Review of Internet Download Manager

Discussion in 'Giveaways and Contests' started by tarekma7, Dec 4, 2016.

  1. tarekma7

    tarekma7 MDL Member

    Sep 28, 2012
    200
    383
    10
    #1 tarekma7, Dec 4, 2016
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2016
    [​IMG]

    Internet Download Manager is the best and the most popular download manager for most internet users. Why? Because it increases your download speed more than 5 folds and it will allow you to resume a download if you were disconnected or it got broken.

    Internet Download Manager has many features that aren't available in any other download accelerator and they're all packed into a small program that's lite on system resources, easy to use and available at an affordable price.

    The program uses intelligent segmentation technology. This means that in order for you to get the download at the fastest speed possible the file will be split into smaller parts which are then quickly downloaded.

    The program supports all browsers, internet connection types and proxy servers.


    Homepage:

    http://www.internetdownloadmanager.com/

    Current version: 6.26 build 14, this version was released on: November 30, 2016


    Download:

    IDM can be downloaded as a free trial from the official website. You can visit here to download: http://www.internetdownloadmanager.com/download.html

    The free trial can be used for 30 days and then you have to purchase a license from the official website here:
    https://secure.internetdownloadmanager.com/buy_idm.html

    The main difference between the trial and the full version is the time limit and the additional features available after registration such as no usage limitations, better utilization of bandwidth, built-in download logic optimizer.

    After purchasing IDM you will immediately receive an email including your license key and a download link for the retail version. Simply add your name, email and license key in the registration dialogue then click OK while connected online.

    [​IMG]

    User Interface:

    The user interface is very friendly and easy to use. There is a menu toolbar in the upper part that includes the main buttons with the drop down menu from each one (tasks, file, download, view, help and registration). Below this toolbar there is the function toolbar which contains all the important functions you will use, for example add URL, resume, stop, stop all, delete, scheduler and grabber. The main program area shows the tree like categories on the left side and the main download list on the right side. If you don't like the classic program interface, you can customize the toolbar look according to your wish. Simply visit the website here: http://www.internetdownloadmanager.com/support/toolbar2.html and download the file you want and extract it in the toolbar folder in the program installation directory. The program also support many languages, so you can change the language to your native or preferred language in a very easy way.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Feature Highlights:


    Automatic file downloading from different websites.
    Increase download speed (up to 500%)
    Batch downloads
    Import/Export downloads
    Multiple queues and scheduled tasks
    Video downloading from streaming sites.
    Site Grabber

    Protocols supported: HTTP, FTP, HTTPS, MMS and Microsoft ISA
    Support all windows versions including windows 10

    Automatic Antivirus checking.
    Multilingual support
    Compatible with all browsers
    Resume download if broken for any reason
    Multilingual support

    New Features:

    Each version of IDM includes many bug fixes, improvements and new features added. To see the full list of changes; visit this page:

    http://www.internetdownloadmanager.com/news.html

    IDM Autoupdate:

    [​IMG]

    You can set the program to be automatically updated. If an update is available, you can see a notification with the new version and the changes added, simply download and install. t any time you can check for update (help menu)


    Now let's discuss IDM features in details:

    The program has three main functions:
    Download function
    Scheduler
    Site grabber

    Download function:

    This is the main function of the program. The program uses intelligent file fragmentation technology and uses all available internet bandwidth so that it can increase the download speed to the maximum according to your connection. Using the program you can start, pause, stop, resume downloads and also delete completed downloads. If the download is broken due to any reason (for example internet problem), you can resume the download later with no need to start again from the beginning.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    After installation the program become the default downloader on your computer. It is compatible with all browsers with plugins that helps to capture any download link sent through the browsers. These plugins are continuously updated. Download can be started automatically through integration with the different browsers, or manually using the download link or more easily by drag and drop using the drop target (you need to select show drop target from task menu to use this feature). The program helps you to download any file with a download link embedded in the html page. You can click on the download link or right click and use download with IDM from the context menu. You can select download all links with IDM if there are many download links on the website.
    Many of the important files are currently uploaded on specific host files. Many of these sites needs subscription to let you enjoy the full download speed. After subscription, you will have an account on the host site with username and password. IDM support
    download from host sites and allow users to add their usernames and passwords which will be automatically saved in the program options. When you want to download, simply click on the download link and your download will start immediately. This is of great help to you.

    [​IMG]

    You can also use IDM as video grabber app. No need to use any other programs to download online videos. IDM will help you to easily download any video file from multimedia sites (for example vimeo, youtube and so on). Once you play the video online, the program will open a small window above the player so that when you click on this window, a list of the available resolutions for the video will appear, you can select the resolution you want and start download.

    [​IMG]

    The program allows users to specify the download destination or to use the built in sites that are specified for each file type. There are 5 built in categories for your downloaded files (documents, compressed, video, music, programs). If you don't change the location of the downloaded file, the program will detect the file type and use the default location. You can create new categories and even specify the type of file you will download for each category. The process is easy and can be completed using the program options, save to button then select new or right click on the categories in the left sided tree and select add new category. Very easy and doesn't need any skills. The unfinished and finished download tasks are presented on the left side tree and lets users to easily detect the files that have not been completely downloaded.

    [​IMG]

    Also, the program can increases the download speed up to 500% with a maximum of 32 ports that can be selected in the program options. This will let you enjoy the full download speed according to your internet connection. At the same time, if you on a shared network with other users this can cause the network to become slow and may cause troubles to other users. The developer added a very interesting feature that helps you to limit the download speed so that you will continue to download without affecting other users. Simply, launch the program, select download button then from the drop down menu select speed limiter. That's all!

    All your downloaded files will be listed in the main program area with full information about each file. For example you can easily know file name, size, Q (queue), time to complete, last trial to download, status, transfer rate, description. These titles are arranged as columns. Each column can be used to rearrange the files according to the user needs. For example you can arrange the files according to its name, time left, or file size. You can restore the default file arrangement which is done according to the time files added using view menu, arrange files button. You will find many options available similar to the columns, just select time files added. Files will be arranges in the default way. The program has the option to let users add or remove titles from the columns. The process is very easy. All you have to do is to select view menu, customize URL list or right click the columns buttons. From the column dialogue that appear you select or deselect the columns according to your needs. After you finish click OK. That's all!

    [​IMG]

    With long time use of the program you will have many hundreds of downloaded files which make difficult and time consuming if you need to search for a specific file. No problem, don't panic. IDM has a built in search function in the download menu (find) which will let you find any file you want within seconds.

    Import and export downloads:

    [​IMG]

    You can export any downloaded files to be saved as ief or ef2 files on your computer or even as text file. If you want to move to another computer, you can easily re-download all your files, simply select import from task menu then select the exported files and re-download. Very easy and simple technique. You can save all your downloads using this simple method.

    Download Complete:

    [​IMG]

    After your download is finished, the download complete window will let you open your file directly using the default program according to the type of the file (for example adobe reader in PDF files), or open with to select a default app, or open folder or close the window. Similar options will be available for you using right click menu of completely downloaded files.

    [​IMG]

    The program has a unique built in feature which lets you automate the whole download process. No need to spend many hours trying to complete your downloads. Using the scheduler feature, you can add all your download links to the queue and set the time you want to start download and time to end and even the destination folder of the downloaded files or leave it to be automatically specified by the program. After these simple adjustments the program will do every thing for you while you are on your work. You can even set the app to shutdown your computer after completed download process. The queue has two main categories on time downloads and periodic
    (synchronized) downloads. The difference between the two categories is that the synchronization type connect to the server and check for the updated files, download the files and keep them in the list. The on time type complete download of each file once and remove it from the list. You can also create a new queue if you need using right context menu options then select its type whether on time download or synchronization.

    [​IMG]

    If you have a website with many files that need to be downloaded, of course the process needs a lot of time and effort. However, using the built in batch download feature (located in task menu), you can add the URL of your preferred site with the file extension at the end preceded by asterisk (for example *.mp3).. Then select the number of files and destination (or leave to be done by default). That's all!


    The program can let you enjoy browsing your favorite websites offline. This is one of the most interesting features in the app and called site grabber . To run this tool, use the download menu or the toolbar button, a dialogue wizard will appear and guide you in 4 steps to download you preferred website so that you can browse it offline. First specify the website URL then the destination you want to save the project. Next step lets you set the explorer filters and finally set the file filters and types. The grabber will start and show you some statistics till completed. You can now save your project.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Settings:

    The program has many settings which make the app one of the most customizable apps. The settings are adjusted to the default that is suitable for most users. Of course you can change this according to your needs and experience. The settings are well arranged to help you change any options even if you have no previous experience. It includes general, file types, save to, downloads, connection, proxy, VPN, site logins and sounds.

    [​IMG]

    The general settings control the program start with widows and full integration into browsers. The file types button specify the file types that are started automatically and the addresses added to the exclusion list (not start download from).
    The connection settings control your connection type ports and speed. You can add sites where you want to limit the download speed. The downloads button include all download related options. For example, download info, start dialogue, complete download dialogue, duplicate files, virus check...
    The save to lets you select the destination, add new category, and so on
    The proxy and VPN lets you add your credentials needed to use the application on your VN or proxy server
    The site logins lets you add the host file sites and the username and password for each site to be saved and allows you to start direct download.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    Conclusion:
    The program has many built in feature that helps you to download all you files in an easy fast way, automate your downloads and enjoy the maximum bandwidth use. The site grabber feature help you to offline browse you favorite websites. IDM is the best download manager and it is a must have for any internet user.
     
  2. dinosaur07

    dinosaur07 MDL Senior Member

    Jan 19, 2016
    271
    376
    10
    Excellent review, as always. :rolleyes: Thanks a lot, nice good read.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  3. Mr.X

    Mr.X MDL Guru

    Jul 14, 2013
    8,575
    15,645
    270
    Excellent review indeed.
    It deserves 4 licenses in return, at least.
     
  4. numpayak

    numpayak MDL Novice

    Feb 20, 2016
    7
    1
    0
    excellent review, thanks