Adware/PUPs

[Formido]

I ran across this:
http://malwaretips.com/threads/sourceforge-net-adds-adware-installers-provided-by-ask-com.17247/
which appears to be closed, so would like to ask for opinions on which download sites are currently not purveyors of foistware/adware. As Littlebits said:

"Sourceforge is no longer a trusted download site, only offering online installers that download a bunch of crap to your temp folders even if you decline the adware."

Anyone have a list of trusted download sites?

 

[Ink]

Developers site usually offer alternative versions without the extra software. For example, http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/builds

Softpedia - http://www.softpedia.com/
MajorGeeks - http://www.majorgeeks.com/

Update:
Unchecky is awesome at assisting to prevent toolbars, PUPs and other unwanted software.
http://unchecky.com/

 

[Formido]

Developers site usually offer alternative versions without the extra software. For example, http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/builds
View attachment 9783

Softpedia - http://www.softpedia.com/
MajorGeeks - http://www.majorgeeks.com/

Update:
Unchecky is awesome at assisting to prevent toolbars, PUPs and other unwanted software.
http://unchecky.com/

Thanks for the info. Regarding lists of trusted/nasty sites, this is how far I've gotten on my own:
BLACKLIST:
CNET
Brothersoft
Softonic
FreewareFiles
Tucows
Sourceforge
Soft32

WHITELIST:
Download3k
Soft82
Fileguru
Snapfiles
Bleepingcomputer
Majorgeeks
Filehorse
Filehippo
Gizmo's Freeware

Note that those on the blacklist are there because Google searches using terms like 'CNET+adware installer", 'CNET+complaints', etc., turned up more than a few examples of foistware. Those on the whitelist are there because Google failed to dig up any dirt on them. As I have not used any of these download sites myself, I cannot guarantee anything.

These lists are ongoing, and subject to change, so if you know of any download sites that need to be researched, or any that belong on the blacklist or whitelist, feel free to contribute.

 

[conceptualclarity]

I think Filepuma is on the side of the angels, although I don't use it much.

I nearly always download from the developer's page. One less opportunity for hacking. Piriform, IObit, and a few others will send you to CNET if you try to download from their sites. So that's when I open a search page and look for Softpedia. I also trust downloadcrew and its sister softwarecrew. They have a differently-named Australian version.

I'm surprised to see Freeware Files listed with the bad guys. I have used it for research rather than downloading pretty much.

CNET is great for research. But I quit downloading there long ago.