Software Listing Policy
The criteria used to evaluate whether a software title will be added to our public database
Our goal is to build a comprehensive and reliable database of software that provides real value to users and protects the privacy and safety of the users. We generally follow the below mentioned guidelines to prioritize and evaluate submissions.
1. Functionality and Value
The primary driver for inclusion is utility. We are looking for software that solves a problem or provides entertainment.
- Operational Integrity: The software should function as described. While we appreciate experimental projects, software recommended for the general public should be stable enough for typical use.
- Distinct Purpose: The software should have a clear use case.
- Commercial Transparency: We welcome paid and commercial software. However, the listing should clearly indicate the pricing model (e.g., Free Trial, Freemium, Subscription, or One-time Purchase) so users know what to expect before downloading.
2. Safety and User Trust
We want our users to download with confidence. Submissions should respect the user’s machine and data.
- Clean Installation: Installers should be free of aggressive bundles, unwanted toolbars, or “bloatware” that is difficult to opt out of.
- Malware-Free: We generally verify submissions against standard virus databases. Software should have a clean record on platforms like VirusTotal.
- Privacy Friendly: If the software collects user data, it should ideally have a privacy policy or a clear explanation of how that data is used. We discourage software that harvests data surreptitiously.
3. Maintenance and Legacy Support
We recognize that some software is “finished” and doesn’t need constant updates, while other tools require regular patching.
- Active Development: We prioritize software that is actively maintained, as this usually ensures better security and compatibility with modern operating systems.
- Legacy/Abandonware: We are open to listing older, unmaintained software (abandonware), provided it is still functional on supported operating systems. However, please note that these submissions may receive lower visibility compared to actively supported tools.
4. Licensing and Legal
To protect our platform and our users, we prioritize legal clarity.
- Distribution Rights: You should only submit software that allows for public linking or distribution. We avoid hosting “cracked” or pirated content.
- License Clarity: The submission should include information about the license. Whether it is MIT, Creative Commons, or Proprietary, knowing the license helps users understand how they are allowed to use the tool.
5. Documentation and Presentation
A good software listing helps the user get started quickly.
- Accessible Information: There should ideally be a homepage, a repository (like GitHub), or a dedicated download page where users can find more information.
- Usage Instructions: Software should come with basic instructions, a README, or a help file to guide the user through installation and basic usage.