My favorite download site, by a substantial margin, is CNET’s Download.com. I trust the programs I download from this site to be free from adware, spyware, and the multitude of other malware that floats freely on the Internet.
Since CNET adheres to a strict policy of offering untainted downloads, regular readers of Tech Thoughts know, that when I review an application, if the program is available for download at Download.com, I direct interested readers there.
If you’ve ever wondered what applications make it to the top of CNET’s vast repository of software, then take a look at the top 20 downloads for the week ending July 2, 2011, listed in terms of popularity.
Here’s a look at what’s hot:
1. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2011
Downloads last week: 1,149,295
2. RealPlayer
Downloads last week: 775,522
Downloads last week: 734,754
Downloads last week: 708,205
Downloads last week: 640,589
Downloads last week: 392,594
Downloads last week: 390,689
8. TeamViewer
Downloads last week: 389,105
Downloads last week: 363,161
Downloads last week: 355,868
11. Virtual DJ
Downloads last week: 316,837
12. PhotoScape
Downloads last week: 289,353
13. Free YouTube to MP3 Converter
Downloads last week: 286,598
Downloads last week: 276,425
15. MyVideoConverter
Downloads last week: 274,045
16. Ad-Aware Free Internet Security
Downloads last week: 246,708
17. VLC Media Player
Downloads last week: 223,572
18. GOM Media Player
Downloads last week: 203,111
19. UMPlayer
Downloads last week: 183,894
20. CNET TechTracker
Downloads last week: 183,430
Keep in mind that an application’s popularity is not always indicative of its strength, but I’ve tested the majority of these programs, at one time or another, and found many to be every bit as good as advertised.
Additional high quality download sites that are worth investigating:
MajorGeeks is here to help you get the most out of your computer mainly by offering tools to the beginner or advanced user (hopefully you someday). Try not to be overwhelmed, just take it one step at a time. Your hosts (Jim and Tim) are both self taught, as are many of our visitors.
SourceForge.net is the biggest and best place to download and develop free open source software.
Freeware, shareware, and trialware files for your PC.
Freeware, demo and shareware programs to download in several categories. Also features latest updates and most popular downloads.
I’m always on the hunt for safe, clean download sites so, if you’ve got a favorite site I’d be happy to hear about it.
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Bill Mullins' Weblog - Tech Thoughts 