Best Links US: Tricky Download Websites

BestLINKS US Downloading software is RISKY!

These services also offer downloads for smaller software development companies needing help distributing their wares.

The independent Download Services make their money-- not by giving you the free downloads you wanted, but by selling smaller brands, or slipping software onto your PC you don't want amd are paid by the unwanted software companies for doing so.

How do they trick you?? Their website instructions are unclear or misleading; they hope you'll push an enticing "Download Now" button for software you don't realize you're requesting. Classic bait and switch!

Here's an example:

You decide you want to download Google's "Chrome" web browser. You can get it quietly from Google itself, without hassles. Or you might download it from one of those Download Services. Those will mislead you by looking very official--even showing Googles brand logo! But the only way to know who's actually sending it down the internet to you is to look closely at the host's URL address. The host's real name would be part of their address, usually ending in "...com/"

Look at these below! Only ONE of these Download sites is the legitimate Google site-- and the rest are knockoffs who will probably also try to sell you stuff you don't want! So just download from GOOGLE's site, and know you'll be getting the genuine latest version!

Download from the REAL Google Chrome site --shown at the top. The same is true if you want to download Foxfire. Download it ONLY from Foxfire's site which is manufactured by http://mozilla -- not Cnet, or Download.com or any of the rest of them!!

Or Adobe Reader. Or HP printer drivers. Or even Microsoft's add-on software.

Another nuisance example of installation trickery:
Beware: CCleaner is now very obnoxious about convincing you to BUY its professional version. Don't fall for its misleading web instructions; only get the free one.

Warning:
Anti-virus giant Avast, a Czech Republic company, is itself, malware. It sneaks onto your computer piggyback in other installs and then takes over your PC and is written so you cannot remove it; worse, it slows down your PC. Avast bought CCleaner which used to be a reputable company. Be careful NOT to download it because once it gets its foot in the door, there are no elegant ways to remove it. Contrary to it's billing, it is NOT the most popular anti-virus program. MalwareBytes does not remove Avast; it defends itself against it!Also, It authorizes Avast Free anti-virus program to self install during your CCleaner download. Uncheck that box! Avast slows down your PC and they have instructed their programmers to write software to make uninstalling it through Windows Setups as difficult as possible! Avast itself is 'malware'.

The only real advantage to using any Download Service is they have thousands of software titles including those the software makers no longer offer for sale on their own sites. You might want to download an OLDER versions from these re-seller libraries so you dont have to buy a new version. Here are some of them: