Downloading risks

Downloading process includes accessing of remote files or programs that can be viewed on personal computer with the help of an internet.

We download a lot of files like media files, docs and pdfs etc. as these are present on remote computers which are shared by different people.Opening pictures and e-mails link that direct on a website ,copying word files and pdfs from company's network as well as upgrading software from web and transferring music files from a computer are a part of downloading. Downloading files from internet may include installation of some kind of programs.Opening a picture media files,links and downloading a music files may not be same as they represent,but these contents may also have some involvement of malicious softwares like viruses,worms and many destructive programs.

what can be risks of downloading:

• A virus embeded with downloading file can destroy your data or give someone access to your confidential information without your insent or even destroy it.
• Another risk that include is spyware that generally changes your computer behaviour and as a result your PC becomes very slow and sometimes cause computer crash.
• Malicious softwares are installed without your knowledge along with the files you are downloading which are attached to the program,link or software you like to download.
• Most of the malware try to send e-mails from an infected computer to every e-mail it find and thus spread itself.

Downloading guidelines

• When you download a file from internet ,you have to be very sure about the websites for the content you are looking for.ie  Your approach should be trusted publisher because there are so many websites that provide softwares and other helping tools but they never provide you the genuine software ,they along with embed malicious softwares. 
• Keep your firewall on with recommended settings and set antivirus to actively scan all files you download.
• Never download any media files,softwares ,videos, games or any type of files from untrusted sites.Always download it from secure websites using https protocol and having valid SSL certificate.Https refers to 'hyper text transfer protocol secure'.
• Always use updated antivirus,spam filters and spywares.
• Never click on the link or images showing 'CLICK ON THIS LINK' or "YOU ARE CHOOSEN AS WINNER.CLICK TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE' because doing so your computer settings may be changed and malicious softwares will start playing game with your computer.
• Always check size of file before you download ,sometimes size get increased when you start downloading it.
• Scan all files after you download them whether from website or link.
• If something goes wrong in downloading , close all important applications in order to be safe.

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