Admittedly, Windows 10 features a richly stocked Microsoft Store. So searching, finding and installing software should not be the problem. But of course you have to go elsewhere for the hidden gems. And then you end up in the territory of the hardcore download sites. We list ten of them.
Before we really get started, let’s talk about your download hygiene. Forget the issue of legal versus illegal, but focus on your own safety. Downloading and installing the following is always (!) dangerous. Before you know it, your computer will be infected with everything from adware to ransomware. But if you stick to a few rules, luckily it’s not that bad.
Use the download sites to find something you like, but then (if possible) quickly click through to the website of the original creator. You may find the bare-bones software there without additional wrappers with added adware. Always have the installation program checked by your virus scanner and by VirusTotal.com.
Always watch closely during the installation. So check carefully whether you are on during an installation step Yes or on new must click. After all, the question can sometimes be asked ‘the other way around’. If, for any reason, the installed software doesn’t make you feel good, remove the software from your system right away. If necessary, use the tool Geek Uninstaller.
Furthermore, the gentle recommendation not to install too many programs. Keep track of what you actually use. Remove anything that has become unnecessary.
Major Geeks
The website Major Geeks has been around for a long time and is very complete. And therefore also a bit old-fashioned … With immediately, on the left of the screen, a menu with categories. Also on the front page is a list of the most recent updates and additions. Of course there is an extra recommended menu with the Top Downloads. Don’t let the decorated Christmas tree stop you and be prepared to scroll a lot. You will almost always find a download link to the website of the original maker. Excess does not harm; for this one time.
softpedia
The website softpedia is one of the larger download portals. In principle you will always find what you are looking for here. And if you’ve found the software you want, then maybe just click through to the website of the original maker. You should know that Softpedia is known for harmless, but no less desirable installation add-ons.
Download Crew
The software on the website Download Crew is manually selected, manually tested and manually discussed. Which means as much as no robotic software has been ‘harvested’ on the internet. You can search in main categories of most recent downloads, recommended downloads, and most popular downloads, among other things. Within that you can set subcategories for the type of software, the license type (there are quite a few) and the rating. It will be scrolling, because Download Crew takes up all the space vertically.
FileHorse
On the front page of the website FileHorse do you fall right into the house on the lists with Latest Software Releases and Most Popular Downloads. Yes, that’s what’s going on on this website! With fifteen categories below with the most popular programs listed. The front page of FileHorse is therefore ideal for regular ‘scanning’ to see if there is anything new to discover. Little ad distraction here.
SnapFiles
On the website SnapFiles it looks a bit outdated visually, which is no reason not to visit here. The power of SnapFiles lies in the many cleverly chosen sections, in which all programs are accurately placed. If you know exactly what you want, then you have arrived at the right place after just a few clicks without using keywords. The recommended list is Top 100 Downloads. A beautifully compact presentation that deserves your visit.
SourceForge
For lovers of open source there is the website, correction, the platform SourceForge. Here you will find open source software that you can not only download, but which you can also support with your own findings and – possibly – own programming knowledge. So super sympathetic! Don’t count on excessive styling, avoid annoying commercials and enjoy the passion with which the programmers offer their products. It can be useful to be in direct contact with the developers of the software, because you may be looking for just that one feature.
AlternativeTo
If you are not completely satisfied with an installed program, you should visit the website AlternativeTo just visit. Use the name of that no longer desired program to find out which alternatives there are and to find out how those alternatives are judged by others. Otherwise, just browse around to see what you can use instead of, say, Mozilla Firefox, VLC Media Player, and LibreOffice. And often you are very pleasantly surprised with something you have never heard of.
OldVersion.com
Go to the website OldVersion.com if you’re looking for that one specific version of one of your favorite shows. After all, new is not always better. You can go here not only for Windows, but also for macOS and Linux. In particular, look around the section Popular Old Versions, because there are some ‘golden oldies’ among them that are still seriously worth the money. The hundreds of widely known programs are divided into convenient categories.
FileCrocs
The best stylized download site we mention here is FileCrocs, because clicking has become a party here. Everything starts at the top with the most popular software and cleverly moves down the categories. With always a button See more to highlight the corresponding sections. Keep an eye on your internet time, because you can just click away many hours here.
FileHippo
The website FileHippo promises you the latest versions of the best programs. And also: selected by humans and tested for viruses. You’ll find tens of thousands of programs that are neatly categorized here. There are also lists of popular programs, best programs and most recent programs. Unfortunately, with a lot of advertisements and the necessary unwanted news.
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