How we verify downloads

Short version: every download button on Softwares Academy goes to the developer’s own website or official release page. We never host, re-upload, repack or wrap an installer, and we show you the facts you need to check the file yourself.

What we check for every program

  1. The official source. We find the developer’s own website and, for open-source software, the repository the developer controls. We cross-check them against each other: the website should link to the repository and the repository should link back.
  2. The current version and its date. We read these from the developer’s release page, not from another download site. Most download portals copy each other, which is how outdated versions spread.
  3. File names, sizes and SHA-256 checksums. Where the developer publishes a release on GitHub, the SHA-256 value comes from that release. You can compare it with your own copy in a few seconds (see below).
  4. Lookalike sites. Popular free tools attract copycat domains that rank in search results and hand out modified installers. We only name a site as a lookalike when the developer, or a reputable security or tech publication, has identified it.
  5. Install notes that matter. Supported Windows and macOS versions, ARM64 and Apple Silicon builds, the winget package ID, and known antivirus false positives with the developer’s own explanation.

Each program page shows the date we last checked it. When a new version is released, the page is updated and the date changes.

How to check a file you downloaded

On Windows, open PowerShell in the folder where the file is and run:

Get-FileHash .\file-name.exe

On macOS or Linux, open Terminal and run:

shasum -a 256 file-name.dmg

The long value you get must match the SHA-256 on our page exactly. If one character is different, the file is not the one the developer published. Delete it and download again from the official link.

What we will never do

  • Host software files on our own servers.
  • Use a “download manager”, “fast downloader” or any installer that adds offers.
  • Offer paid software for free, or link to cracks, keygens, activators or modified builds.
  • Invent ratings, download counts or reviews.

Ads and how this site is paid for

Softwares Academy is free to use and is funded by display advertising from Google AdSense. Ads are labelled “Advertisement” and are kept away from download buttons, so you can always tell which button is ours. No developer pays us to be listed or to be described favourably.

Found a problem?

If a link, version or checksum on our site is wrong, or you have spotted a fake download site we should warn about, please tell us through the contact page. We correct errors and update the page date when we do.