You know what's scary about freeware websites? There are those who still trust downloading free software from these abysmal websites, then fall into a deep depression when their computer is rendered useless. I can't tell you how many computers I've fixed in the past just ridding crapware and malware out of these machines, why? Because they downloaded free software from these so called credible websites. The nightmares are endless, would be computer owners who have gone onto these illicit freeware sites and have experienced a complete reconstruction of their web browsers ( the infamous browser hijack), offloaded bundleware that usually crowd your storage drive like a packed subway car, and then yes, we have malware, which by the way can harm to your entire computer.
I can go on and on about my resentment of freeware websites and its dangers once you download any free software, I hope the little information I'm providing you will help you steer far away from those horrible websites, some of which should not even be on the Internet, let alone provide you free software that has useless garbage attached to it.
With that said, here is three freeware download sites you should literally stay away from.
CNET Downloads / Download.com
Credit Image: How-to-Geeks Which software is legit? Ouch!
This website bares no big introduction, everyone including myself have fallen victim to the treachery of this website. I had to completely wipe out my entire computer as a result of me downloading software from Download.com. It's the poster child for everything that can go wrong if you download from this website. Nonsense bundleware, browser hijacks, etc. What's sad is CBS who owns CNET which runs Download.com hold no type of accountability when your computer is ruined as a result of you, me downloading their free software.
FileHippo
The fact that it offers Flash Player as a free download should be a red flag
There are four things that can take place when you acquire free software from this scammy website they call FileHippo. There's the intended software you just downloaded, then they present you with this dreadful AskToolbar, along with the SeacrhApp that literally alters your web browser, and finally there's the unnecessary weather app I never heard of. Its no wonder this crappy website haven't been taken off the Internet.
Freewarefiles.com
Someone should call the authorities on the creators of this horrible website, down loader beware
Not only should this website be taken off the net, it should be damn right illegal. Complements of FreewareFiles for downloading their provided free software, they gift you with a useless Realplayer Cloud app, like when was the last time anyone used anything from Realplayer. Even frightening, this failure of a website don't really provide you any downloads, just direct download links to other websites, not guaranteeing any assured quality software, just crapware like,well, Realplayer Cloud.
Bottom line is this.....
If you don't want your computer to fall into an obliterated stated, your best course of action is to download from the actual source that created the software.