There is no way to be certain that an application is badware-free before you install it. However, you can take steps to learn more about the risks a particular application may pose, so that you can make a more informed decision about what software you install on your machine.

Check StopBadware.org

StopBadware issues alerts on applications we have tested and determined to violate our software guidelines. Get in the habit of checking our site before you download software, and if you find that we’ve issued a report on an application, you can use that information to make an informed decision. Please note that we aren’t able to exhaustively test every download, so the absence of a product from our list does not guarantee that it is free of badware.

Check the reputation of the application

Using an internet search engine, check to see if anyone else has experienced problems with a particular application. Often searching for something as simple as the application’s name plus “spyware” or “malware” will turn up a wealth of information. Also check the reputation of the company producing the software, and the website offering the download. Don’t download from companies or websites that have a reputation for bad business or software practices.

Read the documentation

It is always important to read terms and conditions before agreeing to them, but it is almost essential when downloading software. Read the license agreement and privacy policy carefully before installing any application, and keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Applications should be clear and up-front about how they will change your experience after installation, and those that aren’t may be hiding something.

Use the community

The online community can be a helpful ally. There are a number of forums and sites dedicated to reporting on the state of badware and what applications to avoid. StopBadware’s own community is based at BadwareBusters.org and continues to grow as a resource for anyone who wants help in avoiding badware.

Follow the money

When downloading software for free, take a moment to consider how the application is able to be provided free of charge. Many applications support themselves by displaying advertising. Sometimes this advertising is subtle and generic, other times it may be intrusive and/or targeted based on monitoring your PC or Internet usage. Other applications may use legitimate or not so legitimate tactics to encourage you to upgrade to a premium paid version of the product. If a free application doesn’t disclose how it can be offered for free, you may want to do additional investigation.

If you are concerned that you may have downloaded badware, read about how to get rid of it.