How do you avoid malware when using getting software?

[arnesr]

Does anyone have a guide to setting up a virtual environment for testing apps?

[PastTense]

[QUOTE=Sometwo;3738156]

What are the reliable sources these days?

There is a lot of freeware one uses and one looks at reputable discussion sites; for example I use free Avast and picked it based on polls and other discussion at Wilders Security Forums:
Wilders Security Forums - Powered by vBulletin

For warez, besides warez-bb I look at The Pirate Bay for torrents and basically choose the among most seeded ones which have positive comments. Thus for example when I wanted an XP version I chose the Black edition.

I avoid Usenet for software because there just isn't adequate feedback about whether the software is good.

[CyberCitizen]

I also look for portable solutions of the software, doesn't require installing and they are usually more reliable.