This article presets the principals of safe downloading. Though it's meant to focus on Javascript, it could apply to all online applications. The sad fact is, as long as there are markets of interest, there are predators and scammers. Use these principals to help make better decisions about how to download.

What is Javascript Anyway?

JavaScript is a scripting language that is being used more and more on the web. It adds interactivity in all sorts of ways, including video and music media, and visual effects. It's not surprising then that hundreds of downloadable applications are augmented (or written outright) in Javascript. IM clients, toolbars, media players, web-forms – you name it; there's a javascript-based version of it.

The best Methods for Downloading Javascript-based Applications

When you use a search engine to locate where the free JavaScript downloads are, you get a list of dozens of locations…

• Be sure to always run virus and spyware protection.

  • Normally these will catch anything before you download it and set off alarms on our computer.

  • Since viruses and other malware is always changing, be aware that your protection may not catch everything.

  • Use a file scanner like www.virustotal.com to analyze a single .exe file you may download.

• When looking for free downloads, try to find the author’s site. It is less likely to have been tampered with.

  • Computer malware can come from any source, but less likely when directly from the author.

  • Examples of reputable software manufacturers include Sun Microsystems for Java, Adobe for readers and flash players and Microsoft for Windows-based applications.

• Even if looking at downloads on another site, reputable sites will offer a link to the author’s site, even if they have a direct download on their site.

• Before downloading freeware, ask friends and family if they have used it.

  • Even if you think your friends and family know nothing about computers and software, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that they have downloaded something from the internet and have experience with a site or two.

  • Recommendations from others have been tested by someone you know and trust, so you can feel reasonably safe downloading.

• Check out expert articles and blogs

  • With so much information out there, it is hard to tell who is an expert and who is not

  • Stick with sites with a great reputation, such as www.About.com, like www.cnet.com and www.Examiner.com, where authors are usually screened for the proper knowledge before being allow to post to the site.

Dealing with Javascript in your Browser

If you're having trouble with Javascript in your browser then you don't need a download, you need some basic how to. Follow these steps to verify that Javascript rendering is properly activated

1. Open Internet Explorer


2. Open Tools menu


3. Select Internet Options


4. Select Advanced Tab


5. Click on check box for scripting to Enable


6. Click on OK to apply changes


7. Restart Internet Explorer.

A Note: the difference between Java and Javascript

A much more common program to download and keep updated is Java, and is often confused with JavaScript. Java is another programming language, and you use it most in a specialized virtual platform, called the Java Runtime Environment. This platform is useful for web browsing, not it its ability to provide multimedia, but in its ability to keep your PC safe from would-be hackers, scammers and spies. To download or update your Java, head to Sun Microsystem’s site at http://www.java.com/en/