CNET Editors' review
Orbit Downloader makes it easy to download lots of files, but it's not really worth all of the junkware it packages with it. There are almost a half-dozen different programs and toolbars this download will try to add. Even the program, itself, is riddled with ads for other programs you don't want. The small boost in features isn't enough to justify this download.
This program throws more junk programs at you during the install than you could ever count. Even if you opt out of all of them, one or two will still randomly start installing themselves in the middle of the download. When it's done downloading all of those, Orbit Downloader will help you download other files. Downloads are a little faster than just using your browser, which is nice on slower connections. However, its bulk download support isn't better than what comes standard in Firefox and some other browsers. One nice add-on is the "Get It" button for easily downloading media files. That doesn't work in all browsers, though. It's nice that the program checks for program updates, but it was wrong more often than not. It often reported no need for updates when updates for the programs in question could be easily found online.
There doesn't seem to be any pressing need for a download like this. If you really need a program to manage your downloads, look at Download Accelerator or Free Download Manager. They'll all come with more speed and less junk than Orbit Downloader.
Orbit Downloader:Publisher's Description
From Orbitdownloader:
Orbit Downloader is the download manager optimized for social music and video downloading. The program allows you to download videos and music from Youtube, Myspace, Pandora, Last.Fm, and Imeem and can accelerate downloading speed up to five times. With Orbit Downloader, you can manage downloads easier with tags, and you can update your PC software easier.
What's new in this version: Version 4.1.1.18 has fixed some error when downloading file.
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closeLEGAL NOTICE: This link will take you to a third-party website. Downloading copyrighted materials without authorization or providing others with copyrighted materials for them to download without authorization may put you at risk for legal action under copyright law in the United States and other countries. CNET discourages the use of software for any unlawful purpose
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closeLEGAL NOTICE: This link will take you to a third-party website. Downloading copyrighted materials without authorization or providing others with copyrighted materials for them to download without authorization may put you at risk for legal action under copyright law in the United States and other countries. CNET discourages the use of software for any unlawful purpose
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 1,638 votes
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Current version:
1.3 starsout of 6 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-6 of 6
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"HAS MALWARE - DO NOT INSTALL"
Version: Orbit Downloader 4.1.1.18
Pros
are you serious?
Cons
Antivirus detected a Trojan that could damage your computer.
Summary
I prefer to pay a few bucks and have peace of mind. Try other solutions like MelodyQuest or VideoZonk.
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"Full of Adware and Cannot download YouTube"
Version: Orbit Downloader 4.1.1.18
Pros
Nope. Full of ads and popups.
Cons
I'm feeling shameful on this crapware. Now I use EagleGet instead.
Summary
Bad software, don't even touch it!
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"4.1.1.16 to 18 are HIGHLY SUSPECT!!!!!"
Version: Orbit Downloader 4.1.1.18
Pros
downloads nearly everything on social media platforms
Cons
4.1.1.18 tries to install winpcap (but can be cancelled), Versions 4.1.1.16 to 18 show suspecet network and CPU activity.
Not compatible with Firefox 21 or newest Google Chrome.Summary
once upon a time.... it was a good tool. I really loved it.
Nowadays it eats up the battery in no time, 100% on 2 cores, it shows highly suspect network activity and also the support forum seams to be dead. It could also have happened that the download source was compromised because all of these download platforms accept tools with integrated download manager where only this "download" thing is virus-tested but the app itself not. Orbit 4.1.1.8 makes a drive-by installation of a tool called WinPCAP which was basically intended for creating network connections apart from the regular Windows API functions. Meaning what goes through the WinPCAP is difficult (or impossible) to monitor on the same machine. -
"Do NOT download this! Botnet alert!"
Version: Orbit Downloader 4.1.1.18
Pros
The downloading accelerator was pretty good.
Used it alot in the past 2-3 years i guess.Cons
Sometimes I experienced that my internet connection turned slow out of nowhere.
I downloaded Wireshark to investigate my internet traffic.
I found out that my computer sent out 30.000 packets per SECOND!
Then i saw that if I closed Orbit, all problems dissapeared.
I googled this, and i found out that other people experienced this too.Summary
DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS unless you like to be on the egde of the law, want's to serve computer-power to a botnet
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"Previous version blocked Internet Access!"
Version: Orbit Downloader 4.1.1.18
Pros
Speeds up downloads, let's you select which directory to download to.
Cons
Last upgrade version bloacked my access to the Internet. It took me a week to figure out that it wasn't my LAN or DSL provider.
Summary
I got functionality back by reinstalling an older version of Orbit Downloader. I'm affraid to try this new upgrade now that I have a version that works (though older). Orbit downloader never responded to direct e-mail complaints.
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"I remember the days when CNET was safe"
Version: Orbit Downloader 4.1.1.18
Pros
You can read reviews on CNET to find out if it's malware
Cons
malware! lots of it, right here!
Summary
Lots of malware and Cnet is basically useless.
Results 1-6 of 6
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