Software downloads for Windows are more popular than ever. And when those downloads are free, they often create a fan base and a stable following of users. Free downloads allow users to test and try software without any obligation to buy or even like it. Additionally, most companies that offer free software downloads also have paid versions with more features and better support. Sometimes the easiest way to identify the best software downloads is to simply look at the numbers. Here is a list of CNET’s thirteen top downloads from last week, starting with the bottom and working its way up to number one to give you an idea of what’s hot right now.
Camfrog Video Chat
13. Camfrog Video Chat – With 218,201 downloads last week alone, Camfrog Video Chat is the 13th on the list of CNET’s most popular. This download is for those looking to use or create chat rooms, which can be a mix of text, audio, or even video. Users can create password protected chat rooms, so that only a select few can be invited to chat, and users can chat with many people at one time with its easy-to-use interface.
Virtual DJ
12. Virtual DJ – This is the perfect download for aspiring disc jockeys and those already established in the industry. Hitting 231,953 downloads last week alone, Virtual DJ allows users to create playlist, mixes, and video and music montages.
MyVideoConverter
11. MyVideoConverter – The MyVideoConverter software in the last week has been downloaded 233,653 times. MyVideoConverter was built for converting digital video files into other formats, such as AVI, BCD, WMV, and MOV—to name a few.
Internet Download Manager
10. Internet Download Manager – This download auto-sorts incoming files by putting them into specific file-type folders. It also increases download speeds and checks for viruses automatically. Last week, Internet Download Manager was downloaded 254,777 times.
WinRAR
9. WinRAR (32-bit) – For those wanting to archive and compress files, WinRAR may be the answer. And with 342,566 downloads last week alone, it seems to be the answer for many others, too. WinRAR is simple, fast, and flexible.
Avira Free Antivirus
8. Avira Free Antivirus – The 8th most downloaded software from CNET last week was Avira Free Antivirus, with 395,220 downloads. Avira Free Antivirus is a free antivirus download that is trying to compete with other free antivirus software. However, CNET Editors’ reviews mentioned that it lacks many basic features that should be included with the free download.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
7. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware – Last week users downloaded Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 404,342 times. Its features include quick removing of malware, an 8-minute scan, and the ability to detect the difference between dangerous applications and false positives. This free download can be upgraded to a paid version that offers even more features.
Team Viewer
6. TeamViewer – TeamViewer was the sixth highest download last week. It had 407,693 downloads overall, and it’s a great download for small companies, student groups, and families. TeamViewer allows users to transfer files to one another and even share screens.
Advanced SystemCare Free
5. Advanced SystemCare Free – With features including malware scanning, removing broken shortcuts, deleting browsing tracks, and erasing junk files, Advanced SystemCare Free is the fifth on the list with 469,648 downloads last week.
FreeZ Online TV
4. FreeZ Online TV – While the idea of free TV sounds promising, CNET editors weren’t impressed, as they feel that “the channel selection is unimpressive and user guidance is nonexistent.” Even with negative reviews, FreeZ Online TV was downloaded 513,437 times.
Avast Free Antivirus
3. Avast Free Antivirus – Number three on the most downloaded list is Avast Free Antivirus with 815,462 downloads last week alone. Avast Free Antivirus offers, for free, its anti-spyware and antivirus “scanning engine” that comes in its premium products. Avast Free Antivirus offers worry-free social networking, gaming, internet surfing, and downloading.
YouTube Downloader
2. YouTube Downloader – This download allows users to download videos from a variety of sites—YouTube, Facebook, and Vevo—and convert them into other formats and save them locally. As the second highest download for last week, YouTube Downloader was downloaded by 822,939 people.
AVG Anti-Virus
1. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2012 – With 1,104,987 downloads last week, AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2012 is ranked number one on CNET’s list of most downloaded software. AVG Anti-Virus Fee Edition 2012 offers protection and peace of mind while its users browse or search the internet, play online games, or check in with social networking sites.
These downloads offer users protection, security, entertainment, and tools to make life a little more easy, fun, and productive. Numbers don’t lie, and these top thirteen software downloads have the numbers to back up their positions on CNET’s weekly list. And with new software downloads coming out continually and consistently, each list will be better than the week before.
