CNET Editors' review
This download manager brings much more to the table than fast file transfers, but it definitely delivers those, too. Upon installation, Download Accelerator Plus asks for your e-mail address in hopes of sending you special offers, but you don't actually need to submit any information. Although the program is free, the trade-off is the "information panel" that displays software advertisements in the right portion of the interface. Luckily, it's easy to get used to. In most other respects, the tabbed main window is straightforward to use and navigate. Download Accelerator Plus also installs a handy toolbar in Internet Explorer and integrates with alternate browsers such as Firefox.
Increased download speeds are the program's bread and butter, and it doesn't disappoint, speeding up downloads by almost 200 percent in most cases. Besides using the common tactic of splitting files into smaller pieces, it automatically seeks faster mirrors. It also can get a file simultaneously from several sites, which is useful if a particular site limits the download speed. Other useful tools include the ability to resume interrupted downloads, log on to protected sites, and schedule downloads at low traffic times for faster downloading. We appreciate the extra tools for organizing media and finding games, as well as the basic yet functional FTP client. We also found a very interesting feature (only in the pay version, however) that allows you to resume all downloads, whether a server supports it or not. All things considered, this feature-rich program will prove valuable for most avid downloaders.
Watch the CNET video review of Download Accelerator Plus:
Publisher's Description
From SpeedBit:
Download Accelerator is a download accelerator/manager that can increase download speeds by up to 300 percent. It features multiserver connections to provide the best possible performance from your dial-up or broadband connection. Download Accelerator can also recover from lost connections, computer shutdowns, and other errors. This program even searches for mirror sites to maximize your download performance. It integrates fully into Netscape (including Netscape 6.x, 7.x), Internet Explorer, and Opera, plus it supports proxy servers, features automatic hang-up after download completion, download scheduling, and dial-up configuration.
DAP also features import and export download list capability, online file review service, and AlwaysResume, which resumes broken downloads from servers that do not support resume functions, plus an integrated toolbar for Internet Explorer, which includes a leecher and links highlighter.
The newest version includes skin support, a ZIP file preview and extract feature, additional acceleration speed, and a downloads log file.
DAP also offers international users a multilingual interface option with the choice of eight languages, including German, Dutch, French, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, and Italian.
Editor's note: This ad-supported software includes technology that will serve banner advertisements through the program interface.
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All versions:
3.7 starsout of 2,035 votes
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Current version:
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My rating:
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"It does a GOOD job speeding up the download process."
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7.0.7
Pros
Accelerating the downloading process as well as the queueing up of future downloads so if you loose your connection, it will pick up right where it left off.
Cons
Loads up your computer with other programs without your permission such as speedbit video accelerator and video downloader and then starts to drive you crazy with many, many urgings to get the higher priced programs they sell.
Summary
"It fills your pc with junk programs such as - speedbit video accelerator,Speedbit video downloader,SpeedBit toolbar etc.
It annoys you to buy the premium version."
Read more: Download Accelerator Plus - Download.com http://download.cnet.com/Download-Accelerator-Plus/3000-2071_4-10037157.html?tag=mncol#ixzz1lw10BkTo -
"Disgusted: Search Engine Imposition"
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7.0.7
Pros
Really fast downloads, very effective in Firefox and Chrome (XP, Vista, Win 7).
Cons
(1) Some months ago, this stupid thing started imposing itself as your default search engine in Firefox, Chrome, and IE. Once infected - and I do mean INFECTED, because you DID de-select it during install, and it is impossible to reset to your desired default. Gotta blow away SPEEDbit everything, re-install all search engines.
(2) Doesn't work in IE (XP, Vista, Win 7)..Summary
I used to love this accelerator, including the suggested optional Video Downloader. Now, I'm just offended and disgusted. Hey SPEEDbit (and CNET): Please clean up your act. How stupid do you think we are? In the description you say "Loyal SPEEDbit users all across the planet..." Loyal? Really? WHICH planet? Once we've set up Firefox Add On's and Chrome Extensions just as we want them, what makes you think we want SPEEDbit Search Provider? Jerks.
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"Great tool"
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7.0.7
Pros
Accelerates my downloads.
Cons
During Installation, it will try many times to get you to install toolbars and other junk (if you consider it junk.) Take time installing to make sure the extras are not installed. It will also attempt to change your homepage at least twice during install, so uncheck the boxes when they arrive.
Summary
The cons knocked it back 2 stars because of the multiple attempts to change my homepage irritated me.
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"SUCKS don't waste your time download fdm OR orbit dnldr"
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7.0.7
Pros
none at all
Cons
1-they should remove the word accelerator from the title because compared to other download managers this one actually decreases the speed of your download.
2-also it fills your pc with junk programs such as - speedbit video accelerator,speedbit video downloader,SpeedBit toolbar etc.
3-it annoys you to buy the premium version.
4-its very hard to uninstall. -
"Did nothing"
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7.0.7
Pros
None that I could find.
Cons
it's impossible not to install the SpeedBit toolbar in the free version.
Summary
I didn't notice any change between downloads with and without the accelerator. Additionally, with the free version, it's impossible not to install the SpeedBit toolbar, no matter how hard you try in the installer.
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"Great time-saver on my PC"
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7.0.7
Pros
Saves me so much time on all my downloads especially large software programme downloads ...
Cons
Doesn't work on some downloads due to occasional incompatability problems but rare ...
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"Changes browser settings Without permission/malware!"
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7
Pros
Not one thing!
Cons
Changed browser settings to therir home page, and if you don't the accelerator does not work. Also tried to install malware that my AVG (awesome!)caught and prevented.
Summary
a badly written badly concieved and badly implimented scam, shame on the editors for giving this such high reviews!!!
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"did the job once then...read on"
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7
Pros
did the job i suppose
Cons
Downloaded one program fine. The second time of using it downloaded other "featured" programs which cannot be stopped or deleted. I uninstalled it. I would not call this Free..maybe free with addititions!
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"really okay"
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7
Pros
really okay
Cons
none really
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"Got rid of it!"
Version: Download Accelerator Plus 9.7
Pros
Don't know of any, I uninstalled it due to issues.
Cons
The installer presented me with a number of choices that were not followed. A number of changes to my browser settings were offered, and I unchecked the boxes, but the changes were made anyway. I also had a hard time uninstalling it, and i still have some cleanup to do on things that were installed even though I unchecked the boxes for them. I also still have to finish setting up the tabs on my browser the way I had them.
When I install something, and uncheck boxes I expect my choices to be followed, otherwise I should be warned that the program is going to make the changes, and be given the opportunity to opt out of the install.
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