
If you run a website, keep an eye out for any holes that could let hackers in. Someone can take over your website and use it for illegal things if it has a security hole, and guess what? You will have to deal with the consequences. Try to stay away from open source software as much as possible, especially if it hasn't been updated in a long time.
Trial subscriptions
Those are things that look like they are free but aren't. Most of the time, you have to give them your financial information to get that freebie. When you enter this kind of information, keep your eyes wide open. Every site you can trust should have a security certificate on that page. Check it to see if it's a real certificate. Don't enter your PayPal or Moneybookers information on pages that aren't www.paypal.com or www.moneybookers.com. Check out the domain, and if you find something wrong, leave and let them know.
Shipping and handling
If you have to pay for shipping and handling, it's no longer really free, is it? That doesn't mean it's not worth it... If I could get a free plasma TV, I would pay for shipping and handling. But this can also be a trick. Watch out for domains that ask for credit card information in the same way that trial subscriptions do. If something looks fishy, don't put in any financial information.
Email
Freebie directories still require you to sign up and give them your email address before you can use them. Look for the privacy policy. Some websites will sign you up for a bunch of spam newsletters, and some will even sell your email address. On the black market, a valid email address is worth anywhere from $0.05 to $5. You all know what I'm talking about: pharmacies that pop up everywhere, dating sites that send you 5–6 emails a day, etc.
In the end, you are your best defence against sickness. Just keep your eyes open and don't click on any links that pop up. Read, think, and figure out everything you can.
