Internet Download Manager 4.07

Comparatively expensive for a download manager (although a free 30-day trial is available), IDM justifies its cost by offering superb performance. Capable of increasing speeds by up to five times, it splits downloads into smaller streams to take the weight off both your connection and your PC’s system resources.

Downloaded files are automatically categorised – for example, Programs, Documents or Video – for easy retrieval, while unfinished downloads can be resumed with a single click. Additionally, you can schedule downloads to start and stop at specific times; close the program, hang up the connection or turn off the computer when done; and restrict the amount you download in a set period – very handy for users whose service providers enforce monthly limits.

You can download up to 99 files simultaneously, set up batch downloads of sequentially named files (such as image1.jpg, image2.jpg) and drag and drop source links into the main IDM window or onto the floating Drop Basket.