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Question

Is Download.CNET.com wrapping downloads with other software?

Aug 26, 2011 6:58AM PDT

I always had a warm fuzzy feeling about downloading apps from Download.Cnet.com, but then I read that August 22nd Extreme Tech article about how CNET now wraps these downloads with its own choice of additional software that apparently does things like add toolbars and makes changes to the home page of my browser. I think most of us would prefer not to have our browsers and/or computers messed around with in this way when we simply wanted to download a piece of software.

If this is true, that warm and fuzzy feeling about downloading from Cnet.com will be gone, and I'll be looking to download software elsewhere. Questions:

1) Is it true?

2) If so, do you think that CNET management will reconsider such a misguided decision?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
There are plenty of discussions here about this.
Aug 26, 2011 7:07AM PDT

This one for example;
http://forums.cnet.com/7723-12543_102-537471.html

So in answer to your questions;

1] Is it true?

Yes, and No.

Yes, for non-members when they click that large Download Now green button, then for some titles they will be offered a CNET Installer file. They download that, run it and it will connect to the internet to download the actual file they require.

During that process, CNET will offer one of a selection of software titles, (eg, a toolbar), which the user can choose to opt out of.

No, not necessarily for CNET members. You are a CNET member as you are posting in these forums.

Beneath that large green Download Now button is a "direct access" link to the file required. This is the normal download with no CNET Installer and no additional software.

2] If so, do you think that CNET management will reconsider such a misguided decision?

No.Their FAQ explains more;
http://cnet.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2065

I hope that helps.

Mark

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Answer
Just added a forum sticky for this discussion...
Aug 28, 2011 6:45AM PDT

Link: http://forums.cnet.com/7723-12543_102-539625.html

I think my own stance against the current iteration of the installer is clear, but hope the sticky creates a unified thread for discussing the issues and hopefully getting the decision makers to revise the current policy. If you would, please post any further comments/questions there.

Regards,
John