Build safer browsing defaults
Almost every risky download starts with a misleading ad or a fake button. Install a reputable content blocker, keep your browser and operating system updated, and bookmark the sites you trust instead of searching for them again each time.
- Use an ad and tracker blocker such as uBlock Origin.
- Check that a download page is on the project’s official domain or verified repository.
- Ignore large “Download” buttons that appear above the real content; they are usually advertisements.
Before you download anything
Prefer official websites, GitHub releases, and package managers. Look at the file type, publisher, and release notes before running an installer. If a file is unknown or unexpectedly large, scan it before opening it.
- Use VirusTotal to check suspicious files and links.
- Prefer portable or open-source builds from the original maintainer.
- On Windows, use the official Microsoft Store or a trusted package manager where possible.
Protect your accounts
Use a password manager and a different password for every service. Turn on two-factor authentication for email, banking, and any account that stores personal data. Avoid signing in to unfamiliar services with your main email account.
Cloud AI tools can be useful, but do not paste confidential documents, passwords, or personal records into them. Local models are a better choice when privacy matters.
Understand what “free” means
- Open source — the code can be inspected and reused under a license.
- Free tier — a limited but genuinely usable plan, often with storage or usage caps.
- Ad-supported — you pay with attention; use a blocker and expect limits.
- Public domain or open license — media you can legally read, watch, or reuse.
Use links responsibly
This directory links to third-party services. We do not host files and cannot guarantee how a site will behave in the future. Respect copyright, follow local law, and support the creators and maintainers whose work you rely on.
Found a broken or unsafe link?
If something no longer works, let the site administrator know through the project repository or the contact details listed there. Broken links are reviewed and removed during the monthly update.