Q&A for How to Know when It Is Safe to Download Something

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Is it okay to download a mod for Minecraft that has a warning saying it could harm my computer, but it does not have .exe .bat .pif or .scr?

Community Answer

If you right click on the file once downloaded, there should be an option to scan the file using your anti-virus software. If the file is genuine and safe, the scan will come up clear. If it isn't, remove the file and scan your computer with your anti-virus software to have it remove any malware.

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Is Sony Vegas safe to download?

Community Answer

Yes, its created by SONY. But if you download a cracked version of it, that could be infected with malware.

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Is DeviantArt considered to be a safe website?

Ffion

Community Answer

DeviantArt itself is safe, but some images may be offensive and download links may contain viruses.

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Question

Where can I see whether other people downloaded something?

Community Answer

Check out the feedback/reviews sections.

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How can I get rid of a Trojan or worm if I get one?

Community Answer

Use a spyware/malware detection program or app to find anything you wouldn't want in your system, and follow its instructions for removal.

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Question

Does Mediafire make viruses?

Community Answer

No, Mediafire is a file-sharing service. A virus could be uploaded to Mediafire by someone else, but Mediafire themselves do not.

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Question

Is it safe to download Mozilla Firefox?

Community Answer

Yes, If you're downloading from the official Firefox website, then it is safe to download the latest version of Firefox.

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Does Cheat Engine have a virus?

Community Answer

Yes. Cheat Engine's installer comes bundled with some share-ware / adware as a way of payback for the work that Dark Byte does. You have the option to choose "No" while installing the software. If you read the options and choose "No" properly, nothing but Cheat Engine will be installed.

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Question

Is Warrior Cats: Untold Tales safe to download? No matter what I do my parents deny me saying it could be unsafe.

Community Answer

From my research on the internet I can safely say this is a virus, the application installs tracking software on your computer and installs unwanted software. So, yes this is an innocent looking application that tries to trick people into downloading it. I suggest you trust your parents for this one.

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Question

What websites should I use to download games?

Community Answer

To safely download games, go to the game's original website and not a free download site, as those have a very high chance of containing a virus. If you are unsure about doing this, try looking up reviews and information regarding that specific game.

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Is it safe to download a SourceForge auto clicker?

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

It is probably safe, since SourceForge removes viruses that they find from their site, just scan the auto clicker with your antivirus software before you run it.

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Question

Will downloading Steam give a virus to my computer?

Community Answer

As long as you're not downloading it from any other website other than Steam, then it won't give a virus to your computer.

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Question

Is it safe to run an .exe file if it requests to allow the file to change my PC settings?

Community Answer

Almost all .exe files request to change your PC settings. If you are aware of what you're downloading and have followed the tips above, you should be fine.

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Question

Is it safe to download from the Youda Games site?

Community Answer

In my experience, yes, the Youda site is perfectly safe.

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Question

Is it safe to download Naruto Senki Beta mod version 1.15?

Community Answer

There's a high chance it could be infected with a virus because most warez ship come with viruses.

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Question

How do I tell if a file has a virus after downloading?

Prokop Tomka

Community Answer

Do a scan with an antivirus software.

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Question

Is Cookbook 1.7.1 safe to download?

Community Answer

I think so, according to my research. Just scan it with your malware scanner before opening the file.

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Question

How do I know if a website is safe to download from?

Community Answer

There is no way to be 100% sure, but check if the website uses a license. If there's a warning or a "!" on the left or right URL bar, the website is often old and can contain more rights and features to let hackers in. If the website from a famous or global company, then you will be mostly safe. Always use an adblocker like AdBlock Plus or AdGuard.

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Question

Is it safe to download a free game from itch.io?

Community Answer

It's a generally-safe site, but since project pages can be established by anyone, exercise caution.

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Question

Are there websites that can scan a site before I download something?

Community Answer

Yes, there are, but I wouldn't rely on those as they can be flawed.

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Question

Can software developed by an organization be classified as "safe to download" by any antivirus software before it is put online?

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

Yes, if the antivirus that you are using is an enterprise antivirus, then the administrator should be able to change the settings for all computers for a central console, just go to this console and add the program you developed to the whitelist.

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Question

Is it safe to download an image from eBay?

Community Answer

Yes, that is almost certainly safe. You just right click and save the image. There really is no way there could be a virus hidden in there.

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Question

Is Oolite safe to download?

Community Answer

From my research on the internet, Oolite seems safe to download. Just take a quick look at the reception on the games Wikipedia page.

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Question

How can I know if a PDF file has a virus or spyware?

Community Answer

PDF files can have viruses. If an email from someone you don't know contains an attached PDF, don't download it.

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Question

Is League of Legends safe to download free off the official site?

Community Answer

Yes, but make sure it's definitely the legit site to avoid viruses. Websites like download.com or CNET can give you adware or unwanted programs.

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Question

Is there a rating service, like Consumer Reports, for downloads to ensure safety?

Community Answer

No. You can always search for a forum to look at reviews from real people. Make sure it’s not connected with the main site you’re downloading from. I recommend looking at more than one forum to get more reviews and make sure that it’s not fake. Make sure that you’re using an antivirus before downloading.

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Question

Is it safe to download a Left 4 Dead 2 on freegamesdl.net?

Acuto Doppio

Community Answer

No. Pirating websites are almost never save to download from, and even if this site is safe, it's immoral to pirate games. If you enjoy the game, it's better to buy it from Steam.

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Question

Is it safe to download book PDFs?

Community Answer

PDFs can contain viruses, though it's extremely rare. If you're downloading books from the Project Gutenberg site, then it's safe.

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Question

Is it safe to download Avast antivirus from the official website? Can it contain viruses?

Julia

Community Answer

If it’s from the official website, then it’s not a virus. When you download something from its official site, it’s not a virus.

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Question

Are zip files safe to download?

Freddy Chavez

Community Answer

It depends on where you're downloading them from. If it's a shady-looking website or a torrent page then I don't recommend it. But if it's an official page like the home page of 7-zip, then it's okay.

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