need advice on Software Download link. [solved]

dear admin & mods,

im really need you help to make an confirmation aout some software download issue. that because im thinking to put some downlod link on my forum and i wont risking my forum to got deleted because of illegal software (Warez). So, im really need to know certain issue about software download that not mention on forumotion terms of services.

so if i put this kind of download link, It is illegal or not?

1. Download link for any software but its just redirect them to official Publisher download website
   
2. download link trial software.
   
3. Download link for Flash game
   
4. Download link for Software Driver
   
5. Download link for Games cheats & Trainer
   
6. Download Link for Games mods & skin
   
7. Download link for software plugin ( example : adobe photoshop plugin)
   
8. Download link for Games Demos ( just redirect them to publisher download link)
   
9. Download Link for Games Updates & expansion
   
10. Download Link for Freeware / Shareware Software ( redirect link to software download website. example : download.com)
    

That all, im really appreciate if you can confirm this download link so i wont keep hasitated to put it on my forum. Thanks for your time and im looking forward for anwers about this topic

ps: sorry since juridical section got shut down i dont know where to post this

Thank you,

any advise?

because im urgently need this. thanks

It all depends if you are allowed to link to these files and if you are allowed to download and use them freely. It depends on the single applications and their license agreement - this basically applies for all of your points. If you have doubts, you probably should contact the site you want to link to.

Of course I think I don't have to mention that the applications themselves and their purpose must be licit (no hacking tools etc...) - even if you have the permission of the author.

I have two doubts though, about game trainers that could be counted as hacks and about download.com as I don't know this site and what's offered there... well, but in the end I'm by far no juridical consultant.

thanks sunny,

but i wonder if its is still considered wares if i just put a direct link to software publisher website, i mean just put a link to tell member where they can find this software and download it.

of cause I'm referring to non-hacking tool, shareware, free ware & trial software here

I think you almost answered your question yourself - I don't see why links to legal (in terms of forumotion TOS) applications should be counted as illicit.

Sunny_D wrote:It all depends if you are allowed to link to these files and if you are allowed to download and use them freely. It depends on the single applications and their license agreement - this basically applies for all of your points. If you have doubts, you probably should contact the site you want to link to.

Of course I think I don't have to mention that the applications themselves and their purpose must be licit (no hacking tools etc...) - even if you have the permission of the author.

I have two doubts though, about game trainers that could be counted as hacks and about download.com as I don't know this site and what's offered there... well, but in the end I'm by far no juridical consultant.

Game trainers are hacks but in the old terms not the new ones, hacks in the old terms means altering code to make a programme do what you want it to do.
The new terms means script kiddies with an attitude and no morals who's only aim in life is to cause chaos.
Download.com is an old and respected shareware/freeware download site along the lines of nonags.com, where the authors of programmes upload to themselves (usually there is a link for the authors website included on the download page).
Hope this helps.

Thank you badger, for clarifying this points, it helped indeed.

Then I also don't see any problem with download.com in general...

thanks guys, i really appreciate it

but, i want to make confimation for last time and correct me if im wrong here.

can we add this download link on forum?

ANSWER

1. Download link for any software but its just redirect them to official Publisher download website = YES
   
2. download link trial software. = YES
   
3. Download link for Flash game = YES
   
4. Download link for Software Driver = YES
   
5. Download link for Games cheats & Trainer = NO
   
6. Download Link for Games mods & skin = YES
   
7. Download link for software plugin ( example : adobe photoshop plugin) = YES
   
8. Download link for Games Demos ( just redirect them to publisher download link) = YES
   
9. Download Link for Games Updates & expansion = YES
   
10. Download Link for Freeware / Shareware Software ( redirect link to software download website. example : download.com) = YES
    

are this answer correct? someone please clarify it because im not risking my beloved forum got deleted because some ilicit content.

thanks again
adiex

This is correct (in my opinion) if you have the permission of the author to post the particular links, yes.

Besides that, you don't have to be too paranoid about this issue. It will be decided case by case, if your site gets deleted or you just recieve a notification to remove the content. This depends on the severity of your offence and if the sites main theme is about offering illicit content.

i see,

i will try to get those publisher permission to put they download link on my site. but i wonder, how about those oldies & simple software? what if, software publisher not exist anymore?

ps: im wondering about putting an download link for online games client. is that considered as warez too?

thanks for you help
adiex

Adiex wrote:i see,

i will try to get those publisher permission to put they download link on my site. but i wonder, how about those oldies & simple software? what if, software publisher not exist anymore?

ps: im wondering about putting an download link for online games client. is that considered as warez too?

thanks for you help
adiex

Even software where the company doesn't publish the software anymore is still considered illegal. I'm guessing your talking about abandonware in this case. It is still against copyright to download those, oldies as you put it, software.

hmm thanks,

but im still got a few doubt about this software link. let say, i just put a link to tell member where they can find certain software, not putting a direct download itself. so, i wonder if this kind of link still require author permission or not?

I personally don't see any problem with putting a link to a legitimate site. In fact that company probably welcomes it because it will give them more traffic. I think the thing to watch out for is linking people to an illicit site, so a place they can download a no-cd patch, or a pirated version of the software, etc. That is just my view on the issue though. As Sunny said, if your website's main purpose is to help people get warez and such, then it would get shut down without notification; however, if your main purpose isn't against the TOS and there are just a few minor infractions then you will get a notification and a chance to take down the content.

i think im finally got a clear picture what link can and can not put on my forum.

thanks for you guys help. now i can put a link with peace on my heart haha

thanks again, you may lock this thread if you want

Then I'm going to lock this and mark it solved. Glad we could help you.