Download.com

CNET Download.com

Screenshot  Screenshot of the homepage as of August 2010
URL	Download.com
Commercial?	Yes
Type of site	Downloads
Registration	Optional
Owner	CBS Interactive
Created by	CNET Networks, Inc.
Alexa rank	168 (November 2011[update])[1]
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.com. The domain download.com attracted at least 113 million visitors annually by 2008 according to a Compete.com study.^[2]

Overview

Download.com offers content in four major categories: software (including Windows, Mac and mobile), music, games, and videos, offered for download via FTP 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.

Downloads

Downloading all software is free. Some software titles are trial versions; many are freeware and shareware. There is no charge by Download.com to access any content on the site. Software publishers are permitted to distribute their titles for free via CNET's Upload.com site, or for a fee structure that offers enhancements.

In 2004, Download.com Music was launched to replace the defunct MP3.com. One may download music in a variety of genres for free from this area of the site, and the artists range from amateurs to professionals. Artists may upload their information and songs to the site for free. All submissions go through a review process. On March 11, 2009, the music section was replaced with Last.fm.

In July 2005, Download.com Video was launched with streaming video content in a variety of genres (movies and TV, sports, animation, music videos, etc). Download.com plans to offer downloadable videos in future.

In August 2011, Download.com introduced an installation manager for delivering many of the software titles its catalog. The installation manager will offer to install add-ons like browser toolbars and change default homepages before downloading the software the user wanted. Users registered with Download.com can access files either with the Download.com installer or directly via "Download Direct Links".

See also

• Tucows

References

1. ^ "Download.com Site Info". Alexa Internet. http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/Download.com. Retrieved 2011-11-02. 
2. ^ Download.com attracts over 100m visitors yearly

External links

• Download.com
• CNET.com