Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
The name might not be the most creative, but the Internet Download Manager does exactly what it promises: helps you download and organize files. The best part is that you can schedule downloads and use filters to get the specific files you want.
The compact interface is packed with options, but the main features are easily accessed from a toolbar at the top. We would have liked to see a bit more user guidance up front, but a tutorial does cover the basics, and there is a more detailed Help file if you get stuck. You can also go the easier route with the program's integrated Web browser options, which work with nearly all of the most popular browsers, including Internet Explorer and Firefox. Each time the program recognizes a video in FLV format on a site like YouTube, you'll see a button, and it's one click and you're off and running. From the main interface, all you have to do is add the URL for a video to get started. A new window shows you the status and allows you to pause the recording and set up a few options for what to do with the file once the download completes. As advertised, the speed was good and we didn't have any issues with test files we downloaded, which included MP3s, FLVs, and MPEGs. Our favorite feature was the scheduler, which was easy to set up and lets you choose where and when the program will download files. We especially liked the fact that if you lose your Internet connection, the program will resume downloading your selected or scheduled files once everything's up and running again.
The download and installation of IDM was easy and fast, and it uninstalled cleanly. If you're looking for a program that you can basically set and forget to video downloads, this is a good option.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Internet Download Manager 6.12 build 15.
Internet Download Manager - Speed up your downloads - Download Video Previews: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 8 adds support for Firefox 15. 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, Firefox, and fixes bugs in IE intergration module.
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All versions:
4.0 starsout of 1,808 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 18 votes
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My rating:
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"Simply the best Download Manager!!!!"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 8
Pros
- Easy to use user interface
- excellent download speeds
- ability to download videos from YouTube or 3GP Movies, etc, from any site you're viewing
- Ability to pause/resume downloads
- Constantly updated for compatibility with the latest versions of browsersCons
- By default, it creates sub-folders in your Downloads folder. If you are like me and don't like to download diff. stuff (ie, movies, pics, software) into separate folders, it takes a good minute to delete all the folder categories from the program! I don't understand why did they include this option by default!
- License is valid for use on one computer only, if you try to use it on more than one computer a few times you're license key will get blacklisted, and what's worse, Internet Download Manager staff will only allow you to switch license to a different PC only once! After that, you will have to purchase a new license if you want to use it on a 3rd computer you bought for example! What if I had bought 4 diff. laptops in the past 6 months due to problems I faced with them?!?! This is a very bad way of verifying that users are using their app in a legit way and forces some to revert to cracked versionsSummary
I tried many Free download managers but nothing comes close to Internet Download Manager in terms of speeds of downloads and in terms of the interface. "Free Download Manager" for example has a horrible interface and isn't as fast when downloading. Additionally, it is very rare that you find a download manger which has the ability to download movies from YouTube or other sites without the need to install additional software!
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"Does everything I expected and more"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 8
Pros
1. Shows a small popup on the bottom left asking to download videos from the website you're on
2. Accelerated download speeds, 5-10% Faster than Orbit Downloader
20-25% Faster than Chrome Downloads
3. Complete and Easy to Use InterfaceCons
1. Doesnt come with a Video Converter like most other apps, but theyre invariably paid
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"Beware of Trojan in the latest version IDM"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 8
Pros
Download some videos well but some with problems.
Cons
Trojan will spring into action when it sensed the trial user is not going to pay for it.
Not fast as advertised. Caused my pc to slow down a lot.Summary
I thought maybe, trying this MustPay IDM could be a good experience but proved to have wasted much of my time. On the final trial week, my pc suffered slow downs and when bringing up the task bar to see what was the culprit, the pc speed suddenly became back to normal! This never happened before with other downloader or even the Free downloaders!
Uninstalling was atrocious as it left hidden traces everywhere. Systems restoration could not get rid of it completely.
Do not believe any user comments with 5 star ratings anymore! They are likely to be profiteering from the sales of IDM. -
"The most effective download manager I have EVER used!"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 8
Pros
Very easy to configure, I set mine up to download anything except installation files, and to use up to 8 connections to do so (most servers don't allow more than this). It's a life saver with mobile (cellular) connections, which tend to drop easily. I have been using this software since the original beta, without so much as a single issue, rare today even with high end commercial software.
Cons
The cost is my only issue at this time, which seems to go up with each new version. Inflation, I guess. Would prefer it were open source (yes, some payware is), so I can customize it much more to my specific needs.
Summary
This has to be, by far, the best download manager I have ever used, and my computer experience goes back to 1979 when I programmed my first "trash 80" to play chess. From the earliest versions, I have never encountered a single issue with this software. I'm one of those who could care less about the cosmetics of an application, I care that it works every single time I need it, regardless of what I throw at it. It will even recover from dropped connections (manually) when I am forced to download large files while on the road.
I have two wishes for this software, go Open Source so purchasers can customize it to their specific needs (can be done without forfeiting rights), and come up with a Linux version, as we are in the process of switching all our systems over to this much more stabile and customizable operating system, which allows us to fix bugs on our own, and to publish them to others, without fears of lawsuits.
While I consider this to be one of the best applications for Windows ever created, I do not believe a utility program is worth more than $15. There also needs to be a provision to allow those who purchased the application who later upgrade their systems completely to be able to retrieve their license key so they do not have to pay again for the new system when the old system is now wiped clean and disposed of.
And, yes, I have tried many of the "free" download managers, including one installed on the system I am typing this with. Yes, they are free, you get what you pay for. They all eventually stop working, or are designed for those who surf YouTube or porn sites, as they only handle videos and pics. Others take over transfers I do not want them handling at all (such as sensitive data files I'm required to maintain confidentiality with), regardless of what few available user settings I choose. Many include ads, never appropriate with small utility programs, in my opinion.
This program only downloads what I tell it to download, nothing more or less. I can change this anytime I wish in the settings, or on the fly for one-time sessions. It places the downloads where I want them (which is not in the root directory, like some do), based upon criteria I can define. The application will even update itself, using itself to do so.
As mentioned, I have been using IDM for many years now. Never once did I encounter any kind of security breach with this utility application, especially of the sort mentioned by a couple of others. I would have received log reports of such activities (not to mention tons of warning popups), had any attempt to transfer any data (especially sensitive data) without our secure authorization (manually entered at two levels), I would have known about it.
I have also never encountered any so-called throttling of the software near the end of the trial period, a claim made by the same users. The application simply stops working when the trial period expires, and can be easily uninstalled without consequence if you decided to not purchase it (my experience, I've done it). The application will resume full capabilities once you enter the product key provided to you once your payment clears.
I am always suspicious about generalized claims with no specifics, or claims I myself cannot verify or duplicate on my own, good or bad, especially when they differ radically from the majority of reviews and my own experiences.
In short, if you don't mine paying a premium price for a small (but powerful and highly customizable) utility application, this is definitely the application I would consider a MUST HAVE. I would less reluctant to pay that premium price, if IDM included the the source code so I can personalize it to my own specific needs for each computer I purchased it for.
A Linux (preferably Debian based) version would be nice as well! -
"Like it very much :)"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 8
Pros
Good n organized downloads...
Cons
Nothing....
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"Absolutely the best downloader"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 8
Pros
Lightning speed - Resource friendly - Handles as many simoultaneusly downloads as you want without hunging up
Cons
Dull interface
Summary
Don't take my word for it, just compare downloading speeds using any download accelerator vs IDM: I observed 60% to 3x increase. This program is a download monster in every aspect.
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"SUPERB SPEED!
SUPERB SPEED!"Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 8
Pros
It gives the fastest downloading speed i have ever got!
It downloads audio and video with one touch!Cons
Didnt find any!
Summary
Its video downloader which downloads any video from any site!
Well.... better than realplayer and youtube video downloader!
It nearly doubles the speed of downloading..... -
"fantastic!"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 8
Pros
downloads everything i tried including website-video
Cons
downloads everything i tried including website-video.
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""Terrible wasted time. Trial version is stealing data!""
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 8
Pros
Oh please, nothing!
Cons
Conniving people behind this program!
Summary
False advertising and really paying for something which is freely available at cnet or many other genuine websites.
Only Internet Download Manager sales people will get angry at me for telling the truth. Read zdnet and other cnet international comments about IDM and find out the truth about this sleazy program. It will steal data which slows computer if not paid on the 3rd week. -
"I paid for this and I *Don't* regret it !!!"
Version: Internet Download Manager 6.11 build 8
Pros
ease of use always there (unless you turn it off ) FAASSSTTTTTT !!!! downloads always even when muy computer is running slow.
Cons
I didn't know this existed before I got it 5 years ago.
Summary
I would love to see what the people who gave this a low mark are using instead that they are sooo satisfied with. Often times people will download incorrectly and then blame the hardware or they have a crappy computer and won't get rid of it. IDM is great and I'm proud of it. :-)
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