This is known known as bloatware, foistware and adware and includes search engine toolbars, media players and web browsers. Many offer demo or free versions of software, so you can try before you buy.īut it isn’t always straightforward: for example, along with the program you want, other software could sneakily download in the background. These get paid for providing software, either by advertising companies or by software vendors themselves. While you will probably use the app stores provided by the big technology companies (Apple’s App Store for iPhones, iPads and Macs, Google Play for Android phones and tablets and the Microsoft Store for Windows computers), there are also myriad other software marketplaces.
Thanks to fast broadband, you can now download and install software straight from the internet – no need to go to out to the shops and buy a DVD in a boxīut some stores are safer and better than others - so here's a guide to how to be safe when you're downloading software from the web.