Download Accelerators

Are there any real benefits to using them?

[MatthewHSE]

I've heard of programs that allegedly speed up any Internet connection, even high-speed, by 200%. I guess we could all enjoy that much more speed in browsing and downloads, but I for one am pretty skeptical of a claim like that. Does anyone here have any experience with a download accelerator, and are there any good, free ones that aren't full of spyware?

[Elijah]

I think the way download accelerators work is they download multiple pieces of the file at the same time. Another reason to use one is that they give you the ability to pause and resume your download if your internet connecion is dropped (I'm assuming your talking about file downloads. Not just web browsing)

The download accelerator that I use is Fresh Download.
Fresh download is free, has no ads, and does not contain any spyware. It has many features and is highly configurable. I have really enjoyed using it. :)

Elijah

[Simon_G]

A download accelerator can just reach the maximum bandwidth limit, for example if you use a 56kbit modem connection it cannot get more download bandwidth.

I have used so far GetRight and FlashGet. For some download they can really help you to get the maximum out of your connection when downloading :)

[pathak]

I using download accelator from past 2 years. It is very good and i am fully satisfied with it. You should install and use it.

[uncle_bob]

You can also increase the page download speed from your own website, by turning on page compression. It's supported by IIS (services tab) and Apache (mod_deflate).

I only wish more webmasters would use it.

[SethCall]

I remember that the first (or so) download accelerator (we are talking 7 years ago) would download every link on the page u are currently looking at, to preempt a click to that link by the user. So, even with a 56k modem, it would speed things up. Quite wasteful though.