[Written Review] Internet Download Manager Updated Review

Discussion in 'Giveaways and Contests' started by tarekma7, Jun 20, 2018.

  1. tarekma7

    tarekma7 MDL Member

    Sep 28, 2012
    200
    383
    10
    [​IMG]

    Internet Download Manager (IDM) is one of the most popular programs that is present in all internet user PCs. It increases download speeds by up to 5 times, resume and schedule downloads. Comprehensive error recovery and resume capability will restart broken or interrupted downloads due to lost connections, network problems, computer shutdowns, or unexpected power outages.

    The program is compatible with and integrates into all commonly used browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Opera, Chrome.

    The program uses a smart download logic accelerator that features intelligent dynamic file segmentation and safe multipart downloading technology to accelerate your downloads. Unlike other download managers and accelerators Internet Download Manager segments downloaded files dynamically during download process and reuses available connections without additional connect and login stages to achieve best acceleration performance.

    Internet Download Manager has many features that make it the best choice for all users. It supports proxy servers, ftp and http protocols, firewalls, redirects, cookies, authorization, MP3 audio and MPEG video content processing. It can dial your modem at the set time, download the files you want, then hang up or even shut down your computer when it's done.

    [​IMG]

    Current version: 6.30 build 10

    Release date: May 16, 2018

    Language: multi language support, the default is English

    [​IMG]

    Homepage:

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

    Download:

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

    This link helps you to download the free trial version of the application. After purchase; a link to the retail version will be sent to you. The free trial version can be used for 30 days on your computer with no functional limitation. After the trial is over, you need to purchase a license to continue using IDM

    The full version has a number of additional features such as no usage limitations, better utilization of bandwidth, built-in download logic optimizer, in addition to lifetime use, free updates and good technical support.

    Size: 7 Mb

    Purchase:

    [​IMG]

    The program is available for purchase in different options according to the duration or the number of computers you need to use.

    System requirements:

    Windows XP to Windows 10 (both 32- 64 bit versions), 12 MB of free disk space and 512 Mb RAM

    User Interface:

    [​IMG]

    The main program window is very friendly, intuitive, easy to use and well arranged. You don’t need any special skills to use the program. Even novice users can use the program with no problems.

    There are four main parts in the main interface; upper menu toolbar, main functions (download) toolbar, download files list and categories tree on the left side.

    [​IMG]

    The upper menu includes 6 buttons, these are Tasks, File, Downloads, View, Help and Registration. If you click on any of these buttons, there will be drop down menu with many underlying options.

    Menu options:

    Task menu includes download, batch download, site grabber, import, export and exit.

    [​IMG]

    File menu shows options to start, resume, stop or remove download.

    [​IMG]

    Downloads show scheduler, find, options, speed limiter, pause all or delete completed downloads.

    [​IMG]

    View include options to hide categories, arrange files, customize toolbars, tray icon and language.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Help menu:

    [​IMG]

    Main functions toolbar: present below the menu toolbar and shows all the buttons you need to manage your downloads, (For example; Add URL, Resume, Stop, Stop All, Delete, Delete All Completed files from the list, Options, Scheduler….)

    The download file list includes additional information about any file you have downloaded. You can check file name, size, download status, estimated time to complete, current download speed, date and download description. You can rearrange or sort the list using any of these headings according to your wish. Simple click on the on the column header will sort the files in the way you want.

    [​IMG]

    If you want to select the columns visible in your list or reorder the columns (rearranged); simply use the view menu, customize URL list then select the columns you want and rearrange by moving up or down the columns.

    [​IMG]

    Other ways to rearrange your files or to restore the original default arrangement (by order of addition) is by using the view button and select arrange files from the drop down menu

    Download categories. These include 5 categories (compressed, documents, music, programs, video). If you don't need it, you can simply hide it using close button above the categories area or hide option under view menu. The downloaded files will be automatically categorized according to the default option built in the application. If you need to add more categories, simply use right click menu of the categories to add a new category and rename it

    How can you change the program language?

    You can enjoy using the program in your own language. More than fifty languages are supported , If you want to change the interface language, simply download translation files for your native language here: http://www.internetdownloadmanager.com/language.html

    Now, extract the zip file contents to the root Folder in “C:/Program files”, Finally restart the program

    How to customize the User Interface?

    If you don’t like the classic look, you can use different skins to change the program look. These skins are available here: https://www.internetdownloadmanager.com/support/toolbar2.html

    This page is also accessible using "look for new toolbar option" located under toolbar menu.

    [​IMG]

    Now, simply download the skin file and save it to the program folder the restart the program. The new toolbar look will be available in the toolbar menu (located under view button) and you can select it at any time to enjoy a completely new IDM look.

    [​IMG]

    New Features:

    Since the first release on 2005, IDM is in continuous development with many added new features and tools added. You can see the new features in details here:

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

    Features:

    Download function:

    [​IMG]

    This is the main function of IDM. The program has an advanced integration into your browser which lets it start download automatically when you click on any link on the website you are browsing

    You can manually start download using right click menu of any file or link you need. Alternatively, you can simply use add URL button in the main toolbar to manually start your download

    [​IMG]

    Other methods to start download include drag and drop of the file into the drop target which is accessible through task menu.

    [​IMG]

    If your download is interrupted for any reason (for example; internet connection troubles) you can easily resume it at any time. In addition, when your download is complete, there will be a “download complete dialogue”. This lets you open the file or its location or choose the program to open with. For example adobe acrobat for PDF documents

    [​IMG]

    The program starts the download process, accelerated it up to 5 times and categorize it to be automatically saved according to the file type

    Batch Download:

    [​IMG]

    If you have one of your favorite websites with many files and you want to download all of them. No need to download each file alone and lose your time. Now, using the built-in batch download feature located in the task menu, you can easily download all files with a single mouse click. The processes is very easy. Simply, add the URL of your preferred website with asterisk and extension of the files you need to download. (For example *.mp3 for sound files) and specify the method you want to use to arrange your files either using numbers (for example from 1 to 100) or letters (from a to z). The program will detect the files arranged in a list with names, size and download URL. Now, you will select the files to download and click OK.

    Import and export Download: This feature lets you save your download list. For example, if you are moving to a new computer or laptop, you can use this tool to restore all your download. The exported list will be saved on your computer with the extension .ief or ef2. You can also import and export any downloads in the form of a text file.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Download from a Host File:

    This is very common way to upload important files. The problem is that most of these file hosting sites (for example rapidgator, nitroflare and many others) need subscription and login using username and password if you want to enjoy the full download speed. This is especially important with download of large files. IDM lets you add your host site login details so that file download from that host site will start automatically at full speed. All you have to do is to click sites login under options dialogue then add the URL of the host sites with your Username and Password. That’s all!

    Speed Limiter:

    [​IMG]

    The marked increase in the file download speed may sometimes cause problems if your internet connection is shared with other persons. The internet connection will be very slow!

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    The program has a built-in tool to solve this problem and limit the download speed according to your needs. This useful tool is located under the download menu. If the server doesn’t support download resume, it is better to turn off speed limiter (to avoid interrupted download).

    Command line download: for advanced users find, command line can be used to start the download process. You need to specify the local file name, path and download directory.

    Video grabber:

    The program allows you to download online videos on hard disk to enjoy offline playback. You don’t need to purchase any multimedia download software. You can use IDM to quickly download any online multimedia using this video grabber tool. You will see the download panel of IDM above any online video, simply click the panel to see a list of the formats available for download, select the one you prefer and download as usual.

    Site Grabber:

    IDM allows you to download complete websites for offline browsing. For example, you can download pictures, documents or audio files. This is easily done through the built-in site grabber tool located under the download menu. Simply follow four step wizard to complete your job

    In the first step, you have to specify the name of the new project, the website to be grabbed and project template and authorization (if needed). In the second step, you will choose where to save the project files. Other options include overwrite existing files, convert links for offline browsing. The third step lets you add explorer filters such as website exploration filter levels that will be included. The last step allows you to set file filters (for example; types you want to include or exclude, hide duplicates and many other). Finally, the website will be explored using the set filters till complete. You can see the progress and statistics of the process which may need long time according to the website and filters you have chosen.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Scheduler:

    This feature will automate all your downloads. Two types of scheduler are available; the main and synchronization. The synchronization queue is similar to the main download one with one difference. It lets the program do check for any changes available on the server, in that way, you will always have the new file version. You can easily create a new queue, simply launch the scheduler then use new button or right click menu of the queue options in the category tree then add files using download later option or right click menu of any file in the download list or more easily drag and drop. Files added to the queue will appear in your main download list as the column "Q". Finally, you can set other options as the location to save your files, time to start and end, download limits, number of concurrent downloads and so on.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    File Search:

    This tool will help you to easily need to find a specific file in the long list of downloaded files. This is located under download menu. This will save your time.

    [​IMG]

    Notification area icon:

    This icon notifies you that the app is running and offers you many options using right click menu (for example; purchase, help, speed limiter and many other)

    Program settings:

    The program settings are present under download menu. There are many options you can set according to your needs

    General: settings included are program start with windows, supported browsers, advanced integration, clipboard download, customize keys, download panels and context menu

    [​IMG]

    File types that can be automatically downloaded and websites to avoid automatic start of the download process.

    [​IMG]

    Save to: file categories and save locations

    [​IMG]

    Downloads: this part includes the default download settings, such as settings for start and complete of download dialogue, show queue panel on click of download later button, Virus checking tool and many other options

    [​IMG]

    Connection: this option allows you to specify your connection type and speed (maximum connection number is 32).

    [​IMG]

    Proxy: set the configuration settings of your internet connection including proxy, socks or FTP settings

    [​IMG]

    Sites Login: login information for host file site will be automatically saved here for future use. Most of these sites require paid subscription for premium services

    [​IMG]

    VPN settings:

    [​IMG]

    Sounds when the download is completed or failed, queue processing started or stopped. Only “Wav” extension is supported.

    [​IMG]

    Pros:

    High download speed up to 5 folds

    Resume broken downloads

    Scheduled download task

    Site Grabber

    Downloads multimedia files

    Compatible with all popular browsers

    Easy to use,

    And many more

    Cons: None

    Conclusion:

    IDM is a must have download manager software that has a lot of features to help you, save your time and automate the download process. The site grabber tool lets you save your favorite website for offline use. Video grabber tool lets you enjoy online videos for offline playback. The program supports all host file support. The program is easy to use with friendly interface.
     
  2. gaerher

    gaerher MDL Junior Member

    Mar 11, 2018
    95
    46
    0
    Very, very nice!

    I join.
     
  3. MMIKEE

    MMIKEE MDL Senior Member

    Oct 6, 2012
    380
    361
    10
    Excellent tutorial... Would be even better for many of us as a printable .pdf :D
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  4. lewcass

    lewcass MDL Senior Member

    Mar 10, 2018
    429
    251
    10
    Save the web page. :p
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  5. gaerher

    gaerher MDL Junior Member

    Mar 11, 2018
    95
    46
    0
    Well, I can do it if I have a bit of free time. :)
     
  6. Dark Knight

    Dark Knight MDL Senior Member

    Jul 14, 2013
    323
    133
    10
    I will tell you that I cannot say enough good things about IDF, this download manager is worth it's weight in gold.
    I have been computing a long time and for a long time have steered away from download managers because they either didn't deliver or dropped so much junk on your system during install it wasn't funny.
    I actually purchased my copy because I entered a past giveaway here and did not win , but I will tell you the purchase was worth every dime, it does what it is advertised to do and yes it does boost download speed some, download speeds and their max will be dictated by your ISP, so it you have a s**tty ISP, don't expect miracles.
    The $19.95 for the lifetime license is well worth it, I guarantee once you get it you'll never think of using another download manager again.

    Take it from someone who used to be dead set against these types of software, now I can't live without it, when I do a re-install, it's one of the first pieces of software to get installed.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  7. sid_16

    sid_16 MDL Giveaway Organiser

    Oct 15, 2011
    2,494
    5,362
    90
    Well written as usual ,will read later.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  8. bluesea

    bluesea MDL Novice

    Dec 29, 2016
    7
    5
    0
    #8 bluesea, Jun 21, 2018
    Last edited: Jun 21, 2018
    The best thing about Internet Download Manager is that the tool supports all kind of browsers. Regardless of what browsing app you are currently using, IDM works at its best in all the browsing tools such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, etc.
    Internet Download Manager is a tool to increase download speeds by up to 5 times, resume and schedule downloads. Comprehensive error recovery and resume capability will restart broken or interrupted downloads due to lost connections, network problems, computer shutdowns, or unexpected power outages.
    For YouTube Video contents, Internet Download Manager is the most convenient stuff you need. From the downloading option icon of IDM popped up on the screen right above the YouTube video content, you can select the size of downloading content that suits your requirement.
    P.S. I've been using Internet Download Manager for years but only trial reset. I hope that I will get a license from someone someday :D
     
  9. secgeek

    secgeek MDL Novice

    Feb 8, 2018
    42
    13
    0
    Without any doubt, it definitely is the best in its class. Have been using it since old ages of computers!
     
  10. dinosaur07

    dinosaur07 MDL Senior Member

    Jan 19, 2016
    271
    376
    10
    Very skilled and professional as always review done by our great reviewer Tarek.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  11. khanyash

    khanyash MDL Giveaway Organizer

    Jun 21, 2015
    803
    2,466
    30
    The best download manager and a good detailed review.
     
  12. monstertruckpa

    monstertruckpa MDL Junior Member

    Apr 5, 2016
    85
    50
    0
    I want to win a license, the reason for that is jdownloader is very heavy using obsolete program language, mypony is not safe according to the reports of my antivirus and other security programs. hoping to win a license one day.