Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
Instant access to real-time local weather information is one of the Internet's underrated pleasures. There are Web sites, feeds, gadgets, widgets, e-mail and IM alerts; just about every Net platform has brought you the weather at some point. Free desktop utilities that import weather conditions and usually display the local temperature in the system tray are perhaps the most popular Web-based weather-watchers. The Weather Channel is perhaps the most trusted name in coast-to-coast cable TV weather forecasting and related information. Put the two together and you have The Weather Channel Desktop, a free utility that does what the other weather gadgets do, but much more. But, though free, to download and use, its versatility comes at a price: advertising.
The Weather Channel Desktop gives you instant access to the weather-, climate-, and health-related information that comprises The Weather Channel's extensive daily programming. The local radar; traffic, road, and travel conditions and maps; national and international weather news; information related to allergies, colds, and flu; sports and exercise updates; weather trivia; video; and a lot of other useful stuff that is undeniably handy to have in one spot.
To get all that free, you have to look at some ads. The main interface has annoying Flash ads that you can stop but not defeat, and a "mini" mode that apparently only works with the paid upgrade you have many opportunities to buy. Still, if you don't mind animated ads, which are hardly uncommon online, then The Weather Channel Desktop has a lot to offer.
Publisher's Description
From The Weather Channel Interactive:
Get instant access to your local temperature and severe-weather alerts. This program includes one-click access in your system tray to detailed local weather conditions and information on locations worldwide, including maps, radar, current conditions, forecasts, and even live local traffic reports.
What's new in this version: Version 6.00.25 adds:
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All versions:
2.7 starsout of 331 votes
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Current version:
2.1 starsout of 21 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"In my experience, buggy. Took out within a day"
Version: The Weather Channel Desktop 6.0.0.29
Pros
Shows weather
Cons
Doesn't show weather correctly
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"BEWARE now also loads ARO 2012"
Version: The Weather Channel Desktop 6.0.0.29
Pros
I have been using this app for several years and really like it.
Cons
Did a software update and the update automatically installed ARO 2012 from download.com. This malware hijacks your computer! It auto-starts at boot up, stays on top of other programs and the red X does not shut it down. Tried using Windows uninstall but the program was missing the unins000.dat file so I got an error. Finally ended up using a 30 day trial of http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html
Summary
Read user reviews of ARO 2012 on CNET site. SHAME ON THE WEATHER CHANNEL for allowing this program to be associated with them.
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"Weather Channel Desktop version 7.05.03 is unstable"
Version: The Weather Channel Desktop 6.0.0.29
Pros
Information provided appears to be accurate and is well presented
Cons
The program consistently closes after being open for about 2-3 hours. This is quite reproducible and is very annoying.
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"Deleted it! Not worth much here"
Version: The Weather Channel Desktop 6.0.0.29
Pros
easy to install and set up, like the way it minimizes and the ability to show two locations
Cons
The temperatures and forecasts are no where near correct. The thermometer at the house showed 33, the local news had 35, it showed 45. Forecasts for the next week show high temps in the mid to high 60's, it's predicting 75 for the entire time. I sent an email to support to see if I set something up wrong and never got an answer.
Summary
Seems like it's a good program and easy to use but what good is it if the temperatures and forecasts are not accurate. I could well have set it up wrong or something but with no tech support I sure can't figure it out.
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"VIRUS DANGER !!!"
Version: The Weather Channel Desktop 6.0.0.29
Pros
Virus Installer. DO NOT INSTALL THE WEATHER PROGRAM.
Cons
Immediately installs the ARPO virus. Irresponsible from Weather.com
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"i really like it , the backgrounds are buitifull"
Version: The Weather Channel Desktop 6.0.0.29
Pros
it also keeps me up on the alerts flood fire ect.
Cons
the radar isn't up to date its about 3 hours late witch doesn't help much.
Summary
i would refer this program to a friend.
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"Annoying Splash Screen"
Version: The Weather Channel Desktop 6.0.0.29
Pros
Great app does what it supposed to, has an hourly, 36hr, 3 day and weekend option plus the little temperature icon on the bottom right, that's pretty much all I need
Cons
Annoying Splash Screen - If you don't mind pop up ads, then this might now bother you.
Summary
Great app does what it supposed to, has an hourly, 36hr, 3 day and weekend option plus the little temperature icon on the bottom right, that's pretty much all I need.... but every time I start windows, the annoying Splash Screen comes on. I don't need to see the weather every single time I start windows, give us the option to open the application when we need it and not every time windows start. There is an option so the app doesn't start on windows start up, but then you don't get the little temperature icon on the bottom right. If it wasn't for the annoying pop up slash screen I would've gave it 5 stars, but I got annoyed and uninstalled it.
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"They ruined the program."
Version: The Weather Channel Desktop 6.0.0.29
Pros
Fair radar images
Cons
Once activated, refuses to minimize, slow to react and load.
Summary
This version is near worthless. Look elsewhere.
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"Fast,current"
Version: The Weather Channel Desktop 6.0.0.29
Pros
Current condition wind speed plus,radar.
Cons
Too small, can't enlarge without upgrading
Summary
Worth install saves time and keeps up with changes
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"SPLASH SCREEN"
Version: The Weather Channel Desktop 6.0.0.29
Pros
THE WEATHER FUNCTIONS ARE GREAT.
Cons
THAT ANNOYING SPLASH SCREEN AT EVERY START UP WITH NO OPTION TO TURN IT OFF MAKES ME MAD AS HELL AND I REFUSE TO USE THE PROGRAM JUST AS LONG AS THE PROGRAMMERS REFUSE TO CHANGE IT. THOSE MORONS INCLUDED IT TO ANNOY THE HELL OUT OF ALL OF US AND UNTIL THEY CHANGE THAT I WILL NEVER USE THEIR PROGRAM AGAIN NO MATTER HOW GOOD THE REST OF PROGRAM IS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SPLASH SCREENS SUCK BIGGUM WHAMPOM PILGRIMS AND THERE IS NOT ONE PERSON IN THE WORLD THAT LIKES THEM. GET RID OF THE DAMN ANNOYING ******* SPLASH SCREEN LEPTON'S !!!!!!!!!!!
Summary
THE SPLASH SCREEN RUINS A GOOD PRODUCT
