I prefer just getting the download because three times I've had a freestuff link take me to a website that tried to install gator's spyware on my computer (possibly unknown to them since gator does this through third party ad companies too), and one that tried to change my homepage to some sleezeball Overture affiliate search page. This makes me wary of people linking to sites instead of files since freestuff links are rarely, if ever, reviewed by rosity.

Beyond that, I don't really mind being taken to a website if the link goes to the downloads page or that page is obvious to find from the menu links. However, if your site is going to bomb me with pop ups, cookies, or the more sleezy tricks mentioned above I'd just as soon not have your freestuff.