Download.com wraps downloads in bloatware

[Gnosis]

Do not forget http://wareseeker.com/ as an alternative.

 

[jamescv7]

I have no problems since no longer downloading application from CNET Downloads.

Filehippo was usually used for downloading application.

 

[Dejan]

This sucks, I usually do use Download.com for downloading stuff, guess not anymore.

 

[win7holic]

you're right dejan. i don't likes it.
download.com now is like brothersoft (now get orange WOT).

 

[jamescv7]

At least Download.com they maintain that applications were virus free unlike Brothersoft it was controversial caused some applications were malicious.

 

[Jack]

I guess Cnet wants everyone to make an account with them.

Giving less rights for guests to make them register usually works when you have something unique,which they won't be able to find anywhere else...and even then the people will still get annoyed and will dislike your site.
If I was a developer , like lets say MBAM I would remove my installer from that server ...not just because of the bad publicity but because less knowledgeable user could think that my installer comes bundled with Adware.

 

[illumination]

I do not think this is right either, although i have downloaded a couple programs through this new downloader.. It is not hard to stop for 3 seconds and un-tick the toolbars and home page, just an inconvenience. I do how ever prefer direct from the developer, but if not, I mostly use Filehippo...

 

[Littlebits]

I guess Cnet wants everyone to make an account with them.

Giving less rights for guests to make them register usually works when you have something unique,which they won't be able to find anywhere else...and even then the people will still get annoyed and will dislike your site.
If I was a developer , like lets say MBAM I would remove my installer from that server ...not just because of the bad publicity but because less knowledgeable user could think that my installer comes bundled with Adware.

In my opinion Download.com does have something unique "user ratings", the editor ratings really don't mean much, but user ratings for a product are very helpful.

You can go to all of the other download sites and see basically very few or no user ratings for many popular programs, but Download.com almost always has many user ratings and reviews. That is about all I can say that Download.com has to offer that other download sites lack. I commonly go there just to read user reviews on programs but don't usually download from their servers. I go directly to the vendor website or Softpedia.

I wished more users would post their ratings on Softpedia and other download sites.

I agree with you on the adware, if I was a vendor, I would remove my programs from their site. Many users could think that you product was bundled with that adware.

We will have to see how this will effect Download.com in the future, since most users are novice they will probably just install the adware crap and continue to use Download.com.

Thanks.