Softonic

Softonic.com is a software download portal based in Barcelona, Spain, founded in 1997. Since 2007, the portal has included a blog called OnSoftware.

Timothy Mok had used the website accidentally in the year 2012.

History
Softonic started in 1997 as a file-oriented service called Shareware Intercom, at Intercom Online (Grupo Intercom), a provider of Internet services in Cerdanyola del Vallès, near Barcelona (Catalonia). Originally files for the website came from the "Files Library Intercom BBS" at Intercom Online, using a "5-step semi-automated process", which was later greatly simplified. The company also offered monthly CDs of its software library for users tired of "having to wait for downloads to complete or pay exorbitant phone bills." In 1999, the service was described as having a "generosity of games, antivirus, education and the long, seductive etcetera." In 2000 the company became independent under the name Softonic. In 2004, Softonic was made available in German, and in 2005, English. Initially the service was oriented only to downloads of DOS and Windows software, but evolved to offer software downloads for Mac and mobile platforms. Softonic was listed as the "Best place to work in Spain (100-250 employees)" in an annual study by the Great Place to Work Institute, in 2009-2011, and as second-best in 2008. In 2009 and 2011, the site was listed as having the most unique visitor traffic in Spain by audit bureau OJD Interactiva.

Downloads
Softonic offers the "Softonic Toolbar", a Windows-only 4MB web browser add-on for Firefox and Internet Explorer which provides company-specific content, online services, and streamed music. For software hosted by Softonic, downloads can be accompanied by a customized "Softonic Downloader" which shows "commercial offers, such as the Softonic Toolbar." According to Softonic, "some offers can include software that contains advertising".

In 2013, the site was criticised for its downloads installing adware even if the user opted out of its installation.