What Do You Think of Softpedia's New Web Design?

Thanks SweX, I thinks that's probably it. I don't see anything there specifically asking for feedback on the new design so I doubt they really want to hear it.

I'll probably still use Softpedia because they do have a lot of stuff with screenshots and reviews, but they won't be my go-to site as they used to be.

 

GrafZeppelin - thought of posting the same topic yesterday - instead , was so "amazed" that I spent the time trying to navigate the new layout.

I use(d) Softpedia as a posting of new versions of software I am keeping an eye on. A plain listing like major Geeks was perfect for that.

Now it is large icons with few apps per page and those in two columns - haven't figured out the first column yet that jumps to July and February very quickly.

Like everything these days, just getting harder.

signed,
the old man.
(this is who we are)

 

Yeah, I also sometimes notify them about new software versions. I also read news in there and if I found something worthy enough I'll link them here. Now I'm thinking to retire. I guess I'll just start to pin the homepages of the software I use in my bookmarks to check for new version updates and downloads from now on.

 

New outlay ... Yuck! One more reason to get my downloads from MajorGeeks.

 

The same here, I find the choice of downloads to be way to limited for my liking. Also, I have no time for the guy who runs it.

 

That really bites as far as Im concerned.
Fortunately there are still alternatives...
Freebyte (heavily self promoting, but very interesting collection), Shell extension city, Freewarefiles (avoid sponsored installer), Freewarehome, LastFreewareversion, Downloadcollection, Freewarebb, windows8downloadsfree, Linuxsoft, to name a few.
(from the Freewarebytes 'freeware sites' section)

 

Most if not all sites under the International Data Group or IDG banner have gotten a facelift of late.

Many are not the same sites we were so used as go-to places for security and other information.

That's not to say they cannot be navigated but change is not always a good thing.

InfoWorld explains their new overhaul.

 

I don't think of it at all..

 

Brilliant

 

I read lately about malware that can infect your comp when downloading open source software (especially). I wonder how having js open helps with exploits like that? I cant find the article, but it had to do with signatures I think.

 

I does not matter if is Open Source or not. What you may heard is kind of true: some time ago, SourceForge has been accused of bundling 3rd party crap into legitimate Open Source programs like FileZilla etc...From my point of view there's partially true because is not SourceForge that bundle a setup with annoying promotional stuff but the developer of the X program itself in order to make money.

As for SofTpedia, the mess is intentional because users have to spend more time on a page trying to find something: have you ever heard of bounce rate, exit rate etc...? More time you stay on a page, better it is for SoftPedia and ad revenue.

@GrafZeppelin
MajorGeeks has everything you need, don't worry. If not there's always SnapFiles, FileHorse, DownloadCrew...SnapFiles has been around since the beginning of the times and the Internet, they really know what are they doing. FileHorse is a nice alternative to FileHippo, since FileHippo now offers sponsored installers, FileHorse and DownloadCrew are good for latest 'general software updates'. Personally I like SnapFiles for various programs and CodecPack.co for audio video software - it has a plain, old school look and layout, the site is completely html based and easy to navigate.

 

I dislike the new design as well,
but, considering how things are evolving,
(more and more mobile/touch screen/cloud)
it is probably inevitable.

maybe we are getting old here at Wilders,
or maybe the desktop machine and way of use
will survive as a niche even with new generations,
I don't know.

 

There's a little tag or tab half-way down (or up) the right-hand page margin marked "Feedback" which opens a slider.

 

Annoying as heck

 

They`ve just fixed what was`nt broke...........puke!

Regards Eck

 

Keatah: I don't think of it at all..

drhu22: Brilliant



- laugh ! talk about

you guys crack me up.

f

 

I see the Feedback tab now, a vertical tab hugging the side of the window on the right. It's transparent until you hover the mouse over it. Thanks mhf.

 

Yeah there it is...now I see it too. Cheers.

I guess they don't want to hear any negative feedback so they had to hide it a little hmmmm

 

The new design sickens me , to me this is the death of Softpedia, I will not be using it anymore. I really do not have a clue what the owner was thinking, sites should always have a clean and simple design, some examples:

http://www.snapfiles.com/new/list-whatsnew.html
http://software.informer.com/
http://alternativeto.net/?platform=windows
http://www.oldapps.com/

LOL, I've checked it out, all sites look like crap, it truly amazes me how many talentless idiots are allowed to design websites.

 

LOL SweX, you're probably right.

 

Is Softpedia the download site that does NOT stuff a load of sneaky bloatware & toolbars in the fine print, just a clean download?

 

Most of the time they're clean, but sometimes all they have is an external download link that goes back to the author's site and occasionally these are online installers with junk.

 

Correct, and Major Geeks too. They are both fine afaik. I haven't seen any unwanted presents from them. But I won't use Softpedia from now on, with a bit of luck they may change design again when the traffic from desktop users starts to drop

 

Softpedia still hosts some less than desirable software bordering on rouge.
I would still download from the developers website or File Hippo / Major Geeks.
As for Softpedia's new Web design, IMO it's fugly.

 

I'd agree with @ LoneWolf that SoftPedia serves a slightly slanted narrative to others. I wasn't aware that MajorGreeks was a source of information of any kind. Given the CCleaner debacle