CNET Editors' review
Don't let the dull name fool you: Internet Download Manager is a full-featured package that handles downloading tasks with aplomb. It conveniently integrates into your browser, even if you use Mozilla or Opera.
It automatically sorts incoming files by file type and puts them in the appropriate folder. Most importantly, it supercharges download speeds (it doubled ours). Its windowed interface is clean and easy to understand. Power users can take advantage of the command line interface to resume file transfers, schedule downloads, connect through dial-up, or log on to password-protected sites. Experienced users also can limit the number of connections, the download speeds for specific sites, and even create an exception list to block specific, user-defined sites.
Other features include automatic virus checking and the ability to download all files linked to a page. The new version has a Web spider that can analyze a site and retrieve, for example, all the images on it.
Internet Download Manager strikes us as a natural choice for users in need of a trusty transfer tool. Version 5.11 build 5 added FLV grabber that can be used to download videos from YouTube, Google Video, MySpaceTV, and other popular sites.
Publisher's Description
From Tonec:
Internet Download Manager is a tool for increasing download speeds by up to 5 times, and for resuming, scheduling, and organizing downloads. The program will resume unfinished downloads due to network problems, or unexpected power outages. The program features a full-fledged site grabber that downloads files that are specified with filters, for example, all pictures from a Web site, different parts of Web sites, or complete Web sites for offline browsing. The program supports HTTP, HTTPS, FTP and MMS protocols, and has an adaptive download accelerator for MP3 audio, FLV and MPEG video files. The program also features Download Video and Audio Panels for Internet Exporer, Chrome, Opera, Safari, Firefox and other Mozilla based browsers that appears on top of a web-player and can be used to download flash videos from sites like YouTube, MySpaceTV, Google Videos.
What's new in this version: Version 6.11 build 7 improves IDM categories. It adds a feature to create categories for specific sites. This new version also fixes false interception of web ads, improves HTML5 video detection in IE 9 & 10 on youtube, improves youtube video downloading from Google Chrome, adds support for Firefox 14, SeaMonkey 2.9, SlimBrowser and Epic Browser, adds Socks traffic monitoring for Google Chrome & Opera, adds compatibility with address hiding programs, and fixes bugs in IE intergration module.
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All versions:
4.0 starsout of 1,726 votes
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Current version:
3.5 starsout of 11 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Good program; Horrible if not bought, or you remove it."
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 7
Pros
Don't get me wrong; in itself, this is a very good program. I have used previous versions, & was more than satisfied with them. They did everything they said, & so does this one. The downloads are speedy; in fact awe-inspiring. It's efficient, effective, doesn't lose files, can handle interrupted downloads, & restart & finish without errors. It is easy to use, & keeps you informed of every process. Sounds great, doesn't it?
Cons
The computer became sluggish, the last 3 days. It immediately started pushing me to buy, from day 22 (30 day trial). It became pushier, the closer it got to the end date. I had planned on buying it.
It began interrupting every download,(dunning message) I tried to download without it. The downloads were all unsuccessful. They never showed up on my computer. I tried to download other managers, & the pages would flip backward or vanish. I finally uninstalled it, but it left deep-seated files that still messed up the system.
Originally, I just figured I'd wait it out. Plus, I'd heard so many nasty things; if you didn't buy it when the trial ended, that I was curious.
Not only did the system slow down, unbelievably, but the windows froze, wouldn't function, or close. I disabled it, but that didn't help. Uninstalling didn't stop the problem. I had to bring in one of my favorite, "Big Gun", uninstallers, to track down the rest & rip it out.Summary
Is it a good program? Yes. But after the problems I had with this version; I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It's Vicious & Malicious, & "dog in the manger". Trying to uninstall it was no picnic. It even froze up the uninstaller, & nothing I did could stop it. I finally had to shut down the system & restart. When I restarted it; it appeared that IDM had been uninstalled, because it had vanished from the program files. However, the problems continued, telling me that IDM was not completely gone. Thank heavens for C-NET, & the more advanced, "Big Gun" uninstallers.
I also would find it very hard to trust the company (or it's Tech Support) That would insert such a messy & vindictive little surprise in the software either on trial, or purchased. The buyer (or tryer) takes the software on faith, & tries it to make sure they can operate it, & are comfortable with it. I'll never be able to trust IDM, again; not the company that would boobytrap the program to trash unsuspecting user's computers.
I felt like they were saying, "Oh, Not going to buy our program, huh? Well, we'll fix you & your nasty little computer too!" (apologies to 'The Wizard of Oz' for paraphrazing). The vindictiveness that would deliberately cause that kind of errors, damage, & helplessness in both the computer & the operator, is nothing that I would feel safe with, want to purchase from or deal with for problems after purchase.
They really try to hold the computer for ransom. The message seems to be. "You'll have to buy the program to straighten out the problems & get your computer running, again."
If they did it once, how do I know there are not a few more time- release surprises planted to make sure I buy another version, in a year or two? No thank you, I'll look somewhere else for a download manager: one I can trust to play & deal fairly. -
"Looks like a neat download manager"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 7
Pros
Interesting program. All features look fine.
Cons
It wouldn't give me a choice about the toolbar. After I uninstalled it the toolbar still wanted to install. If thats the only way it will work I' not interested. I like most of your reccomended software and I trust your advice. I hope my trust is not misplaced.
Summary
I never used it because it wanted to also install a toolbar and was persistent about it. If I had a choice in the matter I think it would ne OK. Thanks for asking.
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"excellent product"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 7
Pros
easy to use
takes downloads automaticalyCons
nothing
there is no free version
check out fdm which is free
http://www.freedownloadmanager.org/ -
"Removed from my computer"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 7
Pros
don't have any
Cons
not worth downloading
Summary
try something else
I hit the wrong star...GIVE THIS PRODUCT 1 STAR
Updated on May 11, 2012 -
"Worst downloader around if you do not pay!"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 7
Pros
Did no better than other software and spreads tiny unknown files corrupting pc.
Cons
I was expecting a real trial period. Instead when I did not respond to nagging popups by IDM, everything became resource hogging and lethargic.
Summary
This nasty software is no longer the decent program it used to be when it was owned by real Americans. Sad really.
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"its what i need"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 7
Pros
best soft what i need
Cons
nice 4 free
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"Don't pay for this software Uninstalling is nightmare!"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 7
Pros
Does the same thing as other FREE Downloaders!
Cons
Uninstalling will release rootkit havoc. I have 4 PC and IDM is very sneaky with their trail program.
Never again with IDM.Summary
Slows down the computer a great deal when trial period is over!
I just got to know more about the tricks (from windows pc forums) how some of these small time "must pay" software companies sell their products by scaremongering commenting trojans found in freely available competing softwares! -
"Worth the money"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 7
Pros
Downloads at top speed of my DSL
All downloads completed without error
Automatically retries each file, if server is disconnected or busy, or you log off before completing your downloads
Using a Que, you can let it work ovenight for you to download a large number of files on slower connectionsCons
On one site, it did not recognize zip files, so I had to use the IE9 downloader. But it did recognize zip files on other sites.
Summary
I was using the IE9 download manager for up to 8 video files at a time, and would sometimes get two or more of these files corrupted and unplayable, requiring them to be downloaded again. This also happened when downloading a lesser number of files as well.
With the IDM, all video files were downloaded without errors. While the newest version claims to increase download speeds, I did not notice this - perhaps it might work faster with a dial-up connection or with cable connections capable of speeds much faster than DSL.
If you have also had problems with corrupted video files, this manager is well worth the price, and aviods the hazzel of discovering corruped files that need to be re-downloaded. -
"unbeatable"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 7
Pros
+ve.......
Cons
+ve.......
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"best software"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 7
Pros
good sofware
Cons
best software
Summary
iam using this from last 3 years and this is my 1st choice
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