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CNET Reviews Summary
The company has established a reputation for providing valuable tech-related content and product reviews, which many customers find informative and helpful for making purchasing decisions. However, there is a significant concern regarding the reliability of downloads, with numerous reports of malware and adware associated with their software offerings. Additionally, users express frustration over intrusive advertising and a decline in the overall quality of content. While the site remains a go-to resource for tech information, the growing distrust in its safety and integrity poses a challenge to its reputation.
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The site used to be okay, but recently within seconds of clicking download my computer was flooded with malware such as optimizer pro and webssearch
Stay away!
I always used to download programs directly from cnet because I know that they come from the original source and do not have viruses. Which is still true, but I think the quality of programs that they show has declined.
Recently, I am disappointed to say that I downloaded something that came with another program, which was at best adware, but you could say spyware. I can no longer download from them with as much confidence as in the past.
I do enjoy their ratings, but now will have to be more careful about what I download.
I was looking for a Mac application and thought I found it at Cnet. Right after clicking Download malware took over my browser and started downloading something different from what I expected. I turned off the modem, switched to backup drive and ran Sophos on the affected drive. Sophos found and deleted the malware.
I use cnet to find freeware (not trial version) or to check reviews about software I propose to buy. Each item shows how many users have downloaded it and their reviews.If you need help with how to, cnet has tutoring videos and text, detailed instructions, on many topics. I trust the site and rely upon staff reviews.
Cnet is a great source for reviews and news on all things gadget and techy
UNSCRUPULOUS & Should be Investigated for possible CRIMINAL ACTIVITY!
I fell for the scamware hidden in their installer - which they claim is fast, easy, and malware-free! Liars! I got the SweetPacks Browser Hijacker, and PC Optimizer Pro. Yay me! It took over a month for me to get it off because so many sites wanted me to go into my Registry, and I was afraid to do that to an $800 computer I had not even had for 6 whole months.
Read this article WITH SCREEN SHOTS that proves that EVEN WHEN YOU OPT OUT OF THEIR SCAMWARE OFFERS, YOU GET THE "POOP" ON YOUR COMPUTER ANYWAY!
Www. Groovypost. Com/howto/avoid-computer-bloatware-from-cnet-download-com-crapware/
I will never, ever, ever download anything else from them or even go to their site ever again! What they are doing should be, if it's not already, against the law! The Software developers are not doing this - CNET/Download.com is doing it, and without the developers even knowing.
Good riddance, CNET. Hope to see you getting investigated very soon!
Shame on you!
Cnet is a site that informs you on software and tech. It has all types of software some free some free to try others buy now ect. The best thing is that you can read not only user and company reviews. It has the number of downloads and non bias comments. The downloads are always safe and reliable. It is easy to navigate through and no gimmicks. Free to register. This is the site i use to download anything.
I use cnet.com whenever I need to download useful and free software, like ccleaner, spybot, or malwarebytes. It doesn't throw in extra "goodies" with your download that you don't want (spyware, adware). However, I always do a custom install, rather than a quick install, just in case someone tries to throw in an extra toolbar I don't want.
Two days ago I would have given CNET 5 stars, in preparing for my MTA test I found a practice test on CNET, hoora! It was a download, my first instinct was "don't do it" but hey... it's CNET. I spent an hour trying to get my machine back and it's still $#*!ed up, thanks for selling out guys.
I love Cnet.com product reviews they have very extensive database electronic reviews that are too the point and non biased!
Like Kevin said, this used to be a reliable, trustworthy site. Now, their reviews are untrustworthy and often manipulated. I've spent hours removing malware from infected downloads which they said were malware-free.
Cnet is one of the site which helped me for many things like finding products, softwares etc. Time to time i go to cnet and get details of many thing this is one of my fav site.
Basically my "Go To" site when I am poking around looking for software. Sometimes I know what I am looking for, sometimes I don't and just surf around the site. Either way a great resource. Freeware, shareware, etc... Also they only list legit software, no need to worry about downloading a virus.
Bottom Line: Should be at the top of your list when looking for software and peace of mind downloading clean software.
I like the website to help find software and news, but users have to take caution when selecting programs.
The only thing worse than a lie is a lie with truth mixed in.
The only website worse than a bad one is one that earns your trust then stabs you in the back.
Used to be a dependable, safe download site. Now downloads are shamelessly filled with spyware, malware, adware, you name it. Really started messing with my computer. Good thing I had avast! Updated.
As a long time user of this site, I admonish everyone to stay away from it.
I used to really trust this site but not since last software download installed nasty bloatware on my Win 7 PC. I will never download from them again unless I have to. Unfortunately, this bad experience makes me wonder about their tech reviews too.
Used to be good now they make you download their downloader and you end up with bloatware you did not want
Also funny fbi did not investigate them for providing links to programs that can download and play pirated movies it is owned by CBS how about that I no longer trust this site
Found better options
I started to download a program from this website and my Antivirus detected a Trojan.
I thought it was a temporary problem as CNET.com had been a reliable site to use for years. I assumed they would fix it. About a year later I tried it again and again there is a Trojan in a downloader application. They are aware of this and do nothing.
Fortunately my AntiVirus picked it up but I would imagine many had computer problems caused by this Trojan. I give in a quadruple minus 1.
Cnet is a terrific site as well as it's sister sites, the download.cnet.com and the review.cnet.com. They have a huge inventory that includes years of choices and reviews. There is also a great choice of platforms.
See reviews as you browse!
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- SmartCustomer’s sole mission is to increase online transparency for buyers and businesses
- SmartCustomer has helped over 200M buyers make better purchasing decisions online
- Suspicious reviews are flagged by our algorithms, moderators, and community members
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