In its simplest form, a web directory is a categorized list of links to other websites. A software directory is a niche web directory whose focus is on software.
Although a small web directory may be handmade, as part of a static webpage, most are dynamic, using software or scripts that have been designed to create web directories. Generally, web directories are intuitive lists of links organized within subject categories, making it easy for visitors to find what they are looking for.
Although web directories are usually built through the use of web directory scripts, either free or proprietary, reputable directories are personally managed by human beings, which may be the owner, employed staff, volunteers, or a combination of these. In a well-managed web directory, a real person decides which website listings are to be included on a per-site basis, as well as the category in which the listing is going to be placed. Usually, such listings will include the title of the site, a description, and a link to the website. Additional information, such as ratings or reviews, may also be included.
Links may be added entirely by directory staff or there might be a means through which website owners can request that their site be added to the directory. Such submissions may be free or they may require payment of a fee, which is used to maintain the integrity of the directory.
The focus of this category is on software directories. As such, the resources listing here will be to directories of software or software products. Retail sites, listing products, are not directories, nor are comparison sites designed to capitalize on affiliate sales.
This is not for directory software. These are listed in our Directory Resources category, within the Internet tree. A link is provided below.
Categories
@Directory Resources@Internet Directories |
Recommended Resources
The software downloading site was established in 2004 and features computer software for Windows, with categories for recently updated programs, most popular downloads, as well as sorted by software type, and web applications. Software reviews are featured, which may include screenshots, video, and a detailed review, as well as web links, a purchase link, or a download link. A FileHippo App Manager scans a computer for outdated software and offers links to more recent versions.
https://filehippo.com/
The software directory includes software and applications for Windows and Mac, and the site will detect the visitor's platform and display pages for the appropriate operating system. Included software is listed in one of ten topical categories, with popular applications and recent updates displayed on the index page. New applications may be submitted without charge, including descriptions, site listings, developer information, price, and a download URL.
http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/
A project of the Free Software Foundation, the FSD catalogs useful free software that is available under GNU-like licenses, not limited to the GNU operating system and its GNU/Linux variants, many of which also operate on proprietary operating systems, although non-free software is not listed. Listed programs may be found by browsing the directory’s several categories and subcategories. Other resources include a participation guide and submission guidelines.
https://directory.fsf.org/
Sorted into several subject categories, such as how-to’s, antivirus, audio/video, business, desktop enhancements, developer tools, and so on, the top 5, the top 100, most popular downloads, editor’s picks, and new or updated software are highlighted. Registered users may submit software for inclusion in the directory. Its submission policies are stated, and submissions are placed in a queue for review prior to being made available on the site.
https://www.freewarefiles.com/
Specializing on freeware, the directory lists software by category and subcategory, the latest additions and updates highlighted on the index page. New software may be submitted for consideration of inclusion, and listed software may be updated. Only freeware is accepted, not demos, shareware, or trial applications. For submitted sites, a link to a site offering information about the software, as well as a download URL, should be included, along with a description.
http://www.freewareweb.com/
Supporting Linux, Mac, and Windows platforms, Megaleechers lists software and web applications, including free software downloads and shareware, all of which have been checked for malware prior to publishing. Listed software is sorted by operating system platform or by a number of other categories representing the type of software or its usage. Editor’s picks are highlighted and a page of useful sites is included. Software may be submitted to the directory for inclusion.
https://www.megaleechers.com/
Displayed in English and Italian, My Open Source lists open-source software for the Windows platform. The highest-rated software is highlighted on the index page, while all of the listed software is arranged by category: Developments, Entertainment, Internet, Multimedia, Office Utility, Utilities, and Web Script. Listed sites are rated, and include a screenshot, description, and a link to a download page. Readers may rate and comment on each listing. Links to open-source sites are included.
http://www.myopensource.org/
OSAlt specializes in open-source alternatives to commercial software products. Interested visitors may browse through its software categories and compare the advantages and disadvantages of commercial products and their open-source alternatives. New software may be suggested to the site, without charge, and advertising opportunities may be available. Software is listed by the commercial product, after which available open-source alternatives are listed.
https://www.osalt.com/
Online since 1997, when it was known as WebAttack, the site lists freeware and shareware software in the Windows operating system. Listed products are submitted by software companies or developers, and a link to the developer’s website is included, along with a description, after which it is tested, reviewed, rated, categorized, and made available, along with screenshots. The latest downloads, editor’s selections, and the top 100 are highlighted.
https://www.snapfiles.com/
The software directory carries Windows, Mac, and mobile applications, sorted into categories for the type of software, including business, desktop software, science and education, PC games, audio and video, web and Internet, programming, system utilities, graphics and drawing, and virus protection. Authors and developers may submit software for consideration of inclusion in the directory, including descriptions, website URLs, download links, and specifications.
https://www.softlookup.com/
Based in Spain, Softonic lists thousands of software titles across hundreds of categories and subcategories. The site began in 1997 as a shareware file download site, but currently lists software for Mac, Windows, and mobile applications. The site detects the appropriate operating system and displays the software for the platform the visitor is using. Program listings may be submitted for consideration of inclusion in the directory, and the terms are specified on the site.
https://en.softonic.com/
Softpedia lists Linux, Mac, Windows, and Android software, drivers, and utilities, as well as applications designed to operate inside of a web browser. Applications can be sorted by the operating system or platform that they run in, while essential software is highlighted, along with new downloads. The site also features download hubs that help users find software according to the tasks they perform. Software news is presented, and reviews of various packages are included.
https://www.softpedia.com/
Established in 2006, the software directory accepts software submitted by publishers, authors, or their authorized agents, using the PAD format designed by the Association of Shareware Professionals. Listed sites are sorted into several categories, including antivirus and security, audio and MP3, business and finance, communication, design, email, file and disk, games, graphics, Internet, networking, office, video and DVD, and Windows utilities.
http://www.softsea.com/
Human edited, the focus of the directory is on software, although business-related sites also have a presence. Sites may be submitted for consideration for an annual flat fee, with basic and enhanced listing options, as well as software traffic packages that include other sites as well. Listed sites may be located through a keyword search or site visitors may opt to browse its categories and subcategories. Site titles, descriptions, and site URLs are included in listings.
http://www.software5.com/
Shareware authors and developers may submit their software products for inclusion in the directory. Registration is required, and its submission guidelines are stated. Listed shareware is sorted into ten main categories and several subcategories, and may also be found within an editor’s choice section, weekly highlights, essential downloads, and recent downloads. A software catalogs page listed all of the directory’s categories and subcategories for easy navigation.
http://www.topshareware.com/
Founded in 1993, Tucows was originally a directory of shareware and freeware, which it continues to host, although its business interests have expanded considerably, as a publicly traded Internet services and telecommunications company, and the second-largest domain registrar worldwide. Its downloads section includes Windows, Mac, and Linux applications, which may be found by platform or tagged according to keywords. Features and newest software are highlighted.
https://www.tucows.com/downloads/
Offering access to a large catalog of applications for a variety of operating systems, UpToDown is based in Spain, but offers legal software downloads internationally, available in fourteen languages. Although applications are available for Windows and Mac platforms, more than eighty percent of its downloads are for Android mobile applications. Its listings are sorted into communication, games, lifestyle, multimedia, productivity, and tools categories. A blog is also featured.
https://en.uptodown.com/
