Stop using CNET for windows software

Scougar · 8 Nov 2013 at 22:40

Probably old news now, but CNET appears to be now forcing you to use their "Secure Download" option to download software form their site. Just installing CPU-Z I had three adware programs installed on my machine

Got rid now thankfully.

Never had a problem until now. Shame I used to use it all the time.

Si105 · 8 Nov 2013 at 22:49

"Direct download link" is directly below the download button.

If you click that one instead, you'll avoid the CNET BS.

edit: wow not anymore, thats horrible

will be joining you in avoiding them.

Snodge · 8 Nov 2013 at 22:52

That sucks CNET were such a good site for mirrors, what a great shame

Scougar · 8 Nov 2013 at 23:41

I never saw the direct download link! Normally I'm very careful as all the adverts try to look like download buttons. Perhaps it is just me!

KIA · 9 Nov 2013 at 11:20

Sourceforge is doing something similar.

http://blog.malwarebytes.org/online-security/2013/11/sourceforge-drives-off-downloads-ask-why/

This could be avoided if Windows had a proper desktop app store with strict rules.

gillywibble · 9 Nov 2013 at 12:17

Sucks doesn't it?

marc2003 · 9 Nov 2013 at 12:30

if the original software maker wants to bundle crap in their own software, that's fine with me so long as it's prompts you on install and doesn't do anything by stealth. as they're providing their software for free, they deserve to earn some money.

but these hosting providers can ****ing do one. i never used cnet but it's a shame to see sourceforge taking this route.

jeffa123 · 9 Nov 2013 at 14:20

On installation of 99% of software even from CNET now you get these added downloads like Google etc. but you can either remove the tick from installing the added software or to decline it at install. you will still install the software package you want it just means you have to decline everything else. The law says they have to give you a choice or they cannot offer you it in the installation. Even CNET knows this. Even this weeks question crosses the same threshold on preventing your browser being hijacked.

Matteysan · 9 Nov 2013 at 16:36

http://www.filehippo.com/

I'll leave this here, been using filehippo for years & never had a problem.

theheyes · 9 Nov 2013 at 17:19

On a related note has anybody else had the recent Flash Player download experience? Even if you opt for the Flash Player only option the installer fetches Google Toolbar and Chrome in the background regardless and starts installing. You opt out by cancelling the installation while it's happening. I left Google some stinking feedback on their automatic feedback page every time I had to uninstall the stuff I didn't ask for. I'm glad I wasn't on a metered connection.

I don't know whether something was "broken" and whether it has been fixed or changed since but I was not impressed. You cant seem to get anything these days without scrutinizing it for junk add ons.

asim18 · 9 Nov 2013 at 21:08

I honestly cant remember the last time I used CNET for anything. For some reason I've hated it since I was a kid.

Do you really have to think twice about a site where it takes TWO clicks to get from the homepage to this load of BS: http://downloads.cnet.co.uk/view/games/play-with-me-sex-game-40357014/

And CPUz is available from its official site.

Glanza · 9 Nov 2013 at 21:11

No doubt you'll have to pay some sort of subscription to remove this feature.

gillywibble · 9 Nov 2013 at 23:04

Matteysan said:
http://www.filehippo.com/

I'll leave this here, been using filehippo for years & never had a problem.

Filehippo is my first download source (and of course the update feature is excellent), but it doesn't store all software which is where Cnet & Sourceforge came in handy.

V F · 10 Nov 2013 at 00:07

asim18 said:
I honestly cant remember the last time I used CNET for anything.

Probably the days of download managers…

jeffa123 · 10 Nov 2013 at 01:15

All free downloads come with some type of add ons now because that actually pays their bills more than the software itself. Remember free advertising on Google and a prime position in the advertising market on a search engine gets you and them more custom. So in other words its like the Ass shaking the Donkey's tail.