rotas»sator

cNet’s Download.com has become what I think is the first major download site to purge programs containing adware & spyware from its directory (kudos to Spyware Warrior for beating me to this one! ).

cNet’s new policy

While they can’t guarantee that every program is free of parasites, their policy has already removed over 600 programs from the listing and will make it hard for purveyors of slimeware to spread their infections through their site.

Every time a new file is submitted to the CNET Download.com site through Upload.com, our editors download, install, and scan the program using up to three industry-standard anti-spyware tools: currently these include Lavasoft Ad-Aware, Webroot Spy Sweeper, and PC-Tools Spyware Doctor. If the program is identified by any of these programs as containing adware, we will decline to list it on Download.com. We also virus-scan every listing in the course of uploading it to our secure servers, and routinely review and rate the majority of products for overall quality.

Take note of their differentiation between adware and ad-supported software, as there are many legitimate (and safe) programs out there such as the Opera browser.

Please note that Download.com distinguishes adware, which is a bundled and typically third-party product, from ad-supported software. Software that is ad supported but does not bundle adware includes Opera, AIM, and other applications that serve ads from within the interface of the program. We do allow ad-supported programs on Download.com.

While ads served through these programs may be annoying, they are safe compared to the nefarious underhandedness of slimeware.

Download recommendations

Downloading software still remains a bit of a risky business. As it stands at the moment, I’d suggest only downloading from the following:

• Reputable software vendor sites, such as Microsoft, Apple, Sun, etc (yeah, I know these are a matter of opinion ) — these companies have a vested interest in keeping their programs stable and free of parasites;
• Sourceforge, the main site for open source software, with some great products such as Audacity, AbiWord, PDF Creator and 7-Zip (the main site is admittedly a bit difficult for people who aren’t technically savvy);
• Trustworthy computer security companies, such as those listed on Wilders.org’s Anti-Virus list or Spyware Warrior’s Trustworthy Anti-Spyware Products list for all your spyware fighting needs;
• cNet Download.com, now that they have a slimeware-free policy (see above).

Hmmm… that’s my short list for the moment. What do you think? Any more “safe” sites you can think of to add to the list?

Disclaimer: Please don’t use this list as a carte blanche to just download anything from these sites without using some discretion. Be aware that there will probably always be a risk involved with downloading software.

Blessings, Steve

[Listening to Passion, Our Love Is Loud — Come Thou Fount]