Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
The Free Downloader Manager is an application for downloading files and converting videos; a download manager for those who want more than just YouTube videos.
We are honestly baffled by this program. It seems to download files from the URLs that we've used, but accessing those downloaded files is a different story. The Help page doesn't really explain things in detail. It does a good job of telling you how to download different files and videos by inserting the URL, but it doesn't tell you why any of those files/folders wouldn't work after downloading. It doesn't seem like a worthwhile download. This is most definitely not for the average computer user, or it's simply not doing what it's supposed to and has some glitches. It had trouble accessing some of the URLs that we tried to download in the Flash video Downloads tab. It seemed to download files just fine in the Downloads tab, but they might as well have not been there, since they didn't open right. There are also a few buttons that the Help page does not have a tutorial for. The Dial-Up Connection button is particularly confusing. Basically, it would be best to find something a little simpler in design with better explanation of its inner workings.
The download was easy and simple. You do need to read through the steps carefully to pick up on the special offers and instructions, but that's OK. The download/installation process was the only good thing about this.
Free Download Manager - Manage downloads on your PC - Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From FreeDownloadManager:
Free Download Manager downloads files and converts videos (including flash) faster with open-source Free Download Manager. Its features include integration with all browsers, support of downloads from RapidShare, BitTorrent support, adjusting traffic usage, resuming broken downloads. Free Download Manager is released under GPL license and adds BitTorent support, flash video download, upload manager, portable mode, and remote control.
What's new in this version: Version 3.9 build 1249 added support for Firefox 10-14, updated torrents core library, and updated help file.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 892 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 14 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"I'll give it 85%"
Version: Free Download Manager 3.9 build 1249
Pros
The download of files works the way it should, however, the last release is a little buggy in XP.
Downloading videos from Youtube and others works in Firefox and XP.Cons
I noticed some bugs in the latest release, where the downloads would not start correctly.
Downloading videos from Youtube with the Opera browser, doesn't work. It can't find the URL when added to the input.Summary
Remember, this is FREE software, so you are getting the best deal, with a few bugs. It works correctly with the two main web browsers, IE, and Firefox. Support for the Opera browser would be appreciated, and any bugs in Windows XP fixed.
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"simple and the best !!"
Version: Free Download Manager 3.9 build 1249
Pros
Works like it should and like it is named .
It can start , pause ,stop and resume download of any file and flash video (just in IE and FF)Cons
only does not work with "magnet links"
Summary
!...first thing after installation is to manually set "default download folder" - just open settings and find that option .
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"Best, truly free downloader"
Version: Free Download Manager 3.9 build 1249
Pros
- Variety of functions
- Video download capabilities
- Clean interfaceCons
- Few bugs
- Tricky use for IT newbiesSummary
You should definitely try it, and support its development if you can
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"Complex for new users but very good."
Version: Free Download Manager 3.9 build 1249
Pros
Works well for me. I used it regularly to download updates to LibreOffice.
Cons
I have on occasion had some difficult configuring the many and varied parameters. For one, FDM would only start the download for the first of my selections. However, after some exploration, I figured out the different options I had to set, making sure they all fit together.
Summary
I have used this program for years, updating as new versions came out. After I got used to all the options and parameters, it's a very useful, handy program.
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"All in one free download manager!"
Version: Free Download Manager 3.9 build 1249
Pros
Its compact, It will download almost anything and its fast!
Cons
This is not a download manager for the beginners type.. The interface is pretty advanced and will take time to learn.. Also, it doesnt integrate well with new browsers like Chrome.. the drop box makes up for that inability..
Summary
Its a good one and Ive been using it for a long time.. Its a good replacement for utorrent, you tube downloader, and down em all...
But its not for newbies.. -
"One of the best download managers for free!!!"
Version: Free Download Manager 3.9 build 1249
Pros
Effective, fast and reliable. A very good companion (combined with FlashGot) to use with Firefox.
Cons
Not - natively - integrated with the current version of Mozilla browser. You need to combine it with the "FlashGot" add-on.
Summary
A quite satisfactory alternative to "Internet Download Manager" for free.
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"Not Working at all.."
Version: Free Download Manager 3.9 build 1249
Pros
Downloading the software is easy. but it doesn't meet my expectations. It say's it can download even the flash videos..that is totally not true. On Youtube and other site even when you try to copy the URL, just to download the video i like.it's not working the way i expected.
Cons
I am so disappointed
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"Very Good Product"
Version: Free Download Manager 3.9 build 1249
Pros
Intuitive, nicely designed, very thorough downloader. Best-in-class for a freebie!
Cons
none worth noting
Summary
Best Free Download manager available - and better than most 'pay-for' downloaders
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"Will Download A 170MB Even If You Have A Dial Up"
Version: Free Download Manager 3.9 build 1249
Pros
Downloads Anything That You Want Even A 170MB File And Larger Files, And Free Download Manager Even Looks Great.
If You Have A Dial Up Connection Than This Is The One For You.Cons
Can Not Think Of Any.
Summary
Free Download Manager Is Much Better Than Download Accelerator Plus And Orbit Downloader Because They Can Not Download A 170MB File Even When Using Resume. And When You Have A Dial Up Connection You Want One That Works Really Good. And Unlike Download Accelerator Plus And Orbit Downloader That Will Error Out Every Time After About 8 Hours And Will Never Restart Your Download. Free Download Manger Will Never Do That. I Highly Recommended Free Download Manager!
This Is Great Set it Up To Down Load A 170 MB Set Up File And It Was Done When I Got Up In The Morning.......Awesome For A Dial Up Connection That Only Has Four Hours Before You Get Cut Off, I Am Guessing That It Took A Little Over 12 Hours. And Download Accelerator Plus And Orbit can not do it,even with there resume, they just could not download a 170MB file.
If You Do Not Believe It, Then Install It Than You Will Believe It! -
"Good, love it"
Version: Free Download Manager 3.9 build 1249
Pros
makes life easier with the big downloads on a slow connection.
Used this for 4 years now.Cons
Nup. all good. You just have to get smart about how to get the right download link into the URL field, and the rest is easy.
Summary
thanks for a great little app, consistently maintained and works as advertised. Roger from New Zealand
I just downloaded the latest version to get the best out of FDM, and I am already impressed. Cnet editors need to look at their rating, I definately give it a Five Stars. It was easy to uninstall the old version, (it is not a nightmare!! as someone commented above), and did the new install in 10 minutes. The new one is even more intuitive about catching the specific download you are after, and it is quick. Last week I used it to get the XP SP3, all 570 Mb. Took 8 hours on a slow connection, done in two parts-internet off overnight here. No problems!! SP3 is working well. So FDM gets my free rave review; Roger Mana New Zealand
Updated on Sep 4, 2012
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