Softonic
| File:Logo softonic.gif | |
Type of site | Software Downloads |
|---|---|
| Available in | English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Dutch and Japanese |
| URL | softonic.com |
 | This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. The specific problem is: grammar issues, some parts seem written by an employee of Softonic.com. (June 2011) |
Softonic.com is a software download portal based in Barcelona, Spain. Founded in 1997, despite common belief it is not Spain's most visited website nor even in the top ten in Spain.[2] Since 2007, the portal has included a blog called OnSoftware.[3]
History
Softonic source is the Library Files BBS Intercom Group (Grupo Intercom), a provider of Internet Cerdanyola del Vallés, Barcelona. Due to the good reception we had this service among users of the BBS, we launched a web interface called Shareware Intercom. Initially it was a web oriented only to download the Windows operating system software, but now has evolved also offering sale of hardware and software platform.
Downloads
The download programs through Softonic is always offered in two versions: Premium Version (Versión Premium), in which the transfer is made through Softonic's own servers, and Free Version (Versión Free), which usually refers to the site program's website to make the transfer.
To carry out the Premium Version download under generally need to send one or more premium rate SMS messages added (premium) to receive a code on the mobile phone that offers access to the premium servers.
This has led to many users who are purchasing a full license of the program, when in fact they are not being many cases in which, ultimately, what you get is a free software or freeware, or demonstration duties limited, having paid for something that could have been obtained from other web sites for free.
Moreover, in many of these programs the installation routine has been modified so that it runs only to enter a code that is also received on the mobile phone by sending one or several premium SMS. This customized version called "Softonic Installer" also often runs the installation of browser plug-ins such as tool-bars, or redirects the search system and therefor can be classified as malware.
Notes
- ^ "Softonic.com Site Info". Alexa Internet. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
- ^ Online - Most Visited Web Sites - NetCraft)
- ^ "About OnSoftware | OnSoftware". En.onsoftware.com. Retrieved 2010-08-04.