Hi there,
What is the safest means to download something off the internet. I know of course that I should only download file from trusted sources and nothing is 100% safe but is there a 99% solution? For instance, if I was receiving something from a friend, how could I be sure that there wasn't malaware inadvertantly attached to the file that the person was unaware off? What about file hosting sites like sendspace or usendit? Are those safe?
Whenever I have download something, I create a "scan" folder, download the file into that and then scan the folder with NIS and Malwarebytes. Once the folder comes up clean, I open it up and scan the individual file....is that good enough? I also notice that I Windows runs a security scan (or is that NIS?) everytime I agree to download something....
Another question I have is when the malware (if any) will go active? Is it the moment it is downloaded or is it when I access the file itself (ie. click or run it..etc.) Also, will opening an email in itself trigger a virus, or do you have to click on the link/download attachment to get infected?
Sorry for all the questions but I appreciate the help.
Thanks!