I was wondering how safe a lot of the software on offer really is? I'd appreciate some feedback from giveaway staff. I've had several problems and it's getting to the stage where i think this isn't really worth it
How legit is the software offered
(18 posts) (14 voices)-
Kalahari_Surfer
MemberPosted 16 years ago # -
thenameipicked
MemberIf you are referring to viruses and such, every software is clean, and tested by the team. I uploaded the setup to Virustotal (a website that checks it against many antiviruses), and it didn't get any flags, so probably just a false positive. http://www.virustotal.com/analisis/00297686c7e3390c0c71fb01664e4cf210d9667b26d3829fb0b3fd5ae181e190-1262943110
however, if you are referring if the free download is legal? It is, especially because the giveaway team talks to the authors themselves.
Finally, if you are talking about how legit the program is (is it legal to record songs), then that would be a general no. There are some loopholes (especially in recording streaming), but in general, free music downloads is never legal.Posted 16 years ago # -
Giveaway of the Day is 100% safe. The team reviews potential software giveaways very carefully before they are even offered. They run developers programs through virus scanners to make sure nothing naughty gets through to the customer. Sometimes there are false positives picked up from various softwares but these are usually dismissed. All software is legal and is offered for 24 hours only by the developer. This is a win-win situation for both parties because it keeps "Giveaway of the Day" alive while giving good publicity for the day's software developer. If you have any further questiuons please contact the department at:
http://blog.giveawayoftheday.com/contact-form/Posted 16 years ago # -
watcher13
MemberHi, Kalahari! Welcome to the forums. It's a fair question, but there's no need to worry.
There has never been a credible report of a GOTD containing a virus or malware. The few times this has happened, it's because the virus scanner in question was using heuristics.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heuristic_algorithm
Heuristics are a way for Virus Scanner companies to try and discover potentially new, UNIDENTIFIED (note the emphasis) viruses before they can cause harm. They try and detect "suspicious" behavior. It's a good idea, but it's also largely guesswork and produces many false positives. No giveaway that ever set off someone's scanner has failed to pass the test when it's been scrupulously tested with online scanners (not to again mention the fact that GOTD has already tested it). GOTD did have a problem when it first made a deal with Software Informer to bundle it's software in with the daily giveaway. But that was just a small error in the routine they used to do the "bundling" - that set off some heuristics - and was almost immediately correct. That happens to most developers occasionally, and sometimes here a developer will make a mistake in their routines that have set off some scanner's heuristics, but those are always immediately corrected or at least demonstrated to be false positives.
The bottom line is, if EVER someone in the future comes up with concrete evidence that a GOTD contains a virus, it will DEFINITELY be the first time.
Posted 16 years ago # -
Welcome Kalahari_Surfer!
You wrote :
I've had several problems and it's getting to the stage where i think this isn't really worth it
What do you mean? Please give us any evidence of your problems.
The GOTD software is 100% legit and legal. The developers get paid by the GOTD project team for the licences.
Of course it is up to the user, not to use the software for illegal actions.
Here are some links for you to check online for malware/virus :Multi-Engine Antivirus Scanner
graylox
Posted 16 years ago # -
ibwebb
MemberWow, was gonna put my 2 cents in, but seems covered... so I guess "Yep, what they said!" Never a problem in all the years I have been here. Though *blush* I came here thinking it was another person questioning the legality of the free stuff that WR, Wizard, rO and the rest (sorry I know I am gonna miss a name there) give us. I had the upset meter rising fast and answers forming already about it. So, I got worked up over nothing.. like none of you have. Alright I am gonna leave so stop laughing, pointing and staring at me! LOL
Posted 16 years ago # -
Inas
MemberThe only other piece of information I could possibly add to this discussion is that many customers (especially new users) are confused by the "optional" Software Informer program that GOTD offers to its users after every download.
This lack of clarity leads users to leave negative (unwarranted) comments.
It would be very helpful (in my opinion) if GOTD posts a clear, large-print "banner-type" explanation on the download page to give details about this program.
That way, users will not become needlessly upset & believe (mistakenly so) that they "must" download this "optional" software along with the "GiveAwayOfTheDay" software.
Inas
Posted 16 years ago # -
Quantum Dragon
MemberYes Inas, you are right!
And this advert on the actual GiveAway download page has been known to confuse new visitors too (It goes like this):
Giveaway of the day is adware/spyware-free. If you want to check that yourself and keep your system healthy, we recommend Advanced SystemCare package.
Pro and Free versions are available.Download or learn more
A colored background (and a bold disclaimer) would help there!
Posted 16 years ago # -
Many sites would section off parts of the page like the "Advanced System Care" or "Software Informer" and label it as "Sponsored Link" or "Advertisement" to indicate that the contents are not related to or required by the giveaway software.
That would be my suggestion.
Posted 16 years ago # -
watcher13
MemberKalahari, I was obviously working on the assumption that you were talking about malware, but, just in case you were talking about damage to your system, let me recommend Returnil:
http://www.returnilvirtualsystem.com/
Returnil lets you test software in a virtual environment that doesn't make any permanent changes to your system. It works on all software except those that require a restart to finish the install. (It'll do that, too, but that's kind of a self defeating option.)
You have to understand that when you try software from a site like GOTD it's a slight gamble. It's not legitimacy, but quality. Many small developers have their ducks in a row, but a few are basically floating trial balloons hoping for the best.
Considering that such huge companies as Norton and Sony have occasionally produced software that had their users up in arms, it's hard to completely condemn small developers who have missed the mark.
Posted 16 years ago # -
rover3500
MemberI don't know why people would think that u have to install the updater or advanced system care.To me asc is just an obvious recommendation( I use the full version,it has very good reviews and works well)and the gaotd updater asks if u want to install it or not,yes or no.Maybe these peoples english isn't very good,but it never crossed my mind that it might be a requirement.
Been with gaotd for ages.Any probs i've ever had have been registration ones,which is always the developers fault and has only happened a few times in couple years.
Only gripe is they have way too many video/music converters or recorders,but i don't bother installing them now.Occasionally there are some brilliant offers.Thanx chaps,good work.Posted 16 years ago # -
Quantum Dragon
Member@Rover3500, just to make things clear, we were speaking about relatives newcomers to GOTD, Internet AND Computers not about seasoned veterans that have been coming here for a while.
Even persons speaking (and writing) perfect english will be somewhat confused when it comes to master this new (for them) medium.
After all, nobody is born with a computer in their hands.
You may be an old hand at this but you have to think of those who are just starting to learn and remember what it was like when YOU started.
Posted 16 years ago # -
When I started with the computer I read and read and read and asked and read again before I dared to install something new. I always liked to learn. Very often by some mistake - my own mistake. Before I blame others, I ask myself "what did I miss".
Some users just rush around in the WWW, inhaling everything which looks more or less free, without asking or taking notice about conditions, terms and requirements. When anything goes wrong, they like to blame others.
Of course there are more than enough sites and developers, who try to distribute malware or who want to maximise their income with shady tricks. That's even more reason to learn about those tricks and about how to avoid them.
Speaking about the GOTD project again, I'm sure they don't try to harm their costumers, that would be bad for the business. OTOH they indeed try to maximise their income, that's the motivation for a commercial business. It's up to us users and business partners, to accept their conditions or/and to tell them what we don't like or what could be misunderstood. Like the installation of "Software Informer". As BuBBy suggested, it would be an extra plus factor for GOTD when they would announce it more clearly as an additional service.End of the story: Users keep your eyes open and realise your own responsibility for your steps in the WWW.
graylox (with her Wednesday sermon)
Posted 16 years ago # -
Archangel
MemberGreetings Kalahari_Surfer. This thread you named "Legit" and in your post you ask how safe is the software being given away here is. I'm not staff but here's my 2 cents worth. As far as legit, all software is authorized by the developer. GOTD has some type of arrangements with the developer so the site has permission to do so. Now as far as "Safe" goes if you mean malicious or that type of software I can assure you that it is safe. Most developers need exposer to get the computing public to take a look at something new. This site gives them that and maybe others will start to purchase their software. I will admit that on some occasions the software could have been written "differently" but it still works.
Posted 16 years ago # -
copmom
MemberGee Paul (the Dragon), you just made me laugh at some memories you brought back. I remember when first starting out I had no clue what the internet was. I even went to a computer store just to find out what 'it' was. I remember the guy saying if you want to go to South America, just click here, etc. It was all Greek to me... but I've learned the hard way and can't get by without it now!
As for the programs on here.. I've had totally good luck with everything I installed. Of course at first, it was like being a kid in a candy store and downloaded everything. Then I realized, do I really need 10 programs that do the same thing? LOL Now I'm more selective and have been happy with everything I've gotten from GOTD. Thank you GOTD!Posted 16 years ago # -
Packett
MemberWe have to keep in mind that for the most part, essentially we are testing the software provided by GAOTD. Although some applications have questionable methods (adding toolbars, changing browser home page), it wouldn't be in the best interest of developers to provide applications that had virus's or such. I've never had a problem with applications at GAOTD that were caused by malicious intent. The problems I've had were compatibility issues not the fault of applications themselves.
If you're concerned with possible compatibility issues or system changes you could use an approach while trying new applications, that protects your system from possible changes. One such approach I use is Sandboxie .... http://www.sandboxie.com/ ... Sandboxie runs your programs in an isolated space which prevents them from making permanent changes to other programs and data in your computer. You can try out applications in a Sandbox environment .. if the application doesn't work out uninstall and all is normal again. If the application works out just have Sandboxie save any changes to your system. This puts you in control.
Sandboxie is not a free application but, well worth the money. Perhaps other members can suggest similar applications that are free.
Posted 16 years ago # -
thenameipicked
Memberhttp://www.returnilvirtualsystem.com/ Great program, (don't be deceived, they do have a functional free version)
http://www.virtualbox.org/ Never used it, but have heard some good stuff about it
http://alternativeto.net/desktop/altiris-svs/ Another one I have heard about
Hope that helps :PPosted 16 years ago #
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