Home Topics ServicesComparing Services

Comparing Internet Download Services

You can download music, movies and more through a host of entertainment Web sites. While some of these sites charge you to download content, others offer free downloads.

Before you click a button and start downloading, however, compare services in order to get the most bang for your buck. You'll also want to make sure that the download service you're using is legal.

Read on to learn more about comparing services for downloads on the Internet.

Recognizing Dangerous Download Sites

Some Web sites offer dangerous downloads that could corrupt and damage your computer. Ranging from fairly harmless viruses to identity thieves, a variety of potential threats may lurk behind downloads. In order to avoid downloading dangerous, illegal or infected content, always research a company before doing business with it.

Sometimes, you can spot dangerous sites when shopping for entertainment services and visiting various sites. File-sharing sites and peer-to-peer networks are illegal in almost all cases.

Look out for these signs when shopping online for video and music downloads as well as when you're shopping for ringtone downloads, software downloads and more:

If you're becoming a member before downloading, you should be given a chance to review and accept the end-user license agreement (EULA). Always read the policy, even if there's no checkbox for acceptance. If you don't agree with the terms, move on to another site.
Be wary of sites offering unfamiliar file extensions. If a movie or music download comes in an unfamiliar format, it's probably best to keep moving. Even a download with a common file extension won't guarantee your safety.
Look out for an abundance of pop-up ads. A site that features a frenzy of these ads is probably not legit. Often, these ads multiply and infect your computer with annoying trackers and malicious programs.
Do not order from an unsecured site. When ordering, be sure the window in which you're giving personal information is secure. The file location will begin with "https://," and you should see a closed padlock in the lower right-hand corner. These two things can help you identify a secure site.

Strong anti-virus software and firewalls are your best protection against malicious sites. In addition, you should have anti-shareware, anti-adware and anti-malware programs installed on your computer. Many of these programs are free and will scan and clean your computer to help prevent it from being attacked.

Subscription Sites vs. Free Sites

In most cases, subscription and fee-based download sites offer the highest quality products. You'll find a wider selection of the latest offerings at these sites, too. Fees are typically low, even for the newest movies and songs.

While some free sites are dangerous, not all of them are out to get you. You'll find many that are useful for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, vocal artists will let you download a single to raise interest in a new record. Often, free sites also offer content that is in the public domain and out of copyright.

When using a free site, however, know the risks that are involved.

Before Using a Subscription Site

Before you sign up for a monthly membership or even pay a one-time fee for any download service, read the Terms of Service (TOS). This lets you know what you can and can't do under copyright laws and company policy.

You should consider how and where you'll use the download. If you're renting a movie, for instance, you may be able to play it only on the device to which you downloaded it. Likely, you’ll also only be able to view it only for a limited time.

Consider the following before paying to download content:

Cataloging: After downloading music, you may want to make a CD compilation of your favorite songs. Not all services will allow this.

Compatibility: You'll want to make sure that the download is compatible with your computer or electronic device.
Price: Most entertainment services of all types require a monthly or per-download fee. These fees can be less than $1 for a single song or ringtone or as much as $30 for a monthly subscription with unlimited music downloads.
Proprietary Formatting: Some entertainment services include proprietary playback machines that you can download to your computer as well.