download.com

Today we have application stores up the ying-yang. But 15 years ago, trying to find applications for your computer was a lot harder. We did have two decent sources: Tucows.com and download.com (a CNet company, now owned by CBS). Since then, these two sources have grown to better catalog Freeware, shareware, and paid applications. This week, we say Happy anniversary to Download.com.

While the domain was registered on February 24, 1996, Download.com will officially launch on October 23rd, 1996 (Reference via CNet article). Since then, the website sees almost 10 million downloads of software a week. The top downloads being AVG and Avast antivirus software. A long cry from Hey, Macaroni (the dancing macaroni meme), WinZip 32 and Duke Nukem 3D – which was the most downloaded in 1996. WinZip is still one of the top 5 download pieces of software on the site.

For 15 years, download.com has kept a great archive of software, weeding out the obsolete, malware producing items. They have been sued for some software downloads, most notably the free music download program LimeWire. While download.com did not promote the download of mp3 music or movies, the peer-to-peer software is another way to download legally shared items. Of course, this has always been the conundrum of file sharing.

In retrospect, TuCows has been in operation since 1994, offering the same services. Other services have come and gone, but download.com has stayed strong. So happy 15 years to a source that I’ve personally used many a time from my IT career.

Lots of great content even for a holiday weekend. Talk real quickly about Final Cut Studio 2as well as my QuickBooks dilemma!

Sponsors:
Sponsor: Save Money with all our GoDaddy Codes see our Promo Code Page
[Try GoToMeeting free for 30 days at GoToMeeting.com/techpodcasts. No credit card needed.]

Twitter Me http://www.twitter.com/geeknews
Comments to 619-342-7365 e-mail to geeknews@gmail.com

Listener Links:
Sony Screw Prices
Joost Friends Edition
Joost Invites
3 Apple TV’s?
Deadly Delay

Show Notes:
Firefox Cautions
Songbird
Ban the Bulb
Your Birthday
ISP Video Spoilers
Did not Download It
Japan Culture
Marketing all Wrong
Netscape Hacked
Nice Shipping
Firefox Ranking
One Million Zunes Sold
Prescription Glowcaps
PDC Canceled
Vista Update
192.com Maps Review
Google Mini Matrix
MillionRSS Overview
Illumio Review
Particls Review
AllofMP3.com Interview
Domain Squatter
PR Pawns?
PR Spam Bloggers
28 New Planets
Wifi Hacks
Security Deposit
Final Days of Google
Beyond the Browser
Google and Yahoo Promoting Domain Squatting
Google Deal under Antitrust Scrutiny

Extremely late Podcast from Jacksonville Florida, I cover my ordeal with United and what has been happening the past 4 days including some rapid fire tech stories.

Sponsors:
Sponsor: Save Money with all our GoDaddy Codes see our Promo Code Page
[Try GoToMeeting free for 30 days at GoToMeeting.com/techpodcasts. No credit card needed.]

Comments to 619-342-7365 e-mail to geeknews@gmail.com

Listener Links:
www.tzome.com
hackedgadgets.com

Show Notes:
Dirty Bomb Cleanup Technology
Deep Impact
LCD Versus BB Gun
HDMI Cables
Monitoring Domain Searches
Homeless by Choice
APOD
XM and Sirius
10 Linux Commands
Banned Digg Sites
Charter Sad Tech Support
Balmer and Vista
MSN Digg Site
Worst Workspace
Jobs Blast Teachers and Unions
Apple Patches Bugs
Firefox has Bug
Sony PS3 Movie Offering
MPAA Hypocrites
Sat Launch