Getting "Free" software on the Internet |
Introduction
Software download sites |
This web page is a set of links, with guide notes, for my son. It focuses on the more reputable general sites for software downloads. All of these sites work to screen out disreputable or virus laden software. This does not mean that all downloads you might find on these sites are safe; make sure you know what you are doing and understand the software before you install it! If you find programs for Grandma & Grandpa's MAC, clear all downloads with them first.
If all warnings and precautions fail and you crash your system, fix it! (If you do it to my system or Grampa's, fess up and let us fix it.) You may be able to get direction and help from one of the resources on my help list. Your McAffee Office system repair software will often help, but sometimes it can damage more than it fixes. Hopefully, you made a backup of the system before you tried loading shareware. Chances are, if things are serious, you will need to ask a help site for a solution using someone else's computer. Be sure to keep careful track of all error messages and steps you took.
| Where | Good points | Bad points |
| DaveCentral | One of the best for browsing-- title organization is easier to follow; good function summaries; often has program screen shots (animated gif-of-the-day can be fun) | Search capability is limited; easier just to browse |
| Download.com | Large quantity of titles (similar to ZDNet); good full-text searches; good popularity searches (site by C|Net) | Poor /limited descriptive summaries for making choices; no file size /rating searches |
| File World | Large quantity of software titles; keyword searches (Associated with PC World Magazine) | Although current titles are ranked, general rating ranked searches aren't offered |
| File Finder | Not just a download site: This searches all of the internet, including 7000+ FTP sites, for program, graphic, sound etc. download files. | No screening against virus or malicious content. Use with caution. |
| No Nags | All titles are freeware or fully functional shareware! | Win 95, 98, NT systems only; poor search capabilities, ratings have little value in separating the good from bad; some extra features only available for paid members |
| Software Now! | Bare-bones, but decent, array of software | No search mechanism; no detailed reviews, poor site design |
| Stroud's | Best for internet apps, web based message posting forum | Only good for Internet apps; search function is poor |
| Tucow's | Similar to Stroud's | Surveys generate reasonably reliable software ratings; basic keyword searches only |
| WinFiles | Lots ot titles, some automatically register upon download, windows icon-style interface is attractive | Win 95, 98, NT, & CE systems only; fair to poor searching and browsing support |
| ZDNet Library | Best total quantity of titles (although the quantity can be overwhelming); all software verified virus free; useful application summary and rating with each title; best power search; filtering by rating and file size (Associated with Ziff-Davis Magazines: PCMagazine, etc.) | no full-text or popularity searches; can't limit the number of returns or see a summary of total returns on a search; site browsing takes more effort |
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