HTTP Hosting Frequently Asked Questions

Upload.com is proud to announce free HTTP hosting on our network for all software that meets our quality criteria. Because Download.com is one of the world’s largest download libraries, bandwidth costs to publishers from our user base alone can add up quickly and start eating away at your software profits. However, because we do all the hosting, your bandwidth costs will be greatly reduced; saving you important revenue dollars, which are vital to the success of your business.

What are the benefits of hosting my file with Download.com
By hosting with CNET Downloads, publishers can feel confident that the data and statistics they receive from our sites are safe, secure, and accurate. We monitor our HTTP network for spiders and potential data manipulators so publishers don’t have to worry. The best part about hosting with us is we do all the worrying--and because we do all the hosting, your bandwidth costs will be greatly reduced; saving you important revenue dollars, which are vital to the success of your business.

• Free hosting and bandwidth: Over time, file hosting can take a significant chunk out of revenue. As part of our service to publishers, we save you the cost and the trouble.
• Automatic virus-checking: Your files are automatically scanned for viruses during the upload process, allowing us to distribute your product to our users securely and safely.
• Secure download URLs: Using http:// links allows us to block unwanted users from pointing to your file, providing more accurate and dependable download numbers.
• No hassles: Once your product is listed, all modifications are free of charge--and the best part is, you won't need to worry about maintaining your download URL until your next product modification.

Our hosting service uses the standard HTTP delivery method. When you submit your product modification via Upload.com, your download file will automatically be virus-checked, then uploaded to our HTTP servers. After your product goes through the normal submission process and is published with any additional changes, users who click the Download Now button for your product on Download.com or one of our authorized partner sites will download the file to their computers quickly and easily. Publishers still will need to maintain hosting on their servers for certain international and partner sites to point to.

Because Download.com is one of the world’s largest download libraries, bandwidth costs to publishers from our user base alone can add up quickly and start eating away at your software profits. However, by uploading your files to our HTTP servers, CNET Downloads absorbs most of these bandwidth costs at no extra charge to publishers. Additionally, using this new http:// link will allow us to block unauthorized users from pointing to your file and provide more accurate and dependable download numbers and statistics.

What is the largest file size you can host?
At this time, we can host files of up to 250MB. Files over 25MB may, at our discretion, be hosted on rate-limited servers due to bandwidth considerations. In addition, you must maintain an active download URL for your product at all times.

What if my file is larger than 250MB?
We generally do not host files that are larger than 250MB. We will be monitoring these files remotely. Regardless of a file’s size, publishers always need to maintain an active, direct-access download URL.

How many of my software files can you host at a time?
You may submit any number of software titles. Files larger than 25MB may be hosted on rate-limited servers, and we generally do not host files larger than 250MB.

Will I need to maintain my direct-access download URL after my file has been uploaded?
Yes. Since we have several feeds that send our database to our international partners, at this time you will need to maintain a direct-access download URL to remain listed with us. Our primary download sites, which have the majority of our traffic, use HTTP hosting; those sites include CNET Download.com, ZDNet Downloads, Microsoft Windows Marketplace, and most CNET Networks international sites.

Is HTTP hosting on Download.com optional?
At this time we are requiring all publishers who submit products to us through Upload.com to have their files hosted with us. We believe this will make the service more valuable to publishers who will save money on hosting and bandwidth costs, and we believe this will improve the service by offering a more accurate and consistent user experience. The only exceptions are files larger than 250MB, but we reserve the right not to host certain files at our discretion.

How do I upload my file to your servers?
Simply enter an active, publicly accessible, direct-access download URL into the download-links field when modifying your product. After we receive the product submission through Upload.com, our HTTP system will automatically attempt to download the file from its server. After it has been uploaded to our HTTP servers and the product goes through processing, the new HTTP download link should be initiated when a user clicks Download Now on your Download.com product page. Publishers still will need to maintain hosting on their servers for our international and partner sites to point to.

How do I know if my files were uploaded successfully?
As long as you provide us with a direct-access download URL, there should be no problems with the file upload. If we cannot access your file, or if we run into other problems, our staff will notify you by e-mail and request that you submit a different URL.

Will your servers find and pull down new product versions automatically?
No. All product updates must be submitted through the Upload.com site.

But what about Mac support?
Mac and Handheld software are fully supported and may take advantage of our free HTTP hosting method as long as the file sizes are under 250MB and meet our Software Policies.

Is hosting really free?
Yes. As a service to our dedicated and loyal publishers, we are providing our HTTP hosting free of charge for all product listings under 250MB. Although we may choose not to host certain files at our discretion, we provide file hosting as a free service independent of our paid listing packages.

How secure is my file on HTTP? Can you block referrals?
Yes. We plan to block all additional, unauthorized traffic from accessing our HTTP network, including warez sites. The only way to reach your file will be through the ´Download Now´ button on Download.com and our partner network.

Will I get international hosting with your service?
Yes. The majority of CNET Networks international download sites are currently pointing to the Download.com-hosted file. However, you must maintain your download URL at all times to ensure the best possible service for the users of certain international partner sites.

Aren’t customers going to get old versions of files?
No. Because we provide free product modifications with all listing packages, publishers can now update their product information, as often as they like, free of charge. Products that are not updated within a timely manner will be reminded by our staff to take advantage of our free modifications. We hope this will encourage publishers to keep their listings up-to-date with us.

Can I submit my file to your HTTP servers using PAD?
Yes you can. However, PAD files can only be used to expedite the filling out of product information during the normal Upload.com submission process. PAD files cannot be used to automatically submit product listings to Upload.com. You will still need to provide us with any additional information and manually submit your product in order for us to process it.