You had me at FREE!
Everyone loves something for free. Since I first owned a Windows PC, I've searched out the freeware and shareware sites for goodies. Most sites mix both, using the classic bait and switch to get you to buy something better. Note that none of the sites listed below actually wrote any of this software or usually host the downloads. They make their money off commissions from the authors or ads on the download pages. Still it's worth the effort to sort through and get the good freeware. Don't discount shareware either, some has no expiration or nag screens. Sometimes features are crippled too, but it still might be the best choice. Be careful - it's a good idea to virus scan anything you download. I've personally used every site below and have had no problems.
This is my favorite, one of the most trustworthy and extensive in choices. They have both editor and user reviews, too. The shareware to freeware ratio is greater than 10 to 1, however.
Cnet Downloads
This is an incredible site of dedicated software authors hosting their creations. It's cross-platform and a little overwhelming to search through. Also many projects are works in progress. It's a little like watching an entire town being built.
Sourceforge
This site is incredibly compact and is best used to look for updates for existing freeware/shareware although I've had good luck finding new freeware here. It also happens to be the second best site for Apple downloads (after Apple.com itself).
Versiontracker
More of a freeware review site, it has excellent info on all the best freeware. They claim to be the #1 bookmarked freeware site.
Gizmo's Freeware Reviews
Lots of well organized downloads and other geek links. Highly popular site.
Straightforward site with reliable downloads. They have shareware and freeware nicely separated and have user reviews and a top 100.
SnapFiles
I've always liked this site. Obviously it's popular as others have spelled the name differently to create clone sites.Popularity ratings and cross platform selections are well done here.
tucows
Name is based on how some shareware has frequent nag screens during launch to get you to buy it. The site let's you download for free but pushes you to join to get better download speed and searching.
Nonags
This site is as old as Cnet and probably the first or second download site I ever visited in 1997 when I discovered the Internet. It has a smaller concise selection of freeware.
Jumbo
Another original player site whose name has been cloned, they have a smaller list of good freeware files.
FileHippo
Mostly shareware, sometimes you have to work up the food chain to find what you need. This is a good place to find that software.
Brothersoft
I keep forgetting that PC World has an excellent download section. It makes sense, they review software every month. Check it out.
PC World
I found it on Usenet... I used to read regularly the alt.comp.freeware newsgroup and this is a site created to showcase the best of the best. It's harder now to get on Usenet with ISPs dropping their free services. However, this site had good solid freeware - I'm glad it is still around.
Pricelessware
User specific freeware and shareware for musicians and audio hobbyists, I had to include it since that is what I am about. You'll find stuff here that is no where else on the other download sites.
Hitsquad
I haven't used this site much but it comes highly rated by others on the Internet. Lots of info and screenshots of all the applications.
Freeware Guide
Interesting site full of not just freeware reviews, but how-to guides and tech humor.
Makeuseof.com
Well, that's it! A few of my favorites have expired over the years. As long as "free" sells, there will be freeware and open source. We humans seem to have an inherent draw to that notion....
