Most game creators are good people that are only interested in creating good games for people to enjoy. Unfortunately there are others that try to harm people by disguising malware as games. Malware is a term to encompass a variety of harmful or just unwanted programs people try to sneak onto your computer. Some cause pop-up advertising to appear as you browse the web while others try to steal your personal information like passwords or bank account and credit card numbers.

Going for freeware games on the internet could be very risky. There are two categories of internet games: those you play in your Web browser, and those that you download to your computer. Malware can easily hide in both categories, but there are ways that you can prevent the infection.

You need to only download freeware games from sites whose content can be trusted. These sites have a quality reputation that is not in doubt. These sites only offer games that contain no malware and often state so in their downloading page. Less well-known sites, many not be bad sites, but often are not as safe.

Even when you’re not downloading something, you should stay away from websites that give you loads of pop ups. Some will try to put malwear on your hard drive without your approval, and you certainly don’t want that to happen. It’s one thing to do aggressive advertising, but when that advertising gets invasive it can be an indication of improper activity.

If you find the game you downloaded does indeed have malware, it is important to run some anti-malware and anti-virus software right away. Many utilities are available to clean your computer on the internet, some of which are free. It would be prudent to check with a professional if you have any doubts about the process, though. Some of the more powerful programs could allow you to cause even more damage than help if you are not careful.

Remember, above all, that the percentage of games containing malware is small. It is possible to find scores of entertaining freeware games that will not damage your computer. However, this does not nullify the common sense of protecting your system just in case. Spending hours mending the damage which malware has caused to your PC simply isn’t worth it.

Everyone loves to play games and there are many freeware games available online. You can find all sorts of free games online, such as RPG online games and online golf games. Although the majority of game programmers are not malicious, you may accidentally download some malicious software if you visit non-reputable sites. Websites with lots of pop up ads may also try to install spy-ware or other software on your computer without your permission. Current anti-virus software and other protective software can help you remove those types of programs with minimal damage to your computer. Some common sense can help you enjoy free games online, with minimal risk to your computer.

- Aiden Zapora

ShareThis