It seems so plausible . You can get a virus if you share software. Shareware thrives on people who share software. Bulletin boards carry a lot of shareware. Therefore people assume they account for a large number of infections.
Experts label their assumptions as fact .
Retail stores tell it to customers . Software stores make money from retail software. Many companies need to control incoming software so they can standardize on specific packages and deter software piracy. In these cases, a wise supervisor will restrict the trial use of shareware without slapping a complete ban on it. People must conquer their irrational fears before they can confront the real virus threat.