S-L-O-W, But Good? (cnet.com)

Member Name: JRW

Product:	cnet.com
Date:	15/07/00 (5 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Content, depth

Disadvantages: s-l-o-w, very American-based

If you've been using computers and/or the Internet for a moderate length of time then you must have come across CNet. Well, if you've not it's at www.cnet.com . Anyway, trying not to stray too far away from the point, CNet is like an online computing magazine - with downloads, reviews, buying guides, etc. Despite the fact that the site is very American, it is still useful for anybody else who isn't in the States.

The most immediate thing about this site that you notice is the speed. Sorry, when I say speed I may mislead you in thinking that this site is fast. It's not. CNet is, and has been every time I have visited it, an extremely slow website. Before you visit this site I hope you know what you're looking for otherwise you could spend literally days, if not weeks, getting from A to C, via B.

In terms of content the site is excellent. It covers most computer topics and does so with great depth an insight. I don't know any other site, except for ZDNet, that is so large and deep, packed full of content.

The best sections of the site are arguably reviews and downloads. Get the latest recommended freeware, shareware and demos that have been recommended by the team. The reviewing section, potentially a site in its own right, is similarly excellent. If there's a product that exists then the chances are that it's been reviewed by CNet - but don't quote me on that one!

In conclusion, if you can put up with the s-l-o-w-n-e-s-s and you have decent patience then this could be the site for you. Otherwise, try ZDNet.co.uk for similar content but a heck of a lot faster.

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