Oct 10, 2013 The CNET Download.com Installer is a tiny ad-supported stub installer or “download manager” that helps securely deliver your downloads from Download.com’s servers. Simply follow the. Is 7zip safe? Is the software 7zip safe or is it malware/spyware? Is the software 7zip safe or is it malware/spyware? From www.7-zip.org??? Good free product, great for the normal home user. May or may not be approved in some super-secure locations - but that is to be expected. I guess CNET download would be good, too, since. Safe software download sites – Beware of deceptive download links & PUPs. I am a publisher on CNET’s download.com I told them NOT to bundle anything with my software and they complied. About download.cnet.com free. software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com Find the software you're looking for at CNET Download.com, the most comprehensive source for free-to-try software downloads on the Web. Norton Safe Web has analyzed cnet.com for safety and security problems. Click now to view Norton Safeweb's rating for cnet.com.
- Download Software From Disc
- Is Cnet A Safe Website
- Best Free Antivirus For Windows 10
- Is It Safe To Download From Cnet Windows 10
Hi, Leo. I seem to remember reading some time ago that it was not safe to download anything from CNet plus I suffered a malware [malicious software]
Malware is short for malicious software. Malware is a kind of catchall phrase that encompasses pretty much any kind of software that could cause harm to your data or your machine.
(Click on the term for full definition.)
'>malware infection, which might have been caused by a download from that site. I’ve been reading your article about Macrium Reflect and considered downloading the free version from the CNet website. What’s your opinion on CNet? Do you think it’s safe to download from this site? I’m presently using Windows XP.(Click on the term for full definition.)
I actually now recommend that you avoid all download sites if at all possible. There are simply too many stories exactly like yours: downloads that come with much more than is expected.
A good download site is hard to find
There are good download sites; I just don’t know which ones they are.
And to be clear, the download sites themselves aren’t always the problem. Often, the actual software you’re downloading includes the malware that people end up with on their machine. Still, all too often, through download managers, download accelerators or even direct downloads from these sites, people are getting much more than they bargained for in the form of malware.
My recommendation: always, and I really do mean always, download only from the original manufacturers website. That means you might need to do a little research to locate that site, but that research really pays off big when you end up avoiding malware or foistware
Foistware is additional software “foisted” on an unsuspecting user when some other software is installed.
The most common example of foistware might be additional toolbars and search add-ons that often accompany free. software downloads. Foistware may, or may not, include an option to be installed, but often installs without asking.
See also: shovelware, crapware, craplet.
(Click on the term for full definition.)
'>foistware or who-knows-what-ware.The most common example of foistware might be additional toolbars and search add-ons that often accompany free. software downloads. Foistware may, or may not, include an option to be installed, but often installs without asking.
See also: shovelware, crapware, craplet.
(Click on the term for full definition.)
Use a download site only when explicitly told to
Now, there’s an odd scenario that we also need to mention – and you’re probably shaking your head about this right now – because it’s the very scenario that you’re talking about. Some vendors will actually point you to a download site. Macrium does with their free version of Reflect. It’s downloaded from CNet’s download.com.
One important point: always start at the manufacturer’s site.
Just because you happen to find the product on the same download site doesn’t mean that it’s the same or the official product. Only go to the download site via the link provided by the software manufacturer.
Direct downloads are preferable
Download Software From Disc
Sometimes you may have no choice. Sometimes the software is only available at a download site. All I can say is be careful. I’ve certainly downloaded Macrium from CNet, and it’s been fine. However, when you’re given the option, always avoid any and all download managers or download accelerators. They’re really not that helpful, and often they are the cause of a lot of these problems.
Choose instead any direct download link that’s offered by the download site.
Ultimately, things really are just too risky. Many formerly reputable download sites have lost a tremendous amount of trust in the community. I strongly recommend avoiding them all unless there’s no alternative – and even then, do think twice about whether you really want that download.
And for the record, yes, I think you really do need Macrium Reflect.
Malware is the bane of the Internet. Seriously, few things on the web are as dangerous as contracting malware, and few things are as time-consuming as the process of malware removalThe Complete Malware Removal GuideThe Complete Malware Removal GuideMalware is everywhere these days, and eradicating malware from your system is a lengthy process, requiring guidance. If you think your computer is infected, this is the guide you need.Read More. Avoid at all cost.
But here’s the thing about malware: It’s not enough to install a top-notch security suite5 Best Free Internet Security Suites for Windows5 Best Free Internet Security Suites for WindowsWhich security suite do you trust the most? We look at five of the best free security suites for Windows, all of which offer anti-virus, anti-malware, and real-time protection features.Read More. You’ll have to change your bad security habitsChange Your Bad Habits & Your Data Will Be More SecureChange Your Bad Habits & Your Data Will Be More SecureRead More and start doing what the experts do8 Tips for Online Safety Used by Security Experts8 Tips for Online Safety Used by Security ExpertsWant to stay safe online? Then forget everything you think you know about passwords, antivirus and online security because it's time to be retrained. Here's what the experts actually do.Read More.
![Download Download](https://dl1.cbsistatic.com/i/2017/02/18/7f644d71-ec9a-4c05-813c-860f52dc4cc1/848ae528149eae5dfb51be7681729e9c/imgingest-1851892446051227950.png)
And if there’s one habit that you must kill as soon as possible, it’s the carefree downloading of software from any and all sites. Today, free. software download sites are one of the most common sources of bloatware and even malware.
1. CNET Download
Go around and ask people what they think of CNET Download — the site formerly known as Download.com — and most of them will probably tell you to stay away. You should heed that advice if you know what’s good for you.
CNET Download has been around since 1996, making it 20 years old at the time of this writing. It used to be the most popular download destination on the web, but in those two decades, the site has really gone downhill.
In 2011, the site introduced a download manager program called CNET TechTracker that was allegedly full of toolbars and bloatware, which was so bad that it was eventually flagged by security suites. Then in 2015, malware was found to be bundled with their installer files.
Can you download files safely from CNET Download? Yes, you can, but it’s risky. Few people trust CNET Download anymore and using the site is akin to crossing a minefield. Your next step could be your last.
2. Tucows
Tucows is another free download site in the vein of CNET Download. What’s funny is that Tucows is actually older than CNET Download — by about three years. Started in 1993, Tucows is one of the oldest download sites in the world.
In 2008, Tucows announced that they would be shifting focus away from software downloads to diversify their business. It would go on to launch the Ting mobile service networkThe Best US Cellular Data Plans for Your SmartphoneThe Best US Cellular Data Plans for Your SmartphoneThough mobile phones have improved over the years, cellular plans have either stayed the same or gotten worse. Luckily, we've found the best deals for US smartphone users.Read More, among other business ventures.
Since shifting focus, Tucows has been involved in a few malware-related incidents. For example, in 2010, it served malvertisements to visitors. And in 2015, Emsisoft found that Tucows served the most potentially unwanted programs with its downloads.
We recommend staying away. There are better sites out there with more up-to-date repositories and less malware to worry about.
3. Softonic
Not to be confused with Softpedia, which is mostly reputable for what it is, Softonic is another ancient download site that has been around for a long time — since 1997 — and it’s actually foreign, based in Spain.
Starting in 2009, Softonic spearheaded several different distribution models, including the Softonic Toolbar and the Softonic Downloader. Even when users opted out, they were blasted with these kinds of unwanted programs, which is why Softonic has such a poor reputation now.
In 2015, the co-founder of CNET Download became the new CEO of Softonic. The Toolbar and Downloader were immediately dismantled and the site promised to dedicate itself to clean and safe software, but it’s still too early to tell.
Considering how poorly CNET Download has performed in terms of delivering clean and safe software, we recommend treating Softonic with similar caution and avoiding it until the site proves itself and walks the talk.
4. Public Torrent Trackers
Despite what a lot of people think, torrenting itself isn’t actually illegal. Indeed, there are plenty of legal torrents out there11 Online Sources to Find Legal Torrents11 Online Sources to Find Legal TorrentsRecent events have seen well-known torrent directories like BTJunkie closing their doors or being threatened with closure, leaving many people wondering about the legalities of torrents and which directories are still open to find them..Read More and they’re all valid and legitimate. But let’s be real: if you torrent, you’re probably doing it illegally.
We don’t condone the practice, but if you are going to download torrents, heed this warning. Public torrent tracker sitesTop 10 Free Torrent Alternatives to The Pirate BayTop 10 Free Torrent Alternatives to The Pirate BayThe Pirate Bay is a shadow of its former self. Head to these sites for some of the best Pirate Bay alternatives for free torrents.Read More like ThePirateBay may contain malware.
For example, malvertising is a big concernWhat Is Malvertising and How Can You Prevent It?What Is Malvertising and How Can You Prevent It?Malvertising is on the rise! Learn more about what is it, why it's dangerous, and how can you stay safe from this online threat.Read More where advertisements are used to distribute malware. Malware can also exist inside fake torrent downloads. If you download a movie and it says you need to install a special video codec, that “codec” is probably malware.
According to a 2015 study, users are 28 times more likely to contract malware from torrent sites than mainstream websites.
Long story short, torrents are risky. The risk goes down if you switch to using private torrent trackersThe Best 3 Private Torrent Trackers That You Should Be Invited ToThe Best 3 Private Torrent Trackers That You Should Be Invited ToJust like the good old Napster days though, public torrent sites and trackers are riddled with trojans and other garbage. The best way to enjoy your filesharing experience is getting an invite to one of..Read More but even those can be dangerous, if you aren’t careful.
5. File Hosting Services
Piracy exists in many forms. Torrenting is the most controversial and public form, of course, but file hosting sites make up a huge chunk of the piracy realm. Remember the now-defunct MegaUpload?Why MegaUpload, And Who's Next?Why MegaUpload, And Who's Next?In the middle of some very aggressive anti-SOPA/PIPA protests, the feds managed to prove that they don't need to pass such a bill to pull the plug on a certain internet website. The casualty this..Read More Yeah, those sites.
Like torrent sites, file hosting sites are prone to malvertising attacks and downloads that contain malware, but they also have a third form of malware distribution: the fake download button.
We’ve all seen it before. You search for a pirated copy of a book or music album, for example, and arrive at a site like Turbobit or HugeFiles — only to see DOWNLOAD HERE all over the place. Here’s a good rule of thumb:
The bigger the download button, the faker it is.
We’ve written before on how to spot and avoid fake download buttonsHow To Spot, And Avoid, Ads Disguised As Download ButtonsHow To Spot, And Avoid, Ads Disguised As Download ButtonsRead More but these tricksters are constantly evolving and getting more deceptive. The only foolproof way to protect yourself is to avoid file hosting sites altogether.
6. Warez Exchange Forums
This one is sort of a corollary to the point directly above, but you should avoid warez sites as much as you can. For those who don’t know, warez are a form of piracy that mainly involves cracked software.
Warez are usually exchanged within a community, though these communities can be publicly accessible through search engines. Most often, warez exchanges exist as forums but use various file hosting services for the actual sharing.
The threats are the same here: malvertising, fake warez, and infected warez downloads.
7. The Windows Store
There are so many reasons not to use the Windows Store. The lack of many important and popular appsCan Microsoft's Desktop App Converter Save the Windows Store?Can Microsoft's Desktop App Converter Save the Windows Store?Soon you will be able to download legacy software from the Windows Store. Desktop App Converter can turn Windows applications into a Universal Windows Platform application. The Windows Store could finally be useful!Read More is a huge downside, but there’s also a plethora of dead and abandoned appsHow Dead Apps Are Drowning the Windows StoreHow Dead Apps Are Drowning the Windows StoreDead apps are everywhere in the Windows Store. Why are apps abandoned, how does it affect users, and how could Microsoft solve this dilemma? We analyze the sad state of the Windows Store.Read More that simply don’t work anymore.
But most of all, it seems as if the Windows Store isn’t as impervious to malware as once hoped.
The two biggest selling points of the Windows Store are: one, it’s highly regulated to filter out scamware and malware, and two, apps run in a sandbox to prevent them from gaining access to system files and processes.
Is Cnet A Safe Website
Well, we’ve known for a while that the Windows Store is full of scamware and deceptive appsDon't Be Fooled! 5 Tips To Avoid Fake Apps In The Windows StoreDon't Be Fooled! 5 Tips To Avoid Fake Apps In The Windows StoreThe Windows Store has been spoiled by useless junkware and scams. Microsoft recently purged many fake apps, but the store still features questionable apps. We show you how not to get scammed.Read More, but the sandbox aspect has been pretty good… up until now, at least.
Not long ago, ZDNet discovered a Windows Store app that used an in-app advertisement to download unwanted software. Microsoft is doing its best to solve this security hole, but for now, you may want to avoid downloading anything from the Windows Store.
Best Free Antivirus For Windows 10
Which Download Sites Do You Avoid?
This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it’s an important starting point. Too many sites out there can deliver malicious trojans and worms7 Types of Computer Viruses to Watch Out For and What They Do7 Types of Computer Viruses to Watch Out For and What They DoMany types of computer viruses can steal or destroy your data. Here are some of the most common viruses and what they do.Read More to your computer and it’s your duty to be wary and vigilant. You can turn to the safest software download sitesThe Safest free. software download Sites for WindowsThe Safest free. software download Sites for WindowsMany software download sites are loaded with malware. We compiled websites you can trust when you need a free. software download.Read More, but they’re not perfect, either. Do remain cautious!
What should you do when you discover malware on your system? Follow our step-by-step guide to fighting a malware infection10 Steps To Take When You Discover Malware On Your Computer10 Steps To Take When You Discover Malware On Your ComputerWe would like to think that the Internet is a safe place to spend our time (cough), but we all know there are risks around every corner. Email, social media, malicious websites that have worked..Read More.
Now you tell us: which nasty download sites do you avoid at all cost? What’s the worst bit of malware you’ve ever contracted? Share with us down in the comments!
Explore more about: Install Software, Malware, Ransomware, Spyware.
Is It Safe To Download From Cnet Windows 10
- Torrents are not evil. Distrowatch and LibreOffice both use torrents. It is the content, and not the container, that makes it legal or not. That is like saying anyone who uses Linux has something to hide. Nah. We like a system that is less vulnerable to crap programs and malicious code. Aarti songs free download mp3. Not impregnable, but stronger. Windows has done more damage with an update than most viruses have. People need to just pay attention. Learn about this stuff more. If you own a car, you learn how to work on it. If you have a computer, then learn about the dangers, and be smart enough to avoid them. Learn what a sandbox is. Use it if you question the program. VM. Find out what it is. Soon you will know who to trust and who to avoid. Nuff said.
- Soft32 should also get a dishonourable mention. The scumware is strong with them too.
- Snapfiles is one I've used. I miss the PC Utilities magazine.
- Snapfiles is one I've used. Miss the PC Utilities magazine. Great source for apps and reviews.
- majorgeeks.com for the win. These guys install and test everything before it is posted to their site, and if anything changes they flag it and will pull it if it is warranted. Besides the developer's site itself it is my go to destination.
- Major geeks is one of the worst if you ask me. I have had several malwares added to my downloads from there in last two years. I wont use them at all anymore.
- Windows Help-desk customer service phone number +1–844–445-4480 this is for united states for other countries you may also contact through skype and by this numberMicrosoft Northern California District555 California, Suite 200
San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone:(844) 445-4480
Fax:(415) 896-1458 - Google the app you need and go directly to developer's site :)
- What about browser extensions ?
How do you know which are safe and which are not ? - I like filehippo never had a problem and great autoupdater!
- #4??
- two #5?
- There is only ever one place from which to download software - the developer's site. End of.
- often, it's full of bloatware even the developer's site edition
- So what are some safe download sites?
- Never mind ..
- A - The VERSIONTRACKER DOWNLOAD CNET Site Always Has A Link To The..B - ..Original Developers Site.---C - Use ( A ) To Do Your Research,D - Use ( B ) To Download The Latest Version, And You Get....The Best Of Both Worlds.Problem Solved.Cheers.
- Good one!
- ( My UserName Disappeared On Old Posts - I Do Not Know Why )---Cheers.
- There are some blogs that link to CNET Download when they write about a software program. I prefer to download software from the publishers website.
- '[Softonic is] actually foreign, based in Spain.'Love the racism there. Nice one. I'm guessing the writer of this article is American. Well, see here, pal: where you live is foreign to more than 95% of the world's population, and a site being hosted in the States is no kind of guarantee of probity.
- So now if you state that anything is from a foreign country, that makes you a racist? By you stating that the writer is 'probably American', I would say that makes you racist! There has always one in the crowd that reads something into something that isn't there. See you next Tuesday!
- No, my comments were based upon the fact that the writer mentioned several US-based websites without comment, then idenfied another, Softonic, as 'foreign'. Now, if they'd simply said, '[Softonic is] based in Spain', that would be factual, and independent of the nationality of the writer - although I'd still question whether it's relevant to the discussion.But the use of the word 'foreign' stronly implies xenophobia on the part of the writer - as if Spanish websites (or organizations) were inherently less trustworthy than US ones.For the record, I'm neither North American, nor do I have any significant connections to Spain - but in the face of the present rise of the more dangerous forms of nationalism globally, I feel that xenophobia should be identified and challenged, for everyone's sake.
- 'But the use of the word “foreign” stronly implies xenophobia on the part of the writer'
So, in your interpretation, the word FOREIGN, means 'racist'. That interpretation is foreign to the vast majority of English speakers. Only an oversensitive person looking to start a fight would come up with that meaning of the word.
- I think he just wanted to say that unlike the other websites of the top, Softonic is not american (where he lives). I live on a country that I would say 80% of the world don't know about its existance.
- Holy shit pal..CALM. DOWN. Wow.
- The problem with the paragraph about Softonic is not that, but that he didn't even bothered to check if there is any download manager or toolbar at all, which there isn't. He says to let them walk the talk, but he didn't do it yourself.I've worked there for almost 10 years and even I always hated and always will hate the toolbars managers and such, they are gone now and a very intensive work have been done cleaning other third party hazards (the ones coming from evil developers etc).Anyway, I don't work there anymore and I don't give a crap about it. For all I care, always go to the original developer website, but stay alert nonetheless. That's the right thing to do.
- Second that.
- Ok, that is hysterical. Approved scam spam on a forum about safe downloads. Sorry, but it's funny.
- In theory tucows became better very recently: https://www.thestreet.com/story/13554418/1/tucows-removes-ads-from-its-popular-software-download-site.html
- I like #4 the most.
- 'Microsoft is doing its best to solve this security hole'
Are you trying to make a funny, Joel? MS is probably complicit in the advertising. Either they place the ads themselves or they take money from advertisers to place the ads. With MS's past record of security (or lack thereof) and of tracking its users, I would not believe anything they say.