Software that allows you to quickly and easily find and download programs for Windows
Software that allows you to quickly and easily find and download programs for Windows
Vote (1,347 votes)
Program license Free
Developer Softonic
Version 1.5.12
Works under Windows
Vote
(1,347 votes)
Developer
Softonic
Works under
Windows
Program license
Free
Version
1.5.12
Pros
- Can download or just use the site
- Free to download
- The UI is very simplistic
- Too many games to count
Cons
- Program is very ad-heavy
- Some have reported malware
- Some games can be quite expensive
It goes without saying that there are a lot of services out there that are offering you the opportunity to play online games, but Softonic might be one of the only programs that gives you an all in one portal for online gaming.
An Overview of Softonic
People use computers for a wide variety of reasons, though even if you're using your computer to work or to design things, the likelihood is still great that you're going to use it to play games in your downtime. So whether you're a full-time gamer or just like to play occasionally, a program like Softonic may really come in handy if you have a Windows PC. This is basically a portal that allows you to download and install an incredibly wide variety of games. Some of them are lightweight games that you can get for free, while others are large games, as are typically found on gaming consoles, and thus the full versions may cost you a few bucks.
Either way you slice it, however, Softonic is essentially a program that saves you a ton of time searching for games independently. You simply use this particular portal to find, download and install your games; to put it another way, it's like a search engine for games, mixed with a download store like what you would use for smartphone apps. It has unparalleled functionality in this regard.
What Softonic Is and What It Does
One of the first things you're going to notice upon downloading Softonic is that it basically operates like a search engine. The layout is okay, though some may argue a little bit outdated, but the user interface is very simplistic and it doesn't take long at all to get into the flow of searching for, downloading and installing a wide variety of video games. The games this program offers are really quite diverse. You can get big-time games like Grant Theft Auto, Left 4 Dead, Dark Souls, and more, plus fun, lightweight games like Angry Birds and Shot-Online. It's this inclusive nature that makes the program popular.
The gaming portal is also optional. For instance, you can navigate everything by visiting their website, or you can download a program to have it running on your PC full time. The choice is yours. Having the program gives you much easier access and a very simplistic UI to take advantage of, but you're not locked in here and can choose to visit the site. The portal is always updating too, so you're going to be able to find more and more games every week, thus never getting tired of gaming.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Can download or just use the site
- Free to download
- The UI is very simplistic
- Too many games to count
Cons
- Program is very ad-heavy
- Some have reported malware
- Some games can be quite expensive
Pros
- Regularly informs you of updates available for each program on your computer
- Increases your speed when downloading programs online
- Gives you complete access to the Softonic library of programs
- Helps you better manage all the programs you download
Cons
- Reminds you of updates available for all programs, even those you don't want or use
- Will not let you remove programs you installed with the app
- Is not necessary for those who automatically update Windows
Softonic for Windows helps you effectively manage all the games and software that you download and use from the website of the same name.
There are thousands of websites that let users download free programs and apps, but you always need to factor in the reputation of the site before pressing the download button. Some sites that offer free software include adware and other add-on software that can track what you do online, leave you spreading viruses with each email you send and even steal your banking and private information off your computer. Softonic has a strong reputation as one of the top websites for free software, and this new program now helps you keep track of everything you download.
Softonic for Windows also helps ensure that your Windows operating system is up to date. Windows lets you turn on automatic updates or update your system manually. This may leave you missing out on drivers and updates that help all your programs run properly and leave you dealing with constant crashes and other problems. This app identifies the exact version of Windows you use and searches for updates. It will then show you a small box and let you decide which updates to select.
When you download a larger program or multiple programs at the same time, you may find yourself frustrated at how long the process takes. Softonic for Windows increases how quickly you can download programs to reduce the time you spend waiting around. It lets you download programs faster from both the official site and other websites too.
With this program on your computer, you have full access to the content available on the Softonic website. It will even inform you of new programs you might like. You can click one button to download that program without wasting time visiting the site and searching for that program. Softonic for Windows will let you view all programs in your queue and view all titles you downloaded in the past.
While you can download programs quickly, removing those programs is hard. You cannot delete any programs you installed through this app, though the website may change that feature in the future. The app also constantly reminds you of updates for all your programs, even if you do not want those updates. Users and fans of the site will love Softonic for Windows, but not all computer users will find the app helpful or even useful.
Pros
- Regularly informs you of updates available for each program on your computer
- Increases your speed when downloading programs online
- Gives you complete access to the Softonic library of programs
- Helps you better manage all the programs you download
Cons
- Reminds you of updates available for all programs, even those you don't want or use
- Will not let you remove programs you installed with the app
- Is not necessary for those who automatically update Windows
