Freeware Files is another excellent site. They test every file (and updates), and warn you if there are any toolbars, etc., in the file. Aside from freeware, many major companies like Microsoft and Norton submit files to the site. All files are free.

http://www.freewarefiles.com/

Thanks for the heads up/link... bookmarked for future reference.

www.snapfiles.com 

A good old site with lots of the smaller programs you might not see elsewhere.

I've found that some of them are getting you by only giving the option to uncheck the box with the Custom install.  If you let it go through with a default or quick install, then you get whatever junk they send your way.  Luckily for me, nothing but the OS and a select few programs go on my C: drive, so I always select the custom install or I don't install at all.

That's right....never go for the quick/easy option....that's when you get the junk...;)

Yes, I selected the custom option and I was hit with Malware regardless, but even if I hypothetically, haphazardly installed Malware without unchecking the box or opting out, I was still hit with Malware by a site I once trusted. Thats the news.

Turns out they have a Malware policy and it looks like there lots of wiggle room in it. One mans terrorist is actually a freedom fighter type stuff.

http://www.cnet.com/download-malware-policies/

Better definition/term for this crap is 'Spamware'.

Malware would be key-loggers, trojans, virii etc...;)

I've avoided Cnet since I attempted to download VLC player once from them. They threw in a lot of junk and then the site just has that fishy feel about it, like one of those virus spreading sites that masquerades as a site to download graphic design things from.  

The Internet WORLD has become a far less friendly and more 'business' oriented thoroughfare.

I disagree Jafo. I respect your opinion, but anything that takes control of my browsers and practically renders them unusable is Malware.

agreed....browser hijackers.....should be included with my virii, trojans, etc.....[I forgot 'em].... JAFOCHECK

I'll accept that, Carl... the 'real world'-internet' isn't a valid distinction: They feed off each other, so they are equally real.

Thanks so much for the cnet warnings. It is indeed disappointing. I had a browser hijack experience about 6 mths ago, and wasn't sure if it was due to the domain admin provider of a certain client I was consulting (located offshore - triggering IE security certificate alerts) or visiting a certain site (now forgotten, sorry) with chrome. (And no, it wasn't a "naughty" one...)

Usually I like to solve these issues myself. Obtained a "spyhunter" cleaner which repeatedly identified a file associated with WB as being the problem. Noooooo!! None of the recovery methods I preferred resolved it. Due to multiple schedule demands I reluctantly engaged the services of a certain ISP tech support service. They finally got rid of it (deleting Application data folders, and to their credit informed that certain cleaners erroneously attribute fault) but I also now have no system help files. I could reinstall a service pack but since XP is near EOL I've chosen to cope. The other valuable lesson is no matter what, "physician heal thyself!"  

Wow, a Jafo self correction. This is historic.