Download.com
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Type of site
|
Downloads |
|---|---|
| Owner | CBS Interactive |
| Created by | CNET |
| Website | Download.cnet.com |
| Alexa rank |
 12,448 (April 2014[update]) |
| Commercial | Yes |
| Registration | Optional |
| Launched | February 24, 1996 |
| Current status | Active |
Download.com is an Internet download directory website launched in 1996 as a part of CNET. Originally, the domain was download.com and is now download.cnet.com. The domain download.com attracted at least 113 million visitors annually by 2008 according to a Compete.com study.
The offered content is available in four major categories: software (including Windows, Mac and mobile), music, games, and videos, offered for download via from Download.com's servers or third-party servers. Videos are streams (at present) and music was all free MP3 downloads, or occasionally rights-managed WMAs or streams until it was replaced with last.fm.
The Software section includes over 100,000 freeware, shareware, and try-first downloads. Downloads are often rated and reviewed by editors and contain a summary of the file from the software publisher. Registered users may also write reviews and rate the product. Software publishers are permitted to distribute their titles via CNET's Upload.com site for free, or for a fee structure that offers enhancements.
CNet uses Spigot Inc to monetize the traffic to download.com. According to Sean Murphy, a General Manager at CNet, "Spigot continues to be a great partner to Download.com, sharing our desire to balance customer experience with revenue."
In August 2011, Download.com introduced an installation manager called CNET TechTracker for delivering many of the software titles from its catalog. This installer was accused of potentially including trojans, and was also accused of containing bloatware, such as toolbars. CNET admits in their download FAQ that "a small number of security publishers have flagged the Installer as adware or a potentially unwanted application".
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