(Page 2 of 3)

CNET (or Download.com)
CNET and ZDNet are sites provided by the same company. Therefore they look a lot alike and offer the same kind of downloads and programs. Not only will you find similar lists and categories on this site compared to ZDNet, they both provide a list of most popular downloads. Difference is, CNET provides a list with their favorite freeware.

Both sites are very user friendly and provide good and reliable software for your computer. Definitely worth a recommendation.

Tucows
At Tucows you first select the platform you’re looking for, like Windows, Macintosh or Linux. You then get a summary of software available. Tucows judges the software by 1 to 5 cows (5 being best). After you decide to download some software, you will be redirected to a mirror site. Software from Tucows is generally safe, reliable and without viruses. Do note that we can never assure your computer of being safe from getting hit with viruses, worms or so on.

Version Tracker
This software site was originally meant for Mac-users, but has added a whole Windows software department. The latest programs are available on their home page and they also got loads of older software, which might still be interesting to you. If you want to use the VersionTracker’s search tool, you need to subscribe.

Snapfiles
This site is better known as WebAttack. There’s a Top100 downloads feature, as well as a Top20. Snapfiles also gives you an excellent search engine and separate freeware or shareware tabs. This way you can easily see whether you have to pay for the software or you can download and use it for free. Downloadable software is rated from 1 to 5 stars. Nice feature: The site has a "missing files-section" (at the top of navigation) where users can check ‘error messages’ received on program installation. Developers sometimes assume that everyone has the support files the program needs; however, you may need an additional file here and there particularly if you don’t download software very often.

Superfiles
Tabs on top of the page tell you which directory/category you are in and where you can search for programs. Their navigation is excellent and will easily guide you through the site, almost immediately to the software you’re looking for. Superfiles offers mostly freeware and adware. They generally give very good summaries of downloads.

Simtel
Simtel has ftp-archives on its site. This looks like a messy site at first, but if you click on the Top100 Downloads (in the Hotspot Nav on the left) link you’ll get a nice and tidy summary of downloadable programs. Nice Feature: Simtel often includes a screen shot. A screen shot is made by a simple utility that takes a snapshot of your desktop and allows you to display the picture on a Web page or send it to your boss, so he can see that you are working.

(Page 3 of 3)

3) Paid Download and Streams Sites

Winsite
At Winsite you can put programs in a folder and then ask Winsite to burn them to a CD-ROM. They’ll deliver the CD anywhere in the world, but you pay, of course. Cost is $9.95 plus $1.99 shipping and handling for up to 400 megabytes. Nice feature: Winsite has a different search engine than most other download sites, but puts freeware in its own section. Very convenient.

Freebyte
Freebyte is not a regular download site, but primarily a news site about downloads and new programs. The left-navigation isn’t as clear as you’d like. Sometimes Freebyte guides you to their own free software, and other times to multiple other sites. You can definitely find some interesting things on this website, but be cautious.

PCPlus
PCPlus is a European computer magazine and website. In the download section of the magazine you’ll find a lot of interesting software and programs. Their downloads are in alphabetical order. The search engine is powerful and easy to use. If you try to download, PC Plus will redirect you a couple of times, which can be a little annoying. Eventually you will get to your program though. Also they try to get you to sign up to their newsletter, but this is not required (as they make you think)!

Serif
Serif is mainly a manufacturer of graphic programs. On the Serif site you won’t find a lot of diverse downloads, but a nice selection of free earlier versions of their own software. The free use of their earlier software will entice you to buy their latest. Who cares? The free versions work perfectly.

Sites Offering Illegal Downloads
Unfortunately there are also many sites on the World Wide Web that offer illegal downloads of pirated software. In addition to the fact that you are joining in the stealing when you download software from such sites, you are putting your computer at high risk because such illegal software is often corrupted with viruses or worms. Manufacturers of software typically keep a close watch for those who download from illegal sites. There’s plenty of great sites without joining the crooks.

Want more? Right here:
Download Useful Software For Free!

---

A note about third-party links - By selecting links on this page, you will leave Elevations CU's website and enter a website hosted by an organization separate from Elevations. We encourage you to read and evaluate the privacy policy of any site you visit when you enter the site. While we strive to only link you to companies and organizations that we feel offer useful information, Elevations CU does not directly support nor guarantee claims made by these sites.