Is it safe to use free software solutions?

Understanding the Risks and Benefits

As a small business owner myself, I am always looking for ways to protect my bottom line.  Free software solutions can be a tempting option, and some are great (I am looking at your Handbrake and Open Office!). But I am always cautious about picking what to trust. Like everything else in technology, everything carries a percentage of risk. Free software, especially in these times when malware is so rampant, carries a higher risk. Let's look at some of the benefits of and concerns about using free software packages.

Potential Risks

• Limited Support: Unlike paid software, free solutions often come with limited or no support. If you encounter a problem or have questions, you will be totally on your own. Some do maintain vibrant communities with helpful individuals. 
• Security Concerns: While many free software providers take security seriously, there's always a risk of vulnerabilities. These can be exploited by hackers to steal data or disrupt your operations. Some software might even have hidden malware, so trusted sources are vital when evaluating packages. It has become more common for hackers to distribute their malware over, seemingly, legit software packages.
• Feature Limitations: Free versions of software often have fewer features than paid counterparts. This might limit your ability to scale or customize the software to your specific needs.
• Vendor Reliability: Free software providers can disappear or stop supporting their products. This can leave you scrambling to find a replacement, particularly as operating systems and hardware advance. Some free software might become outdated or antiquated quickly.

Potential Benefits

• Cost Savings: The most obvious benefit of free software is the cost savings. You can avoid upfront licensing fees and ongoing maintenance costs.
• Flexibility: Many free software solutions are open-source, meaning you can customize them to your specific requirements.
• Community Support: Online communities can provide valuable resources and support for free software users.
• Trial Period: Some free software offers trial periods, allowing you to test it out before committing.

Tips for Choosing Safe Free Software

• Research and Reviews: Look for reputable sources of reviews and recommendations. Always check community-based sites like Reddit or tech forums to get an understanding of the software and its pitfalls and benefits. GitHub is a well-known open-source repository of software you can freely use. Most will provide you with details of their development roadmaps. Look for software that is being maintained regularly. Anything not touched in more than a year is most likely dormant and will not carry any updates or support.
• Security Considerations: Check the software's security track record and whether it receives regular updates. Most will provide a list of change logs or bug fixes to show you how actively they are developing and updating the software.  Ask peers about their experience with particular software or your IT professional.
• Community Support: Look for a strong and active community around the software.
• Consider Your Needs: Be honest with yourself about what features you need. A free solution might not be the best choice if it lacks essential capabilities. If the software offers a free trial, most will give you a matrix comparing free and paid versions. Most often, vendors will hide commonly sought-after features behind a paywall.
• Backup Strategy: Always have a robust backup plan in place, as data loss can be catastrophic for any business. Pay close attention to any special file paths that the software might be using to run. Make sure these are part of your backup routines.  

While free software can be a great way to save money, it's important to weigh the potential risks and benefits carefully, especially security. By doing your research, understanding the limitations, and taking appropriate security measures, you can safely use free software solutions to support your business.