Help Desk Freeware: Get Better Usage On A Limited Budget - The word "freeware" tends to get a bad rap in helpdesk technology conversations because of the association with sketchy downloadable files that put damaging spyware and even viruses on your computer. Like anything else, you need to research the company behind the freeware.
Help Desk Freeware: Get Better Usage On A Limited Budget
By J Spice
Apr 1, 2011 - 4:57:22 PM
The word "freeware" tends to get a bad rap in helpdesk technology conversations because of the association with sketchy downloadable files that put damaging spyware and even viruses on your computer. To secure the best freeware you first need to research the background of the company offering your company the resource.
With high-profile brand names like Microsoft or Apple you can be confident that the freeware being offered is likely safe for your company to use.
Question is, how do you proceed with companies that you haven’t heard about previously? Is there a way to increase safety before downloading applications from companies that are not industry leaders?
Absolutely
This article will cover these key points you need to know before using freeware. Points covered will include.
- Looking for “trust symbols”
- Research before implementation
- Review testimonials
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) information
Look on the Website associated with the freeware and see if you can locate “trust symbols”. The purpose of the symbols are to let you the consumer know that this product is indeed 100% legit before you invest either time or financial resources into their product. One such company is TRUSTe, an Internet privacy services provider that promotes online safety and trust and ensures the software won't violate web site privacy. Another option to consider checking for is Verisign.
Beyond these “trust symbols,” taking time to research the company for yourself before using the software they are providing is an excellent way of increasing your safety and results. For lesser known brands you can run search engine queries quite easily as part of your research. See how long they've been in business – an online company that has been around for a few years is less likely to produce software that will compromise their customers' privacy.
Read website testimonials from past customers and see if they report a good experience.
Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and see if any past customers registered complaints against them. Also, look for the BBB seal on the company's web site – Membership into the BBB requires a review from the BBB to determine if business practices on the web are being conducted correctly.
*** Freeware for my help desk can be obtained from where? ***
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