Tricks for safe, smart downloads

Are you ready to download a file? Don't--until you've read this column. I'll tell how to download files efficiently and safely, and share a trick for transferring download-resistant videos onto your PC.ProblemThe Hassle: I download lots of free software, but I'm worried about picking up adware. What do you suggest?

Solution

The Fix: Fire up your standard defensive shields (firewall, antivirus, and antispyware); then add an extra coat of armor. I recommend giving Cyberhawk Basic a try. Unlike antivirus software that checks for virus signaA-tures, Cyberhawk watches for and blocks suspicious behavior as it occurs.But Cyberhawk doesn't play well with all computers, so I have two alternatives that thwart malware by running your browser, e-mail, and instant messaging apps in a protected sandbox. That way, you can end a session and easily reverse potential damage to your system. Green Border Pro with SafeFiles throws a border around your browser and puts downloaded files into a special folder, so that you can run them in a protected session. At $30 per year, it's not dirt cheap, but you do get a 15-day free trial. Or try Sandboxie, a free but complicated tool that quarantines downloads and their installation routines in a sandbox until you decide they're not harmful. Warning: Be sure to try each program separately.

Problem

The Hassle: I'm an avid downloader, but I hate downloading files one at a time.

Solution

The Fix: You need a download manager. FlashGet is a remarkable free tool. Click a link to download a file, or just copy the link into the clipboard, and FlashGet pops up to perform the download. Even handier: Drag and drop multiple links onto the program's floating dropzone. The default setting can download ten files simultaneously and resumes the transfer if it's disrupted midstream by, say, a browser or unlikely (ha!) PC crash. If you have a manager but it won't work with Firefox, use FlashGot.

Quick Tip: Have you ever happened across a site loaded with zillions of images or videos that you wanted? Forget download managers: The tool you need is WinHTTrack Website Copier; it saves an entire Web site to your hard drive.

Problem

The Hassle: Is there a good way to download YouTube or Google video files?

Solution

The Fix: Many sites contain Flash-based streaming videos that are yours for the taking. Just use the Web-based toolsat KeepVid.com or VideoDownload.com. Both sites have links you can add to your browser's toolbar to handle drag-and-drop video downloading. For multiple YouTube videos, download TubeMe. To watch the files, use VLC or FLV Player--or convert the videos into AVI files at the Online FLV Converter site.Clear Away Clutter With WinPatrolWinPatrol is a must-have tool: It helps keep your system tray free of clutter and warns you when a program insists on loading at system boot-up. The latest version--WinPatrol 2007--has Delayed Start, a smart feature that lets you delay launch of nonessential programs for up to an hour after the system boots, so Windows loads faster. That's ideal timing for applications such as backup programs. Also new is a right-click function that opens the startup program's folder in Windows Explorer. WinPatrol Plus costs $30 (and I promise you, it's worth the money), but there's a free version as well. Compare the two versions.

Author: Steve Bass, PC World