We all know that we should download our IM software from the source. That does not mean, that we always do what we should, or that the right option is always available to you. If you can not get your instant messenger from the source you are going to have to get it from another location. Before you click on that “download” button be sure to wet the site.
How do you know if a site is trustworthy?
1. Reputation. A site like CNET’s download.com has a long history of providing quality downloads.
2. Variety. A site with a large database is one that is likely to be screening.
3. A site that tells you it is screening downloads for viruses.
Always be sure that you are getting exactly what you think you are getting. Just as an extra precaution be sure to do a virus scan once you download.
If you do not have a virus scanner just get ClamWin, it is free and useful.