{{gwi:1503427}}Thanks EmmaR. I believe I've heard that called "opt out crapware", "bundled crapware", something like that.


I use WOT, have an account and occasionally rate/review sites. I rated cnet down the other day for doing something similar. Just now when I tried to go there I get a warning/reminder.


I realize cnet is huge and my rating won't make much difference but I choose to do it anyway.


Whenever possible I go directly to the source and skip all those download sites. Just a personal choice.


A related post: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/comphelp/msg1007012028062.html?2

chuggerguy, thanks for the reply. I missed the other thread, I was out of circulation for 3 days, I had surgery. I also use WOT and am very careful about the extras when I download something.

I have been seeing more concerns with software downloaded from CNET in that it includes unwanted material. It is even in what is normally "safe" applications such as this example.

Perhaps users should whenever possible use the desired application's parent site or friendly sites such as Filehippo or Major Geeks.

DA

I agree - if some site sends me to CNet's Download.com .. I won't download it from them unless I absolutely cant find it elsewhere. MajorGeeks is my choice but I can't send people there.. too many tempting/confusing options to click = other JUNK.

I too quit using Cnet download.com. Back when they put their own installer package that you had to use. NOPE don't need it don't want it.
I like Major Geeks too but I agree they really need to change up their download pages they are way too confusing.
Unfortunately so many companies were using Cnet before they went to the dark side so they still have a link with them.

The article by the malwarebytes folks about this is a great example and I have had people go to get malwarebytes and instead get some dreadful malware instead.
As Corrine said yesterday try using the bleeping computer link instead it is a good link.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

BillP of winpatrol also wrote a good article about the dangers of downloading definitely worth reading
The Dangers of Downloading Free Software

using ninite is also a good option if what you are wanting is offered there because you get the stripped version with no toolbars, addons or junk just the real thing. And you can suggest to them programs to get if they don't have what you need.
Ninite.com

I have always used the software's home site or cnet, hippo or major geeks. I think major geeks is where I downloaded revo instead of Hippo. Cnet is not an option anymore.

I tried revo's home site, but wasn't sure It was a good site, it was not like other sites I have visited.

Thanks for all the input.

I used to feel perfectly safe using CNet for downloading, but no more. It's a shame, too, since so many people have relied on them. I'll confine my downloading to Major Geeks or File Hippo until such time as one of these starts the "crap". I also feel safe using any links provided by Corinne in her blog.

grandms you bring up a good point! If you check Corrine's great blog daily she always tells when there is an update that needs to be done, whether it be java, flash, adobe, windows etc if it is important she will let you know.
Security Garden

Awe, how sweet. Thank you grandms and ravencajun.

EmmaR, you are correct in that even on vendor sites you need to be careful. Using the Revo site as an example, the object is to get people to download the 30-day Pro trial. After all, that's where they make money. The free version is located close to the bottom of the page at http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html

That said, I will always look for a download link at the vendor's site.

As to Revo, please be careful with it. Yes, it can be helpful if you have a stubborn program that doesn't seem to want to uninstall. However, I've also seen instances where it has ripped things out of the registry that it shouldn't have, doing more damage than good.

Windows is a closed source system. Developers of registry cleaners do not have the core code of Windows 7 and are not working on definitive information, but rather they are going on past knowledge and experience. Automatic cleaners will usually have to do some guesswork.

Modifying registry keys incorrectly can cause Windows instability, or make Windows unbootable. No registry cleaner is completely safe and the potential is ever present to cause more problems than they claim to fix.

Registry cleaners cannot distinguish between good and bad. If you run a registry cleaner, it will delete all those keys which are obsolete and sitting idle; but in reality, those keys may well be needed by some programs or windows at a later time.

Windows 7 is much more efficient at managing the registry than previous Windows versions. Forget all the "wisdom" you learned about XP. Windows 7 is not XP and does not manage the registry the same as XP.

Thank you Corrine, There are so few absolutes when dealing with a computer. It is a strange machine but I would not want to be without one. I believe they are so important I have bought 5 for other people. Three for family members who I felt needed it for their children and 2 others for their mental welfare. Something for them to focus on.

You're right, EmmaR. Its "The Great Escape". :)

Yes it is!