[Windows i7 920]

I saw the rule on no direct links to downloads. What if the site that provides the download I post is owned by me and I'd rather post direct to avoid looking as though I'm trying to advertise my site?

Personally, I like to use my own site for giving downloads when possible as I have more control over making sure that the link I post elsewhere does not expire.

[Airbot]

If you post a direct link for a download of a program you created, that's fine. It's your own program, right? You can hotlink it all you want. Better to provide a link to information on what the program is if available though. What it does, manual, etc. Then having someone blindly downloading and installing it.

If you just post a direct link to software made by someone else, and you're just hosting it on your own website with/without permission, then post the link to the download page of the program developers site instead.