There is a good article by Anand (HappyAndyK), the owner of the Windows Club, that describes which download sites to avoid and which ones to favor. I think it is worth reading and I like to share it with you.
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/safe-s...download-sites
Thanks for the link Wolfgang.
There are a few recommended sites that I never used before.
I'll have to check them out and see what they have to offer.
I have been using FileHippo and have noticed things have change. I will be look for another download site.
Thanks Wolfgang.
My favorite is MajorGeeks and that's still recommended.
I use FileHippo when I'm looking for older versions, I don't know any other site that offers all the old versions.
That's a good point. But sometimes the newer stuff comes with crapware. If you watch out, that's not too bad but the untrained user may fall for it.I use FileHippo when I'm looking for older versions, I don't know any other site that offers all the old versions.
The problem would be trivially solved by just using official downloads of everything instead of the so-called "alternative servers". Reality is that any third party site cannot offer security or even up-to-date versions of anything, while the real developer will always provide the best possible package (of course developers could choose to voluntarily infect their programs with anything, but that's another history).
In short, NEVER, EVER use ANY download site, for no reason, unless you want problems. In the best case it will provide the same original software, and can potentially infect your computer with anything they want.
The "portable programs are also an interesting alternative. If you're not forced to enter your admin password into an UAC box there is no chance of installing anything in the computer.
That is no solution either because the 'official sites' very often use 'download helpers' that give you the crapware.The problem would be trivially solved by just using official downloads of everything instead of the so-called "alternative servers"
I've also seen where the "official downloads" from the software vendor often redirect to somewhere else, such as CNET for the download.
I have seen the same thing David.
It seem to be a never ending battle just to get clean downloads.
Yea, it's sad
The article linked by whs does say CNET now has "direct download links" (always)...
I used them years ago, but now close the window as soon as i get redirected there.
I'll have to play with that to see if it's true, and i can trust it...
For me, I spend the extra time testing, verifying, etc. any new downloads...
The problem I have is when someone I personally help asks me to help.
It may be a new PC, old PC (OS) with issues, i just never know.
It's getting to the point for me, I'd rather transfer my working, clean, and trusted installer from my PC to their PC.
Quote