vivitar 283 vs canon xti

I'm a real noob so please forgive any errors i make.

i just got given my first flash, a vivitar 283, and i am very nervous to stick it on my xti.
i have read alot about peoples cameras being fried by flashes and i just wondered if anyone knew how i could check if it is going to work or just fry my baby.

the guy who gave it to me used without any problems, and he also has a xti but i am still nervous.
and what actually happens whene the flash fries your camera? does it just not work anymore or what??

thanks a lot in advance

P.S heres a pic of the flash

and it says its made in china... if that helps...

Google knows - read the first two hits.