Be wary of "Free" on the internet.

For many of you this may be old news, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded. Hackers and Identity thieves often find their way onto our computers with our own help. Smart phones are even more vulnerable, which is why I would dissuade anyone from using a smartphone to make payments.

Normally, I try to stick to fairly reputable sites (like Adobe or Amazon), but I made the mistake of downloading a free font a few months ago. In the weeks following that download, my computer got increasingly glitchy. Eventually, I wiped and reloaded the entire system, and that seems to have fixed all the problems I was having. I do have anti-virus software, and it was active and updated. But an anti-virus isn't foolproof against all the weird things lurking about on the internet.

This one made me decide to stick a post-it over my webcam. I had one there before, but this reminded me why:

Article: "Meet the men who spy on women through their webcams": http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/03/rat-breeders-meet-the-men-who-spy-on-women-through-their-webcams/

Spying through webcams isn't new. But the programs have gotten more sophisticated and easier for those with minimal technical skills.

I found that article by reading one about a couple who had their baby monitor hacked.

There are some great legitimate free deals to be found online but proceed with caution, consider the reputation of the website offering the download. There be monsters in the sea of information.


Another issue that's getting a fair bit of media attention is "free" games that charge for upgrades or bonuses. It's very easy to spend a little here and a little there on these "free" downloads. The media usually focuses on kids running up tabs on their parents phones, which are more dramatic since it's more surprising. But I know some adults who gets sucked into game upgrade purchases. They can add up quickly.