What does a user risk when downloading free software without caution?

When users download free software without exercising caution, they significantly increase the risk of installing adware and spyware on their systems. Free software often comes with various hidden costs, which might include the inclusion of unwanted programs that track user behavior, deliver unsolicited ads, or compromise system performance and security.

Adware can bombard users with ads, negatively impacting their experience and potentially leading to the installation of even more unwanted software. Spyware, on the other hand, is designed to collect personal information without the user's knowledge, which can lead to severe privacy violations and identity theft.

By being unselective in their software downloads, users may inadvertently allow these malicious elements to penetrate their systems, potentially resulting in data breaches, reduced performance, and other security risks. In stark contrast, the other answers suggest positive outcomes that are unlikely to occur without due diligence in downloading practices.