Download.com has recently started adding a "download stub" to each and every program on their site that tries to foist a bunch of 3rd party bundleware onto you. If you check out their FAQ on this, they say its all in the name of protecting you. Sorry, but it looks more to me like CNET's attempt to get into the lucrative bundling game at the expense of their less savvy users. To be fair, if you look at the tiny print under the download link, there's a link to directly download the program. Unfortunately, you have to register and be logged in to download.com to do this. Basically they'll trade you the direct link for your personal information. Thanks, but no thanks. I'll be avoiding download.com from this point on. Discussion here: http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=304653
A very useful site for finding out useful software and new technological devices or news. All the software up there is scanned, so you don't have to worry about any malware. However, there are some tracking sites and scripts associated with CNET page.
CNET promises that their downloads are spyware and adware free but this is all too frequently proven false.Like Full Video Converter Free, which is pure adware and doesn't convert videos at all.Or others like TechTracker which contain open candy.Either they don't really screen their downloads or they don't care. The end result is a completely untrustworthy site.
Cnet online is one of the best sites I have found for downloads and critical PC information. I have never had any spyware or Mal-ware downloaded from this site and have grown to trust their information and programs.
Kaspersky has caught legal, but malicious content on files downloaded, spy-ware, browser hijackers, like ASK.COM tool bars loaded even when you uncheck the tool bar box during install. Peerblock program recognizes cnet as a spyware host.