When you are about to buy a new piece of software, you should definitely know who it is you are buying it from. I can't begin to tell you the horror stories I've experienced as a result of not checking up on the website I was purchasing my software from. Many times people are too trusting when purchasing software on the internet, but you can't make this mistake.

If anyone is offended as a result of you asking them a few questions before you buy, then just assume that they are not the people you need to be sending money. You need to buy from some one who is reputable, and not just some run of the mill average Joe company who doesn't have any credibility in the market place. The old adage is true, that you get what you pay for. You can save money, and get quality software at the same time, but never compromise one for the other. Look for the best deal, from the most reliable source. Look for authorities on the subject. In this case, lets use an anti virus software product.

There are several that I have seen advertised on click bank.com that have some good testimonials and so forth, but I've never heard of them. So what do I do? Go to google.com and search for the product/vendor name plus the word 'review'. You'll get all sorts of information from others who have purchased this software, and how it has helped them or affected their computer negatively.

If I find that my options are few, then I'll most likely just look for a vendor who advertises offline, and is known by most everyone. Like Norton anti virus.

Beware of spy ware and ad ware. Many times an individual will create a junky piece of software and install spy ware, and ad aware into your computer for non friendly purposes. However, they'll make the software look really nice, and put an expensive price tag on it. Before you send them a penny, you had better make sure that you get a review first.

Viruses can hurt your computer badly. And they come from all sorts of software applications that you wouldn't normally worry about getting viruses from. Even ANTI VIRUS Software companies will sneakily infect your computer with a virus that conveniently can only be removed if you purchase their software. Some people refer to this as a Trojan horse. Just make sure that you purchase from a reliable source.

Save some money with affiliate links. Did you know that virtually anything sold on the internet can be sold by you!? Its called being an affiliate. Companies will give you your own special link to advertise on the internet and if you refer a sale to their website from that link they are often willing to pay you up to 75% of the total price the customer paid.

So why not buy the software from your own affiliate link, and get your own rebate? Many people overlook this option, or don't even know about it. But before you buy, check to see if there is an affiliate program first. If there is, great, join it. Then buy from your own link, and save yourself a nice percentage.