Everyday productivity
Judge a new app before you install it
You will have a five-point check you can run before installing anything, and a decision on one app.
Before you start
- An app, extension or tool you are thinking of installing
Why check first
A small utility can ask for access to your files, your browser or your accounts. Tools that pay you, or promise perks, deserve extra care because you may be paying with your attention or data.
The five checks
- Who made it? Look for a real name, a website and a history older than a few weeks.
- What does it ask for? Compare the permissions with what it needs to do its job.
- How does it make money? If you cannot tell, you may be the product.
- What do other people say? Read recent reviews from independent sources, not only the app’s own page.
- Can you remove it cleanly? Check how to uninstall and delete your data.
Decide
Any check you cannot answer is a reason to wait. Install from the official store only, and try new tools on an account or device with nothing important on it first.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Installing from a link in a message
- Accepting all permissions
- Trusting a tool because it is new and popular
- Ignoring how it makes money
Final checklist
- I know who made it
- Permissions match its job
- I understand how it earns
- I know how to remove it