WARNING: CNET Download.com downloads now come bundled with opt-out crapware and toolbars
August 23, 2011 45
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One of the worst parts of bundled software is that the vast majority of people don’t actually read installers as they go by, they simply click NEXT NEXT NEXT NEXT. This means downloader’s computers get filled to the brim with stuff they don’t want and stuff they’ll never use. Luckily, software developers know people hate this and have taken to bundling less and less with their code.
However, Download.com now bundles its own crapware with those software developers’ code you download from its site. Wait, what?
Image Credit: Geek&Poke
After downloading a program from Download.com, you’ll notice that it’s not actually an installer–just another downloader. (Firefox is several megabytes, not 400KB!)
Starting this new web installer, you’ll notice that it’s a four step process in place of a one-step process. Not only that, but it complicates the already complicated process of installing new software.
You’ll notice that, before letting you actually download anything, it wants to install a new toolbar, change your search engine, and even change your homepage.
Only after accepting or declining these toolbars will you actually be allowed to install your own software.
The only way to avoid this new installer is to log into CNET and clicking the small Direct Download link:
Luckily for users, alternative download sites exist. Several popular ones include Softpedia.com, which marks programs with toolbars included; FileHippo, which has an amazing updater available as well; and MajorGeeks, which has a usable, clutter-free interface.
Via Lifehacker and Ghacks
![[Ask dotTechies] Best download website?](http://dottech.org/wp-content/themes/dt/timthumb.php?src=http://dottech.org/wp-content/themes/dt/images/thumbnail.png&w=134&zc=1)
Thats unfortunate. :(
@PCBasics: yeah :-( it’s too bad, it was nice to have just one site to visit for all my downloading needs. But I guess it’s off to softpedia for me noe!
@Locu: Yep its been my main [trustable] download source for years………
Just go to filehippo.com. I found every things and they even send you daily update about new softwares or updates if you wish. By the way that’s the place where the maker of CCleaner send you for download.
Well,it’s MG from now on-truly a crying shame as I always used CNET.Oh,where’s the Facebook auto sign up feature in that raft of crap?!
@PCbasics: Whaaat???? I’ve always hated downloading from cnet because of that bar on the bottom which just makes everything a mess. It also makes the page load slower sometimes.
Oh no :( Now cnet are at it as well? It had to be my go to place for programs, didn’t it?
this is a really really stupid adware :(
What the *)#%K4*& do they think they will accomplish by this? Guess I can read the reviews at CNet, then download from Softpedia or FileHippo.
Noticed this earlier. Fortunately not all downloads have been affected. So Download.com has taken the path of softonic….x-(
it seems like when you sign into cnet, a direct download link is available. But (sigh) the charm is gone….
If you have an account with download.com and log in, you can click on a link to download without the bundled crap. I think Facebook accounts work, too.
@Ashraf: by the way, I noticed this post is second to an already published one. Is there a way you could change that?
I’ll update the article with the if-you-sign-in thing when I get home.
PCbasics 1st comments were my thought exactly. I experienced the added complication not too long ago. It would make me find somewhere else to download whatever program I’m after.
@Locutus: I did that the second I saw this post. :-) Is this still showing as second for you? I may need to clear the cache.
@Ashraf: Nah, I was on my Touchpad with limited connectivity (public wifi <3) and I was using the Touchpad’s WordPress app.
@Locutus: I wish I had a Touchpad :-( Which reminds me, I need to put the mobile version of dotTech back up. *Sigh* I am too old for this *Sigh*
@Ashraf: You were the one that posted about it xD
But that’s not where I learned about it. I found it on Gizmodo and Engadget long before then. :P
And then I waited in line for 2 hours on Sunday to get one :O
Now I’m just writing one sentence per line with an emote at the end. :)
If you really want to you can always make me admin ;-)
BTW at all MajorGeeks fans: I hate MajorGeeks. I just don’t like the template/layout. So ugly. o_O
Let me the flame ware begin.
Same here, Ashraf. I added it simply because everyone else was on their own articles :-P
I have always hated Cnet and only go there as a last resort. As far as MajorGeeks I like the site myself as I find the ratings and information very useful and they also have many discontinued programs still available for download. But to each their own. We all like our computing devices to fit the way we work and it is the same with sites to it seems. Thanks for the heads up; I always hate it when more shovelware comes with our software.
CNET TechTracker – one of the free tools (like SUMO, PC Authority), which scan your apps and lists updates worked pretty well (other than dying occasionally) until they started on this … dubious track (get it?) Ok, weak pun.
Maybe it’s time for a good review of update tools? (This isn’t it- just a starter for, well, say 5..)
Any scanner would usefully distinguish between freeware and commercial versions, as updating a commercial version often means you need a new license. TechTracker is one of the few to do so, alas.
SUMO I find confusing- it seems to need to rescan before it lists updates.
PC Authority’s UpdateScanner seems to list a whole bunch of apps I don’t have as well.
UpdateStar free is limited, and really points you to the commercial version.
FileHippo’s only picks up a very few apps, so is extremely limited.
DC Updater is exclusively for Donation Coder programs
Secunia PSI has a different (and useful) objective, and does not do a comprehensive scan.
David, may I ask what “update tools” has to do with Download.com using a bundle/crap ware? Am I missing something here folks?
CNet has been banished since I discovered this. Softpedia is a very good alternative
It took me a while to find the direct download link after the first few times I went thru this ;)