Software Download Sites: Beware

After Terri's experience with her anti-virus getting turned off by malware, thought I would post this. A very interesting read and mirrors my own experiences with previously trusted download sites. Even good old Tucows has gone to the dark side. My rule is to ONLY download software from the developer website.

Software Download Sites: Beware

While this is a great and informative article, what is right at the top under the title? An offer for a free scan of your registry! A perfect example of what the article is preaching against! And where does the link take you? To CNET, one of the worst offenders!

Yikes !!!! Thanks for that, Draclvr

Good article.
I'm not seeing any ad under the title -- I suppose because AdBlock is blocking it.

I can't stand those "downloaders." Some developer sites use them too now -- or integrate a crapware install with the installer. With developer sites, I've only seen Google Toolbar and McAfee Scanner, but I still don't want them. You ALWAYS have to watch the install process and make sure there isn't a window where you have to uncheck the boxes for unwanted software.

They lie about the speed. The only reason the downloader might be faster than the direct download is that it's deliberate -- they deliberately throttle the direct download or relegate it to a connection with lower bandwidth. But even a slow download speed takes less of your time than removing unwanted crapware that snuck through during the install.

I don't think that the actual Cnet site is bad but once you try to download something it is like going to the land of horrible evils. I think the download services they use are totally different entities than Cnet.
What do you think.

I'm sure you're right, Geo. But the download experiences I've had have tainted my opinion of the entire CNET website. I refuse to use them for anything now... I don't even trust their reviews. Are they planted just to make more money?

The last experience with CNET when I unchecked everything and STILL got the cursed Conduit load of crapware and adware, that did it. I was testing out a piece of software that I thought might help someone before I recommended it. Sure glad I did because this individual would not have known how to get rid of the crapware.

I have AdBlocker and I still see this "Recommended... scan your computer for invalid registry entries..."

I don't have "AdBlocker."
I have "AdBlock Plus" for Firefox and it uses the EasyList filter set.
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/

Just installed Ad Block Plus and the ad is gone. I think I have Ad Block Plus on my Windows 7 computer, but had forgotten to install it on my Firefox on Windows 8. Thank you, Jenny!!

Draclvr, can you get Ad Block for IE Windows 7? If you can were can I get.

Thank you.

I have Ad Block for win xp,is it the same as Ad Block plus.
Richard

lindy236,

Just google Ad Block Plus.
The link will take you to the download page and it will probably ask you if you want to download it for your particular browser since it recognizes the browser you are using.
There is a big red shield at the top left that's the shape of a stop sign with ABP on it.
I remember a BIG button that said Install for Opera.

Gil.

These add-ons are specific to your browser. Jenny linked me to Ad Block Plus which is for Firefox. You would have to check in the available add-ons for IE or whatever browser you are using.

Draclvr, Thank you so much for this link and information. I am also a victim of Conduit. I managed to get rid of the "crapware", but still have an "ERROR" sign when I start the computer.

I also have someone who is getting a dll error related to Conduit at startup. Check your statup programs and see if it's listed there... Also look for something called Brothersoft in your add/remove programs. That's also related to Conduit.

Adblock Plus definitely recognized Opera without my checking for add-ons and displayed a big Install button.
When it installs, it does install as an Opera Extension.

Gil.

I'm glad to hear there is a version of Adblock Plus for Opera.
One place to install Adblock Plus for Opera is at the add-on site for Opera at
https://addons.opera.com/en/extensions/details/opera-adblock/

Thanks to all. I just downloaded the "AdBlock Plus"

Bets

Same here! Thanks for bringing up the subject and mentioning Adblock Plus. I just assumed I had to put up with those annoying ads. I downloaded and installed Ad Block Plus add-on for the 3 browsers I use- so far it's working like a charm!

Going to DL also......Great Info...