We’ve all been tempted by a “free download” that promises to speed up our computer, clean up junk files, or give us professional software for nothing. But that free download can be the exact moment your computer starts running slow, your browser fills with pop-ups, or your personal accounts get compromised. In this episode of Tech Talk, Refresh Computers technician Adam Littlefield breaks down which free software is genuinely worth using, which programs to avoid at all costs, and how to protect yourself from a growing wave of scams heading into the holiday season.
Listen to the Episode
Free Software Red Flags: What to Watch Out For
Not all free software is created equal. Programs that bombard you with promises — “Speed up your PC by 300%!” or “Fix all your drivers instantly!” — are often the ones you need to avoid. Free cleanup utilities and driver updaters are some of the biggest offenders. Many of these programs push nonstop notifications urging you to upgrade or take action, and behind the scenes, they’re more interested in harvesting your personal data than actually fixing anything.
If a free program is constantly sending you notifications saying you need it, that’s a red flag. It’s probably more focused on collecting your information than helping your computer.
Do You Really Need to Pay for Antivirus in 2026?
Here’s the good news: if you’re running a Windows computer, you already have solid antivirus protection built right in. Microsoft Defender (also called Windows Defender) has improved dramatically over the years and now provides real-time protection — scanning every file you download the moment it arrives on your system. For about 90% of everyday users, it’s all you need.
Apple users are in an even better position. macOS is a more restrictive operating system that fewer cybercriminals target, partly because of Apple’s smaller market share and partly because of their “walled garden” approach to software. Hardware issues are far more common on Macs than virus infections.
Can You Run Two Antivirus Programs at Once?
This is a question the Refresh team gets all the time, and the answer is: you shouldn’t. Running two antivirus programs simultaneously can cause serious slowdowns because both programs fight over processing power and often try to scan the same files at the same time. The good news is that Windows handles this intelligently — when you install a paid antivirus like Bitdefender, Windows automatically disables its built-in Defender so there’s no conflict and no gap in your protection.
Watch out for Norton and McAfee installed together on the same computer. This happens more often than you’d think, and it can be the reason your PC is running painfully slow.
Free Office Software That Actually Works
Microsoft Office is a staple for most of us, but paying for a monthly or yearly subscription isn’t always in the budget. Fortunately, there are excellent free alternatives:
- Google Docs and Google Sheets — These work right in your web browser with no download required. They save automatically to the cloud, make sharing with others effortless, and function almost exactly like Word and Excel.
- LibreOffice — A complete, free office suite that includes word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. It’s well-established, trusted in the industry, and Refresh Computers installs it on every system they sell.
- OpenOffice — Another long-standing free alternative with a full suite of office tools.
Beware of AI-Generated “Lookalike” Apps
Here’s something new and alarming: with the rise of AI, cybercriminals are using reverse engineering to create convincing copies of popular software. These fake programs look and feel like the real thing — some even mimic the nostalgic look of older versions that people loved — but they can contain malicious code hidden in the background. There have been reports of entire AI-generated clones of the Adobe Creative Suite appearing online for free. If a program isn’t published by a well-known, established developer, treat it with extreme caution.
A Quick Note on PDF Viewers
Free PDF viewers and editors are another category riddled with malicious software. The simplest and safest solution? Skip the download entirely. Just right-click any PDF file, select “Open with,” and choose your web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Opera. Every modern browser can open and display PDFs perfectly, and some even let you add signatures or do basic editing.
Holiday Scams Are Already Ramping Up
With the holiday season approaching, scams are shifting into high gear. Here are the ones the Refresh team is seeing most frequently:
Surprise Packages and Porch Pirates
Scammers are using real home addresses to place fraudulent orders, then showing up to grab the packages off your porch once they’re delivered. If you’re receiving packages you didn’t order, it could also be a sign that one of your online accounts has been compromised. Check your email for unexpected order confirmations and change your passwords immediately — especially if you use the same password across multiple accounts.
A video doorbell like Ring or Blink is one of the best investments you can make heading into the holidays. It deters thieves and gives you evidence if something does happen.
QR Code Scams Are Everywhere
QR codes have become a favorite tool for scammers because anyone can create one in seconds — even right inside Microsoft Word. Fraudulent QR codes are showing up on unexpected packages, restaurant tables, parking meters, and even EV charging stations. Scanning a malicious QR code can download files to your phone or send you to a fake website designed to steal your information.
Never scan a QR code unless you trust the source completely. Just because it’s stuck to something official-looking doesn’t mean it belongs there.
Fake Delivery Texts and Tariff Fee Scams
Getting a text from “FedEx” about a failed delivery? It’s almost certainly fake. Legitimate shippers leave physical notices and provide tracking history on their websites. The latest twist involves texts demanding you pay “tariff fees” via Venmo or Zelle to release your package. No government agency or legitimate shipping company will ever ask for payment through a peer-to-peer payment app. If a package is truly held at customs, you’ll need to contact the shipping company directly or visit a branch office in person.
Tech Tip: Copy Text Straight from a Photo
Here’s a trick that will save you time every week. Both iPhones and Android phones can recognize and copy text directly from photos or your camera view — no typing required.
- On iPhone (Live Text): Point your camera at text or open a photo with words in it. Tap the small text icon (a “T” in a box) that appears, then press and hold on the words to highlight and copy them.
- On Android (Google Lens): Open your camera and tap the Google Lens icon (a camera with a dot). Point it at the text, and you’ll be able to select, copy, and paste it anywhere.
This is perfect for copying Wi-Fi passwords off the bottom of your router, grabbing a long website address from a flyer, or pulling text from a sign or document without retyping a single character. You can paste it directly into your browser, a text message, Google Docs, or your maps app.
Stop flipping your router over three times to type in your Wi-Fi password. Just snap a photo and copy-paste it. Done.
Stay Safe, Stay Smart — Refresh Computers Is Here to Help
Whether you accidentally downloaded a suspicious program, clicked a link you shouldn’t have, or just want a second opinion before installing something new, the team at Refresh Computers is here to help — judgment free. They deal with these situations every single day and can help you clean up your system, verify that your software is safe, and make sure your computer is running the way it should.
Visit the Refresh Computer Superstore in Longwood at 820 E. State Road 434, call the free tech support hotline at 407-478-8200, or head to refreshcomputers.net to learn more. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 7 PM. When you call, you’ll talk to an actual technician — not a call center.
Cloud Storage Without the Confusion: What You Actually Need to Know About OneDrive, iCloud, and Google Drive