How Do I Escape to Malware for any use of online tool?

[emilyblunt]

Sadly, I had infected malware for many times when I tried to install an online software in photoshop. And now, when I'm in need of converting YouTube to MP3, I'm so scared of installing any software like that. Could you show me some web tools in this aspect?

[Cajus]

To check websites before you download anything, or use an online service, you can...

... enter the site URL in the search panel labelled "enter site address" at https://safeweb.norton.com/
This is provided by a well-known antivirus security company.

... enter the site URL in the search panel labelled "Search a website for its reputation" at https://www.mywot.com/
This is a long-standing, tried and tested site supported by many user reports about the sites they monitor.

(try it with something well known like www.google.com first)

When you download an application, keep a note of your source for reference if problems occur. This may help if you need to fix a problem or report malware.

Check the license (and/or free trial conditions if any) against your requirements and watch out for bundled options such as toolbars, unwanted browser software, and other things that you don't need. There is often an opt-out that you can use by clearing a checkbox either before you download, or in the installer software. Unfortunately, bundling "junkware" has become a widespread practice.

Search for multiple independent reviews to verify that the software is bona-fide, has been evaluated elsewhere, and is not listed as malware. Good sources of reviews are ones by well-known organisations or magazines, for example ZDNet or PCWorld. Is there evidence that the software has been used by a reputable agency such as a university, government department, or another person that you trust?

Take careful note of any reports of poor performance or suspicious behaviour - this may indicate malware activity, if not simply poor design.

Run an anti-virus scan and an anti-malware scan (e.g. with Microsoft Security Essentials, Malwarebytes or SuperAntiSpyware) on the downloaded software before installing. Although false positive reports do occur from time to time, check very carefully if you think this is the case. Only use reputable well-known anti-malware, and beware that there are many attempts to install malware by disguising an application as antivirus or utility software.

Beware of the "zero day" exploit where malware is so new that it hasn't been incorporated by anti-malware services yet. You should be suspicious if the software doesn't have a track record of reviews or successful use by other people and isn't from a source with an established good reputation.

Always do your own due diligence (DYODD) or get help from someone with suitable experience.

[redraspberry]

Even with the good sites with legitimate software much is loaded with add on stuff. Pay very close attention to what the dialog boxes say and do not automatically accept things as they are presented. Web browsers and extensions along with unwanted software are included with many of the free software downloads.