Poing, Germany  - PC users should be extremely cautious when installing free software from the internet. Many programs claiming to be anti-spyware software are in fact themselves spyware designed to sniff out confidential data, reports Munich-based PC Go.

Many programs even pretend to hunt for viruses on the user's computer before offering the user a fee-based update to remove the purported infestation. Users who fall for the trick end up downloading additional malware onto their system.

The experts also warn against beta versions. These pre-release versions can often contain serious bugs. As such, the user is assuming the role of tester for the developer. That brings with it the danger that crucial data could be lost on the computer. (dpa)