Links to Shareware and Freeware Sites

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• This page is intended for developers. It will become part of a more extensive resource over time.
• All links open in a new window.
• If you wish to enhance your search engine position, you should acquire links from as many sites as possible. The most valued links come from sites with the highest page rankings. The home page of each site below typically has a Google ranking of between 4 and 6 (out of 10). Generally, the page on which your site will be listed will have a ranking of one point less. To check Google page rankings, download the Google toolbar.
• Most search engines recognise javascript links (provided the http:// prefix is included) however, cgi links typically do not contain site urls so such links are not beneficial to your site. Neverthless, such sites may generate considerable traffic.
  NB : The Opera browser is ideal for determining what type of link is used.

This is the home of the PAD file. Many websites accept submissions only in the form of a pad file. Some websites (like Simtel) may even restrict the names you can use. You will have to download the PadGen program. Frankly, if you are a high-quality programmer, you will probably look at this program and think something like ok for an early beta I suppose but it does the job. It is also extensible - Simtel, for instance, will require you to download and install their pad extensions.
Having created your pad file (which should have the extension .xml - don't ask why !!) you should submit it to the ASP site for inclusion in their index. Whether this index is scanned by search engines is unclear but it is likely that it shall be in the future.

This site is highly rated by search engines. Definitely submit your software here. However, be aware that it is run on a not-for-profit basis and that the editors are unpaid volunteers. Such people are likely to reject your software if you make extravagant claims so keep it sober and sensible. Also, they will almost certainly reject any software that does nasty things.
To submit software, first locate the most precise category appropriate and then click the add URL link at the top of its page. You will have to fill in a short form. Unfortunately, the ODP suffers from technical problems from time to time and also a lack of editors in some categories. Be aware that it may take several weeks to become included in a popular category - don't bombard editors with repeated submissions.

• Unlike most commercial websites, you will not normally receive an email confirming your inclusion, therefore you should always search for your program before resubmitting it.

Submission : Look for the How to upload link.
You must first create an account. You will be emailed account details.
Submission requires use of an extended pad file and ftp.
Files typically appear after 24-48 hours provided you follow their instructions - read carefully.
Simtel host the the software that you upload to them using a large multi-national network. If you are expecting a large volume of downloads and want to avoid bandwidth arguments with your website host, you should definitely consider Simtel.

Submission : Look for the Add Software link.
This is a shareware and freeware site.
You do not need to create an account, just fill in a form. The form may be filled in automatically if you supply a PAD file. After submission, you will receive an email - when you click a link in the email, the listing will be activated immediately.

Submission : Look for the Submit link.
As the name suggests, this is a freeware site.
You do not need to create an account, simply fill in a form and wait.
Generally, this is a well-designed site, however, the fonts seem rather small.

Submission : Look for the Submit link.
This is a shareware and freeware site.
You must create an account.
You must fill in a long form for each program you submit. All forms may be filled in using PAD files. Programs are added immediately.
A well designed site.

Submission : Use the email link at the bottom of the page.
Simply email the webmaster and politely ask to be included. However, as the name suggests, only freeware programs are accepted. Software may be reviewed and tested, so it may also be rejected.
A clean site with a distinctive color scheme.

Submission : Look for the Submit link.
You must first create an account. You will be emailed account details.
You must log on and submit software using a form.
Unless you pay for a faster service, your software will not be listed for several weeks.

Submission : Look for the Submit link.
You must first create an account. You will be emailed account details.
You must log on and submit software using a form.
Unless you pay for a faster service, your software will not be listed for several days.

Submission : Look for the Submit link.
You are not required to create an account or fill in a form, merely send an email.
You are expected to link back to the website.
This is a huge site, of which software is just a part. It is highly rated by search engines so if you have freeware that you wish to publicise, this site is recommended.

Submission : Look for the Submit link.
You are not required to create an account. You must submit software using a form.
Don't be surprised if your submission apparently gets lost !!
Pages can be excrutiatingly slow to load unless you have a broadband connection.

Submission : Look for the Submit link.
You must provide information about your software by email. If accepted, your listing will will be posted within a few days. You are requested, but not required to link back to the website.
This is a clean and simple site - rather refreshing !!

ZDNET

Submission : Go to the downloads page and look for a submit link.
You must create an account.
This is a PAID INCLUSION site, so you may wish to ignore this site when publishing freeware.

Submission : Look for a submit link on the homepage.
You are not required to create an account, merely fill in a longish form and be patient.

SHAREWARE JUNKIES

Submission : Look for the Authors Only link.
You are not required to create an account, merely fill in a longish form and be patient.
If they don't like your software, they may not post it.
You may, optionally, pay for a faster service.

NO NAGS

Submission : (Freeware only) Look for the Submitlink.
You are not required to create an account, merely fill in a longish form and be patient. Interestingly, the form asks for the license type (shareware/freeware) even though their submission guidelines state that they do not accept any form of shareware, trialware, adware, etc.

FILE TRANSIT

Submission : Look for the Authors Only link.
You are required to create an account - this becomes active immediately. You will then have to fill in a longish form - read the instructions carefully. Your software is listed immediately with regard to the website search engine but may not appear immediately on the category listing (wait an hour or two).
This is a well designed and fast-loading website but your password is visible when logged in.

5 STAR SHAREWARE

Submission : Unless you use one of the affiliated companies to handle registration, you may not be able to get your software listed.

Submission : Look for the submit link.
You are not required to create an account, merely fill in a longish form and be patient.
This a clean-looking and fast loading website - excellent !!

Submission : Look for the Add a Listing link.
You must create an account. This becomes active immediately. You must then fill in a form that describes your software. If you have a pad file, this can be used to fill in the form but you must still read through it carefully. Having submitted your software, if it is approved, it will be added to the site after a week or two.

Submission : Look for the submit link.
You are not required to create an account but you will have to fill in a longish form. However, most fields can be read from a pad file. If accepted, your software will be listed after several days.

Submission : Look for the submit link.
Software can only be submitted using a pad file. If accepted, your software will be listed within a few days. If you provide a link to their site your software will be listed more favourably.

SHAREWARE ORDER

Submission : Look for the submit link.
You must create an account, and fill in a long form. Apparently, they accept submission via a pad file, but it was far from obvious how to do this.

SHAREWARE LINKS

This is primarily a link-exchange site with a rotation of 101 links (the oldest being removed).
If you post software you are expected to link back to the site.

200 SHAREWARE LINKS

This is primarily a link-exchange site with a rotation of 200 links (the oldest being removed).
If you post software you are expected to link back to the site.
You may only submit one link per domain.