Is it possible to check out software before downloading ..

[Vivere]

Hello everybody ,
I'm new to computer and new to this forum which i read with interest .
My question is ...
How safe is it to download ,or is it possible to check it out before download for hidden surprises and a nuisance to get rite after in case of problems with my X P
http://www.programfiles.com/Default.asp?LinkId=7326
For me to learn better ," how to play chinese checkers "
Also does that mean not compatible with XP
Many thanks ,
Vivere

[beeboy]

There is'nt really any way of testing it first. I went there to download it and look at it for you. But after giving them an email addy and some personal info, I was sent to a "waiting" window where I waited till my browser crashed. I hope they did not get my addy! It was, apparently, listed at Zdnet but discontinued there. It does not specify XP but most everything else so should work. It has no uninstaller which means you will have to hunt it down later to get rid of it unless you have a monitoring uninstall tool. But it may not need one - some programs can run from the folder without involving the registry. Its shareware which means(probably) that they will want payment after a trial period. If you do get to download it look for documentation in the zip folder with more description of the program.

[beeboy]

Here's another game you can look at.
http://www.guardianlightstudios.com/...ckersPage.html

[caughtintheact]

There are at least two ways to check out software in the security sense. One is to go to www.spychecker.com, enter the name of the program and see if it is listed as a spyware program. If so, look elsewhere for what you need.
Second, make sure you're antivirus program is updated just before you click on a download link. Then if the download contains a new virus (or old one), you will avoid the virus.
As far as checking out a program before downloading it, about all you can do it look for reviews to see what others have said who got there first. You might want to look at www.copernic.com and try the free copernic shopper program which can search for software reviews.

[Vivere]

Hello again ,

Permit me to say " thanks" ,beeboy and caughtintheact for information I requested and shall check it all out .More important , also learn more about PC knowledge thanks to your information's.

Vivere