Member Avatar for buzzle74

Hi all,

Ive recently developed some freeware software and Im trying to get some idea of the best method to distribute software via the many freeware sites on the web. Cnets upload.com seems to be the most prominent but Im curious to know if anyone has had any experience using them. In the past Ive used these types of sites and submitted pad files but found that your software ends up all over the web on low quality sites who avoid providing a link back to the publishers website. In particular if anyone can provide some feedback in regards to cnets service that would be appreciated.

Thanks
Buz

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A practical approach is to treat portals and direct distribution as complementary. Large download sites give reach but you lose control of branding, links and update channels; hosting official builds yourself (plus a trusted release repo) preserves control and makes it easy to point people back to your site and changelogs. For a simple, repeatable workflow consider using GitHub Releases for published binaries and release notes (GitHub Releases docs) so search engines and package tools can find official builds.

Package and channel choices should match your audience. Publish installers/binaries on your site and Releases, plus use platform-specific channels to improve install friction: package managers for developers/users (Chocolatey, Homebrew, apt/snap/Flathub), platform app stores for consumer reach, and indie portals like itch.io for desktop utilities. Language ecosystems (npm, PyPI, NuGet) matter if you ship libraries — they bring automatic discoverability and versioning.

Protect trust and reduce rogue mirrors by signing and publishing verification data. Use a recognized code-signing certificate and publish SHA256 checksums (and optional GPG signatures). Follow platform signing/notarization requirements (macOS notarization, Windows signing). A reputable cert provider overview is available here: DigiCert — Code Signing, and Apple’s notarization guidance is here: Notarizing macOS software.

For promotion and control: build a short press kit (one-line pitch, top 3 features, screenshots, short video), track every download link with UTM/redirects so you can measure sources, and pitch targeted reviewers/editors (as noted). If you need volume, consider targeted ads or partner/affiliate deals (per ) rather than paying for generic placement that fragments attribution. These steps keep distribution visible while protecting branding and analytics concerns raised by and .

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Member Avatar for InsightsDigital

I actually have used Cnet for downloads in the past and it was a great repository for freeware and shareware software, however, I found that many of the offerings were outdated. Maybe it changed now since last time I checked a few years ago.

Member Avatar for Member #570982

Hi,
I currently have a shareware on cnet and other sites. What I can see is the service is quite good but I don't get many downloads without advertising (thus paying.)
So I'm always looking for not too expensive ways of getting more downloads but
I don't think it's easy (for my product...)

Edited by Member #570982 because: n/a
Member Avatar for albertwigs

I currently have a shareware on cnet and other sites. What I can see is the service is quite good but I don't get many downloads without advertising.I want to know more such solutions and regarding the distribution process.

Member Avatar for InsightsDigital

You may also want to consider affliate marketing to plug your freeware/shareware if its appeals a big consumer group.

Member Avatar for Member #570982

Another way is asking editors to review your software on sites like cnet and pcworld. Obviously there is no guaranty they will do it but it's worth trying. I think a few sites have lists of their editors with their e-mails.

Edited by Member #570982 because: n/a
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