What Is Internet Download Manager and How to Use it
When downloading files over the internet, it’s safe to say that most of us want the fastest download speeds possible.
Many people use their browser’s download manager but that’s not the most optimal way to download files.
Downloading files – such as music, video, programs, drivers, and more through a browser – is never the fastest.
Aside from not getting the speeds that you want, you can’t even pause or resume your downloads in case it breaks. Downloading massive files using a browser isn’t ideal by any means.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of download managers that you can use. Perhaps the most popular download manager out there is Internet Download Manager.
What is Internet Download Manager?
We’ll be going in-depth and find out if this download manager is right for you.
The Internet Download Manager (also referred to as IDM) is a shareware download manager which means that you can download the program and try it for free within the trial period.
Here a list of the best IDM features:
- Supports a wide range of browsers and apps
- Downloads files with one click
- Built-in antivirus check
- Supports drag-and-drop interface
- Downloads multiple files
- Supports multiple proxy server types
- Accelerates downloads up to 5x
- Quick and easy installation
- Schedules downloads
- Has advanced browser integration
- Sets download limits
- Provides a customizable interface
Browser Integration
As of this writing, IDM is only supported on Windows. Perhaps the biggest draw of IDM is its flawless integration with most major web browsers available.
Copy any link from your web browser and if the file is supported by IDM, the program will automatically fetch the link.
Using IDM, you can then download that file at accelerated speeds. This works incredibly well if you’re listening to music or streaming a video.
If you’re looking for an application to download videos from sites like YouTube, IDM is a good download manager to consider.
Organize Your Downloads
Since you can collect and store all your download links via IDM, it’s a great way to organize and keep track of all your downloads in one place.
If you’re somewhat of a power user that loves downloading numerous massive files over the web, having the ability to organize your downloads is a godsend.
The main window displays a list of all the files that you’ve downloaded and you can organize them any way you prefer.
Flexible Downloads
IDM can download files at an accelerated speed because it downloads in multiple streams as opposed to a standard single stream.
If the download process is interrupted, IDM can resume the download exactly where it left off. If you’re using a web browser, you’ll have to start all over again. IDM also allows you to download multiple files at once.
However, you can set how many files to download at one time and the other ones can be queued for downloading at a later time.
How to Use Internet Download Manager
From the main interface, you can see multiple control buttons.
To download new file, simply click Add URL and paste the link to the file that you wish to download.
- Start downloading by clicking the Start/Resume button.
- Use the Pause button to postpone the download of a selected file.
- Stop/Stop All is used to suspend file downloads.
- Set when to start or stop downloading files.
