free software Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Can you still get Malwarebytes for free?

Posted on June 24, 2021

Like my tips? Click here to sign up for my free Daily Tech Tips Newsletter and you’ll never miss one!

Question from Phyllis: Hi Rick. I’ve been following your blog for a while now and I love the info you provide. Thank you!

In one of your posts you recommend running periodic malware scans with the free version of Malwarebytes.

I clicked the link you provided and downloaded it, but after the program was installed it said I have 14 days left in my free trial?

I know for a fact that I clicked the link to download the free version. Why did it install the trial version?

I even uninstalled it and downloaded it again to make sure, but it just installed the trial version again.

What ‘s going on? Do they no longer offer a free version of Malwarebytes?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

7 tips for avoiding junkware when installing free software

Posted on January 28, 2021

Regular readers of this blog know that I’m a huge fan of free software.

In fact, I download, test and write about free programs and apps all the time.

That being said, installing free software can sometimes causes problems.

For instance, poorly written code can cause “memory leaks”, system instability and a host of other problems.

That’s why it’s important to check out any user reviews that are available before installing a new piece of free software. [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it legal to create Linux installation discs and sell them on Ebay?

Posted on January 21, 2021

Question from Larry: Hi Rick. I love your blog and respect your opinions very much.

I’d like to ask a question if you don’t mind.

I’ve been buying yard sale items in bulk locally and selling them on Ebay for a couple of years now, and I’m looking to branch out.

I’ve been thinking lately about creating Linux installation media (DVDs and USB flash drives) on my home computer and selling them on EBay.

My question is can I legally do that without getting into any kind of legal trouble? I see other sellers doing it but I don’t want to get caught up in some kind of sting.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Are free antivirus apps just as good as ‘paid’ ones?

Posted on January 20, 2021

Question from Hailley G: Hi Rick. I’ve been reading your blog for a good while now and I love your tips!

I’ve noticed that you always recommend using free antivirus software instead of one of the expensive paid programs.

I really like the idea of using free software whenever possible, but I want to make sure my laptop is protected from all the nasty viruses that are out there these days.

My question: Are the free antivirus programs really just as good as the ones you pay for?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it legal to sell ‘free’ software?

Posted on September 5, 2020

Question from Gordon H.: I have a very simple question for you, Rick: Is it legal to sell free software?

I’m asking because I just bought a DVD off of eBay that’s packed with tons of software programs for troubleshooting and maintaining a PC, but I have just found out that ALL of it is freeware that’s distributed under the GNU GPL License.

This just seems to me like it should be illegal.

Thanks in advance for your answer as I have come to trust your judgement in such matters.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]