Are these file hostings treacherous?

[whulsey]

John, the one I got would not even let me boot up in Safe Mode. And since I'm not that much of a hardware or programming guy, once it gets past some simple fix points I don't want to deal with it. Pay a professional and let him fix it. The first time my provider's tech support people were able to get rid of it with me being on the phone with them for about 6 hours. The 2nd time they couldn't touch it and I had to contact a computer repair shop. At least they were able to do it without having to bring my computer in, but it did take them about 10 hours.

[VinceM]

I've seen those too, and if they want that kind of info, I just don't do it. Some really cool models were passed up, but it's not worth the risk to me.

[airdave]

oh I see...you aren't trying to host files.
you are referring to downloading free models.

and you don't like the idea of sharing any info to get it?

as far as viruses etc...they are all easily spotted and dealt with
if you invest in a working set of antivirus and anti-malware programs.
(you don't even have to spend any money)

as far as signing up on a site to download something, I would say stay away.
Only because sign-ups put you on spamming lists.

We have a new law in Canada...comes into effect on July 1.
I have been answering emails for the last two weeks, in anticipation of this new anti-spam legislation.

Now, it is illegal to forward any email that has a request for money.
That includes services and products that costs money.
No solicitation basically.

To remain on mailing lists, email requests are being received.
Anyone who used to send me regular newsletters, or mailings from stores, etc
has to now ask my permission to keep sending them.

Not sure how this applies to anyone or any business outside of Canada.
I have a feeling it will have little or no impact on the actual "junk" mail I receive. lol
Those pesky Russian porn sites!

Hosting sites rely on advertising revenue to keep going and to offer free hosting plans.
They get this revenue in two ways usually.
Mediafire, for example, shows you ads while you are waiting for the download to load or unlock.
(I have found that simple ad-blockers work well to hide them)

Whereas other hosting sites require you to "sign up"...become a member or just log in with some basic info.
This info is usually a valid email or contact info that can be used to add you to a junk list.
Your facebook account login works nicely.
From that they can often get location and phone number among other things.

The only place you will get a "virus" these days is within the downloaded file itself.
There are still some malicious people out there who think its fun to spread a bad file around.
They will usually zip it up in an archived package so it can't be properly tested.
But once again...if you are running a working antivirus and antimalware progam,
the virus will be detected and dealt with...easy peasy.

There are still a few older files that contain older viruses, still floating around.
But these are so old, that the viruses are in every database and easily spotted.

And unless its a really up to date, highly malicious trojan or worm
that is left undealt with for some time (allowing it to do some serious damage)
its easy to deal with most viruses and infections.
Its the mal-adware...browser hijackers, ad feeding systems, search redirecters...
that are the more troublesome problems.

[whulsey]

I have AVG, Spybot and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware on my and this particular one (FBI virus) went right past them. At least from news reports it sounds like the people responsible for it finally got busted a few weeks ago.

[airdave]

This is just my opinion, but I have never liked AVG.
I have seen first hand, tests done with three free antivirus programs:
Avast, AVG and Avira
I saw this test online and my friends and I reenacted the tests ourselves on our shop computer.

AVG failed miserably in a number of ways, but false positive virus alerts
and completely missing known viruses seemed to be the biggest problem.

I used Panda for a short time, but it was worse than AVG.

Malwarebytes Anti-malware could run by itself
...with no other software help...
and probably protect you from every serious threat.
Its that good.

I have run Avira for the last 4 years with no problems.
A top notch program in my opinion.

Trick is making sure databases are constantly updated
and making sure the settings are right for your system and your needs.
Many people never go in and change settings.
Its important to understand what the software can do and how it is doing it.

Spybot is a good cleaner...but honestly, if you are running Malwarebytes
then spybot is useless.

CC Cleaner is the best for cleaning up once a week.
Keep that registry working, clean out the cache, etc.
But be warned (again)...check out all the settings and options and make your own adjustments.
These utility programs can delete a lot of important stuff.

[elliott]

Here's another vote for Avira free version. Been using for the last 6+ (?) years and never a problem.

[BobRo]

Have you used a site such as Mailinator or Ten minute email address to hide your Email address. Ideal when you have register on some sites which you know will send you loads of spam. There are some sites that will hide your IP address such as Hide my IP sometimes you can get it free for a limited time or they charge a small fee for the full works. Try a search for disposable email addresses

[michael dazzo]

I have Norton Security Online software it came free with my netzero combo pack! and it works from me too? because there is paper models out there with virus and othere stuff that will attack your computer! I have this happened to me before!

[bumbury]

if a site tries to get personal inofrmation on the social media sites you are better off just staying away... because as soon as you agree to the EUA they can do anything with your information as you agreed to it... there are way to many free sites to download models literaly for free just by getting to the page no info, registration or personal info needed.. so just use those....