There are a ton of sites that provide clean downloads like cnet, splash damage, fileplanet, shacknews and gamespot; but I have heard that within those safe downloads, are unsafe downloads, though I haven't heard that about this site. How can one be 100% sure they are downloading a game that doesn't have something unwanted attached? Is there a site where that is possible?
Usually if it is a site attached to a big name or is well known/respected then you can be pretty sure the downloads are safe. Sometimes a rogue will slip through their safety nets but it doesn't happen too often - and if you are running a halfway decent security suite it won't affect you much at all. If you are leery then use google to search for any reports of issues w/ the site/file. Paranoia is a good way to stay safe with downloading off the net - but you can usually put the paranoia to the side for the larger ones [I am quite paranoid when it comes to internet safety - haven't had an infection in many many years [and that was way back in high school ('95 or so) on a data floppy I used for a drafting class - the school network had been infected]].
If its on a site like cnet, its fine, 99.9 percent of downloads on major tech or media sites are fine
James161324
I actually downloaded a keylogger a couple days ago on CNET. Read the comments, realized what it was and didn't install it, so I got away safe. But CNET is spyware free, not virus free. Always read comments and stick to downloading stuff from one company, not that people can upload.
If its on a site like cnet, its fine, 99.9 percent of downloads on major tech or media sites are fine
tehsystemwarior
I actually downloaded a keylogger a couple days ago on CNET. Read the comments, realized what it was and didn't install it, so I got away safe. But CNET is spyware free, not virus free. Always read comments and stick to downloading stuff from one company, not that people can upload. I've downloaded a few programs from download.com with adwares, spywares, trojans. It's not exactly the safest site to download. The software itself might be clean, but sometimes it likes to contact mothership and 'update' your computer with crap, so it's good to carefully look at the installation process and as mentioned, read user comments.
A bit offttopic, i was here, at the gamespot forums and my antivirus stopped me and put a message on the screen saying that there is an injector in the site. Propably one of those ads, but you get the picture ;) Safe is relevant. In reallity nothing really is but thats nipticking.
Probably should refrain, in most cases, from downloading games off the internet at all since it is usually - unless the developer has specifically declined to renew copyrights - illegal/theft similar to pirating music, movies, etc.
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