Welcome to CNET Top 5, where each time we meet, we count down another hot
CNET list. I'm Tom Merritt.
Seth Rosenblatt of Download.com recently took on the daunting task of combing
through the thousands of Downloads submitted to CNET in order to find the very
worst.
Yes, he gets hazard pay...in the form of the satisfaction of watching you squirm as we
count down the Top 5 Worst Downloads of summer 2009.
So...let's count 'em down.
At No. 5, Google Maps Downloader. You mapmakers out there may love this, but
most of the rest of us don't want to have to know the exact latitude and longitude in
order to save a map. That's why we use Google Maps instead of Topo Maps.
Coming in at No. 4, TurboWire. Seth points out that LimeWire and FrostWire already
exist for spreading mislabeled malware and porn. We didn't need another way to get
system-infecting copies of "Harry Potter." Agreed, Seth.
Up to No. 3, the Seanau Icon Collection. Shawn-oo, See-an-oo? First off, new name
please. Second, the free trial version gives you six generic icons. Six of the 2800
offered in the $70 version. That's right: $70 for icons, and not great ones at that.
What's the icon for rip-off?
Sliding in at No. 2, Windows Movie Maker. Seth calls it buggy, crashy, and bereft of
useful features. I know it has its defenders, but it's pretty darned limited and,
unfortunately, worth every penny you pay for it. It's free. Get it?
Before we get to No. 1, time for another lame prize.
These awful downloads may leave a bad taste in your mouth, so we're giving away a
tin of mints, opened, tasted and signed by Natali Del Conte.
Be one of the first 10 folks to answer the following question at our blog,
blog.cnettv.com
What was the worst download of last summer?
Blog.cnettv.com.
All right. Let's get to our No. 1. The worst download of the summer, according
CNET's Seth Rosenblatt.
At No. 1, it's... the Michael Joseph Jackson Screen Saver. It's not the King of Pop that
makes this the worst. It's the craven attempt to capitalize on his passing. Seth says
depending on your own relationship with Jaco you'll either find it tragically
hilarious or amusingly offensive. But either way, it's awful. And it's number one.
Well, that's it for this edition of CNET Top 5.
Don't forget to answer our question at the posting for this Top 5 at blog.cnettv.com
for the chance to win the mints.
I'm Tom Merritt. See you next time.
