CNET Download editorial promise
How we test software and games
CNET Download editorial staff dedicates itself to giving you the most unbiased, accurate, and useful evaluation of freeware and software trials. Every day, we write rated reviews of popular software in the Download.com catalog. We rate trial versions of software based on the efficacy of those trials (we do not rate the full versions of trials) and we rate freeware based on the overall software quality. We also maintain a frequently updated blog, the Daily Download, to keep you up-to-date on the quickly changing world of software.
On this page, you'll find a more detailed breakdown of our philosophy and practice. We welcome feedback of any kind—please contact us through the CNET Help Center with any questions or concerns.
How we select software to review
For PC:
When one of the Top 100 most popular Windows products on CNET Download receives a substantial update or when a product enters the Top 100, we will write or update our review within 2 business days. Updates to products not in the Top 100 will be noted by CNET Download editors, who will use their editorial expertise to prioritize these reviews. CNET Download editors will also use their expert knowledge of the category to scout and select exciting new products for review on an ongoing basis. (Note: We do not review software in certain categories, including corporate security, drivers, and networking software.)
For Mac:
When one of the Top 50 most popular Mac products on CNET Download receives a substantial update or when a product enters the Top 50, we will write or update our review within 2 business days. Updates to products not in the Top 50 will be noted by CNET Download editors, who will use their editorial expertise to prioritize these reviews. CNET Download editors will also use their expert knowledge of the category to scout and select exciting new products for review on an ongoing basis. (Note: We do not review software in certain categories, including P2P products, networking software, and corporate security.)
How we rate software
CNET Download bases its ratings on five factors, each weighted according to its importance. For software trials, we base all calculations on the trial's effectiveness as a demonstration of the software's full version, not on the full version's functionality.
Interface (25 percent): Is the software intuitive and logical? Is its interface attractive and compelling?
Features (25 percent): What does the program do? Does it provide valuable features? What are the limitations of the trial version, if there is one?
Functionality (25 percent): How well does a trial or freeware do what it says it will do? Does it fulfill its promise?
Stability (15 percent): How does the software perform? Does it crash often? Does it use too many resources?
Download (10 percent): How big is the installer? Does the software install and uninstall easily?
CNET Download editors blend the scores from each of these categories to yield a five-star rating. A five-star product gets perfect scores in each category. A one-star product gets an average of one star based on the percentages above. All half-star ratings are rounded down to avoid ratings inflation. For example, 3.6 is a 4-star product on CNET Download, but a 3.5 is a 3-star.
