My brother wants to install a game on my computer, but it's bundled with StarForce. How can I keep myself safe
92475
let me coin a new vocabulary that is to be included in every dictionary, thesaurus, word list, scrabble helper, etc.\n\ncontrolware: a software that is either purposely or not, interfere with user's control over a machine \n\nBy this definition, all virus, spyware, adware, malware, and some of the stupidest copy-protection software, especially StarForce and Sony's DRM, is categorized as controlware
1084280
hmmm.. most shareware games that I know need to be installed on your computer before they will run.. ie.. info in your registry, etc.\n\nif you do have games that will run just by clicking on their .exe file.. you can build a cd with shortcuts in the disk directory... keep in mind that they may only work with your computer.. or one with the same drive letter for the CD-drive
211101
Or be evil to the publisher and just download the code for free from astalavista.box.sk.  Be careful.
466655
You cant use a copy to use on playstation. It is protected by a chip inside the machine. YOu would have to have a modchip installed, not cheap.
307475
The surest way is to not be on the Internet, not let anyone else use your computer and never insert discs from anyone who is not a totally trusted source.\n\nAs a practical matter, having a broadband router, the Windows firewall that comes with XP Service Pack 2, Windows Automatic Updates turned on, a good antivirus program, a couple decent anti-spyware programs (such as Spybot and Ad-Aware), and taking the attitude you will never, ever download any program ever from the Internet, should keep you plenty safe.
114035
Not legally.\nYou can sometimes download the same game from different game sites and each installer will give you another hour of play time, but to get the full version you need to pay the $20 (or whatever it is for the game in question).
1133867
you'll just end up with a virus, or spyware on your computer... just stay legal... best way to be... seriously, you'll break our p.c. costa lotta money to repair, you'll be gutted you never got the original software in the first place... don't believe me, go right ahead!
287775
Put the disk in the computer. If you don't have one then you probly don't own the game in the first place. If thats the case then do a serch for torrent downloads and read how people that post there do it. I wouldnt know it's illigal. www.torrentspy.com is one.
786202
If you were successful in finding a down-loadable copy you are setting yourself up for big trouble. \n\nMicrosoft requires and ID on their software and with the download that would not be available. During installation you would not get past that\n\nAnd of course you may get a virus.\n\nBe careful what you ask for you may get more than you want.
192011
I doubt there is any "Notice" you can put in that will stop them from installing games.\n\nThe best thing is to take away their admin rights on their PC's. That way, they will not be able to install the games in the first place.
977029
After having downloaded Ares the other day i've found it to be quite a goood little program.\n\nIt won't cause any harm to your PC and doesn't use too many resources either.\n\nAll in all, perfectly safe. It's the content you download with it you need to be careful of, as with any P2P app.
655642
just download the necesary software required for the game \nor consult Bill gates and clear ur doubts to him or download any other game
488304
The game you've downloaded may has viruses, the best thing you've got to do is TO REMOVE IT FROM YOUR PC, or it'll probably be destroyed. (The game is blocked by an antivirus programme you may have)
293380
you can't (legally, at least)\n\nHere is some good, free antivirus software:\n\nwww.grisoft.com
19726
No, at least they shouldn't.  However some games you download form the web come bundled with other programs like spyware and adware, both of which can seriously degrade the computer's performance even while not playing the game.\n\nAlso, some anti-copying software shipped with commercial games has been known to play havoc with computers. The worst of these that I've run into is StarForce copy protection.  Here's a website that lists titles of games that include that noxious program:\n\nhttp://www.similarities.org/starforce.html\n\nAs far as spyware/adware removal, there are several tools out there.  Two of the most popular are Ad-Aware from LavaSoft and Spybot Search and Destroy. Both are free and I recommend using at least one of them on a regular basis.\n\nhttp://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/\nhttp://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
172237
Like what? Contact your company and ask them. Usually the only thing you might download from them would be the anti virus utility they supply (if they do)
1013022
yip stick to iso files,better still get your games from bittorrent