I'm writing some blog posts from time to time about some notebook models or motherboards and I want to publish the links to the drivers of the specific motherboard/notebook. Because I don't have the time to download every driver and upload it to my server I want to link directly from my blog to the official support site of the manufacturer. Is this ok? Is it legal to do that? What is the worst thing they can do to me? Or maybe it is good for them since I build them backlinks?
Are you linking to the url that will automatically download the file or to page that contains the link you have to click to download the file? Linking to the page to download the file is fine, but linking directly to the download is considered bandwidth leeching. While I am not sure of the legalities of it linking like that is definitly unethical. Not to mention most download links like that expire and change after a few days to prevent this kind of leeching. Just link to the individual page and avoid the hassle.
Best thing to do, just send a quick email to the host of the files and check that they are ok with you doing it. Better safe than sorry, since you won't want to be getting e-mails from them asking for links to be removed
The "terms and conditions" on the websites of most major companies include a section on linking to the site. See, for example, this terms of use on the HP site: http://www.hp.com/country/us/en/termsofuse.html In general, I think you"ll find that you are OK to do what you are doing, but always check first.
Yes, I am linking to the direct link of download. But I'm also giving them backlinks isn't that enough for them? Maybe its the best way, but instead of waiting for them to reply I'd rather download and reupload the driver to my host. I think I will do this. I've seen many sites linking directly to the driver, and they are doing it for some time, so I guess its not that bad, or the big companies just don't care that much. Anyway, I'm going to try with a few and see what happens, at least they cannot sue me for it, I guess
What you are doing is bandwidth leeching, put yourself in their shoes for a second. How would you feel having to pay for thousands of GB of bandwidth from users that never actually visited your site or brought you any sort of revenue? A backlink to the direct download of the .zip file isn't doing them much good in the way of SEO anyway.