Download.com: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding and Downloading Software
If you are looking for a reliable and convenient source of software for your Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS device, you might want to check out Download.com. Download.com is one of the most popular and trusted websites for downloading free and paid software, games, utilities, security tools, and more. In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide to finding and downloading software from Download.com, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of your experience.
What is Download.com?
Download.com is a website that provides free downloads for various types of software and apps, including security, utilities, games, video, and browsers. It is owned and operated by CNET, a leading online media company that offers reviews, news, podcasts, videos, and other content related to technology and consumer electronics. Download.com was launched in 1996 and has since grown to become one of the largest and most visited software download sites in the world. According to its website, it has over 100 million monthly users and over 10 million software titles available for download.
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A brief history of Download.com
Download.com was founded in 1996 by CNET as a way to provide users with easy access to software downloads. At first, it only offered downloads for Windows software, but later expanded to include Mac, Linux, Palm OS, and mobile platforms. In 2000, it acquired ZDNet's Software Library, which added more than 50,000 software titles to its catalog. In 2003, it launched VersionTracker.com, a website that tracked updates for Mac and Windows software. In 2008, it introduced CNET TechTracker, a tool that automatically scanned users' computers for outdated software and offered updates. In 2011, it rebranded itself as CNET Download.com and redesigned its website to improve its usability and appearance. In 2014, it launched CNET Installer, a service that offered secure and fast downloads for selected software titles. In 2017, it added support for downloading software from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
The features and benefits of Download.com
Download.com offers several features and benefits that make it a great choice for finding and downloading software. Some of them are:
It has a large and diverse collection of software titles for various platforms, categories, and purposes.
It provides detailed information about each software title, including description, screenshots, specifications, user reviews, ratings, editor's picks, awards, and more.
It allows users to compare different software titles based on various criteria such as price, popularity, features, performance, compatibility, and more.
It offers multiple download options for each software title, such as direct download link, CNET Installer service (for selected titles), or external download link (for titles hosted on other websites).
It ensures the safety and quality of the software downloads by scanning them for viruses and malware before making them available to users.
It provides users with helpful tips and guides on how to use the software they download.
It keeps users updated on the latest software releases and updates through newsletters, alerts, blogs, podcasts, videos,
How to use Download.com
Using Download.com is easy and straightforward. Here are the basic steps you need to follow:
Go to the Download.com website and choose your preferred platform (Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS).
Find the software you want to download by browsing the categories, searching by keyword, or using the filters.
Click on the software title to view its details, reviews, ratings, and download options.
Select a download option and follow the instructions on the screen to download and install the software on your device.
Enjoy using the software and share your feedback with other users on Download.com.
How to find the best software for your needs on Download.com
With so many software titles available on Download.com, you might wonder how to find the best one for your needs. Fortunately, Download.com provides you with several tools and features that can help you narrow down your choices and make an informed decision. Here are some of them:
Browse by category
One of the easiest ways to find software on Download.com is to browse by category. Download.com has a wide range of categories that cover various types of software and apps, such as security, utilities, games, video, and browsers. You can access the categories from the main menu or the sidebar of the website. Each category has subcategories that further refine your search. For example, if you are looking for a video editing software, you can go to the Video category and then choose Video Editing Software subcategory. You will see a list of software titles that match your criteria, along with their ratings, reviews, and download options.
Search by keyword
If you have a specific software title or keyword in mind, you can use the search box on the top of the website to find it. Just type in your query and hit enter. You will see a list of results that match your query, along with their ratings, reviews, and download options. You can also use advanced search operators to refine your search. For example, you can use quotation marks to search for an exact phrase, such as "video editing software". You can also use a minus sign to exclude certain words from your search, such as "video editing software -free".
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Filter by platform, price, rating, and more
Another way to find software on Download.com is to use the filters on the left side of the website. These filters allow you to narrow down your results based on various criteria such as platform, price, rating, license type, release date, and more. For example, if you are looking for a free Windows software that has a rating of 4 stars or higher, you can use the filters to select those options. You will see a list of software titles that meet your requirements, along with their ratings, reviews, and download options.
Read reviews and ratings from other users
One of the best features of Download.com is that it allows users to rate and review the software they download. This can help you get an idea of how other users feel about the software and whether it suits your needs or not. You can read the reviews and ratings from other users by clicking on the software title and scrolling down to the User Reviews section. You will see a summary of the user ratings (out of 5 stars) and a list of user reviews (positive or negative). You can also sort the reviews by date or helpfulness. You can also write your own review and rate the software after you download it.
How to download and install software from Download.com
Once you have found the software you want to download on Download.com, you need to follow some simple steps to download and install it on your device. Here are some of them:
Choose a download option
Download.com offers multiple download options for each software title. Some of them are:
Direct download link: This option allows you to download the software directly from Download.com without any additional steps or services. This is usually the fastest and simplest way to download software from Download.com.
CNET Installer service: This option allows you to download the software using CNET Installer service (for selected titles). This service offers secure and fast downloads for selected software titles. It also provides you with helpful tips and guides on how to use the software you download.
External download link: This option allows you to download the software from another website that hosts it (for titles not hosted on Download.com). This option may require you to register or sign up on the external website before downloading the software or downloading the software. You should always be careful when downloading software from external websites and make sure they are trustworthy and reputable.
To choose a download option, you need to click on the green Download Now button on the software page. You will see a pop-up window that shows you the available download options for the software. You can select the option you prefer and click on it to start the download process.
Follow the instructions on the screen
After you choose a download option, you need to follow the instructions on the screen to complete the download and installation process. Depending on the download option you chose, you may need to do some of the following steps:
Save the file: You may need to save the file to a location on your device before opening it. You can choose a folder or a drive where you want to save the file and click on Save.
Run the file: You may need to run the file after saving it or directly from the browser. You can double-click on the file or click on Run to open it.
Allow changes: You may need to allow changes to your device before installing the software. You can click on Yes or Allow when prompted by your device's security system.
Follow the setup wizard: You may need to follow the setup wizard that guides you through the installation process. You can click on Next, Agree, Install, Finish, or other buttons as instructed by the wizard.
You should always read and follow the instructions carefully and make sure you understand what you are doing before proceeding with each step.
Scan for viruses and malware before opening the file
One of the most important steps you need to do before opening any file you download from Download.com or any other website is to scan it for viruses and malware. This can help you prevent any potential harm or damage to your device or data. Download.com claims that it scans all the files it hosts for viruses and malware before making them available to users. However, it is still possible that some files may contain malicious code or unwanted software that can bypass Download.com's security system. Therefore, you should always use your own antivirus or anti-malware software to scan any file you download before opening it. You can also use online tools such as VirusTotal or MetaDefender to scan files for viruses and malware.
Uninstall unwanted software if needed
Sometimes, you may download and install software that you don't like or need anymore. In that case, you may want to uninstall it from your device to free up some space and improve your device's performance. To uninstall software from your device, you need to follow some simple steps depending on your platform:
Windows: You can uninstall software from Windows by going to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. You will see a list of programs installed on your device. You can select the program you want to uninstall and click on Uninstall. You may need to follow some additional steps as instructed by the program's uninstaller.
Mac: You can uninstall software from Mac by going to Finder > Applications. You will see a list of applications installed on your device. You can drag and drop the application you want to uninstall to the Trash bin. You may also need to delete some associated files or folders from your Library folder.
Android: You can uninstall software from Android by going to Settings > Apps. You will see a list of apps installed on your device. You can tap on the app you want to uninstall and tap on Uninstall. You may also need to clear some cache or data from your Storage settings.
iOS: You can uninstall software from iOS by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. You will see a list of apps installed on your device. You can tap on the app you want to uninstall and tap on Delete App. You may also need to delete some documents or data from your iCloud settings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Download.com is a great website for finding and downloading software for various platforms and purposes. It offers a large and diverse collection of software titles, detailed information and reviews, multiple download options, and helpful tips and guides. It also ensures the safety and quality of the software downloads by scanning them for viruses and malware. However, you should always be careful when downloading software from Download.com or any other website and make sure you scan them for viruses and malware before opening them. You should also uninstall unwanted software if needed.
FAQs
Q: Q: Is Download.com safe to use?
A: Download.com claims that it is safe to use and that it scans all the files it hosts for viruses and malware before making them available to users. However, it is still possible that some files may contain malicious code or unwanted software that can bypass Download.com's security system. Therefore, you should always use your own antivirus or anti-malware software to scan any file you download from Download.com before opening it. You should also be careful when downloading software from external websites that are linked from Download.com and make sure they are trustworthy and reputable.
Q: How can I update the software I download from Download.com?
A: Some software titles may have an update feature that allows you to check for and install the latest version of the software. You can usually find this feature in the settings or help menu of the software. Alternatively, you can visit Download.com and search for the software title you want to update. You will see the latest version of the software available for download, along with its release date and changelog. You can download and install the latest version of the software by following the same steps as before.
Q: How can I contact Download.com for support or feedback?
A: If you have any questions, issues, or suggestions regarding Download.com, you can contact them through various channels. You can visit their Help Center page to find answers to common questions and problems. You can also submit a support request or send an email to downloadsupport@cbsinteractive.com. You can also follow them on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to get the latest news and updates on Download.com.
Q: How can I report a problem or a violation on Download.com?
A: If you encounter a problem or a violation on Download.com, such as a broken link, a corrupted file, a misleading description, a spam review, or a malicious software, you can report it to Download.com by using the Report a Problem link on the software page. You will need to provide some details about the problem or violation, such as the software title, the download option, the error message, and your email address. Download.com will review your report and take appropriate action.
Q: How can I become a software developer or publisher on Download.com?
A: If you are a software developer or publisher and you want to distribute your software on Download.com, you can join their Upload.com service. Upload.com is a platform that allows you to upload, manage, and promote your software on Download.com and other CNET websites. You can create an account on Upload.com and submit your software for review. Once your software is approved, it will be available for download on Download.com and other CNET websites. You can also track your downloads, ratings, reviews, and earnings on Upload.com. 44f88ac181
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