Open Letter to CNet (Updated)

It has recently come to our attention (original story, HN discussion) that the recently updated EasyBCD listing on CNet/Download.com no longer links directly to an official setup package but rather to an “CNet EasyBCD Installer” which bundles certain 3rd party products and viralware (others are referring to it as malware, we will refrain from doing so) and attempts to pass it on to our end users as part of the EasyBCD experience.

Unlike some of the affected open source software that is listed on CNet, EasyBCD does not use a copyleft license that lets companies and individuals do whatever they want with EasyBCD and repackage it in whichever manner they choose. In fact, in the past whenever we were asked why one of the most popular freeware products available online was not open source, we have repeatedly insisted that the ability to maintain control over the distribution and packing of EasyBCD to ensure an ongoing comfortable and friendly user experience has been our number one reason.

CNet is of course not the only download site using these so-called “downloaders” to bundle unwanted software that unsuspecting users would normally not install. They are, however, one of the largest and prior to this, also one of the more respected download entities. As of today, we shall be contacting any and all companies and sites that use custom “installers” to download/install EasyBCD as this is in direct violation of the EasyBCD license.

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EasyBCD Box Art

 

EasyBCD 1.6 hasn’t only just kicked off with more downloads than any previous version, but also with some stylish box art to boot!

Thanks to Sarge aXa, one of NeoSmart Technologies very first forum members, EasyBCD 1.6 has some box art. We’ve uploaded the images to the EasyBCD Image Gallery if you want to take a look at the rest.

In other news, EasyBCD 1.6 has just been awarded Softpedia’s 5/5 Editor’s Pick – how they tested it and updated their site so fast… quite impressive!

 

  That’s yet another badge to add our rather-extensive collection

EasyBCD: 100% Clean Award

It takes bigger and more complex programs a little longer to be verified 100% clean, but EasyBCD has just been branded “100% Clean” by Softpedia’s product review team.

Not that anyone ever questioned the authenticity nor has it ever given anyone reason for concern, but it’s always good to have independant 3rd party verification from a trusted source.

You can download EasyBCD from Softpedia here — be sure to rate it while you’re there!