I've tried to locate some backup copy software programs and they all seem to be less than 1MB (.zip and .exe). I know the actual software is much larger. Does this mean that the download is a virus or am I missing something?

Yep ... no decent program is less than 1 MB nowadays. So don't trust such files! Sorry but can't give anymore advice than that on a public forum due to forum rules. But I will say that spammers out there sponsored by the likes of riaa, mpaa, etc. are the ones responsible. Class action against their terrorist acts & breach of usa laws is warranted! So perhaps you need to vary your search in such a way that not so many spammed viruses show up. Also btw, time of day makes a big difference! They apparently sleep after all!!!

I downloaded a few and they checked out as viruses. Wonder why there are so many being posted for many software titles.

There's groups sponsored by software companies to stop illegal swapping of software. They do it by spamming viruses. Here's an example of such groups (a) Overpeers, (b) MediaSentry, (c) Mediadefender
I would classify them as terrorists. Most countries including in the USA have laws against the deliberate spreading of viruses.
So really the likes of RIAA, MPIA, softw cartels, etc. are a bunch of hypocrites!