Frequently asked questions

No. A different website once ran on this domain, and later unrelated spam pages appeared here. Their materials weren't preserved, we don't restore them and we have nothing to do with them. The only thing we share is the name.

Because this reference doesn't distribute programs or files. Hosting other people's software means risking outdated versions and fakes, and the official source is always more reliable than any third-party archive.

Interfaces and names change quickly, but the principles stay the same. Besides, we don't want to turn into a ranking or an advertising showcase: this reference doesn't sell anything and doesn't recommend specific products.

On the general principles in system and software developers' documentation and on our editorial experience. We don't publish made-up tests, measurements or stories.

Find it yourself rather than through an ad, check the address carefully and look at the product description, contact details and support section. If the program is available in your system's built-in app store, that's another reliable route.

If the installer asks for a restart, it's best not to put it off for long: some changes only take effect after a restart, and until then the program may behave oddly.

Technically you often can, but it's better to keep security updates automatic. If you're worried about surprises, schedule installation for a time when a restart won't get in the way of your work.

If the developer has ended support, vulnerabilities in the program are no longer being fixed. See whether there's a newer version or another way to handle the same task, and don't open files from unverified sources in the old program.

It's convenient to do it from time to time, for example when the seasons change. Remove what you haven't used in a long time and check your startup apps. It doesn't take long and clears up a lot of mysteries.

Usually not. The system's built-in tools are enough for uninstalling programs and managing startup apps, while aggressive “cleaners” sometimes become a source of problems and unwanted ads themselves.

Better not. Every unnecessary program takes up space, may sit in your startup apps and needs updates. Install what you need now, not what might come in handy someday.

Give everyone their own standard user account and leave administrator rights to one adult. That way, an accidental install from an intriguing ad won't affect the entire system.