Download manager


A download manager is a type of software that manages the downloading of files from the Internet, which may be built into a web browser, or as a standalone program.

Functions

A download manager manages files being downloaded from the internet. Download managers allocate resources for downloading multiple items simultaneously. They also break down files into multiple chunks for faster download speeds, either by making multiple connections to the same server or to multiple servers providing the same file. Failed downloads can also be restarted from a download manager.
Download managers may be separate programs or may be built into web browsers or other programs, such as Firefox's and Telegram's built-in download managers.

Criticism

Download managers are occasionally used to spread malware or advertisements onto a user's computer. For example, the download page for Free Download Manager was hacked and used to spread malware on Linux devices from 2020 to 2022. Other download managers have been noted to contain advertisements, be identified as malware by antivirus software, or attempt to install unwanted software during installation.

Examples

DownloadStudio

DownloadStudio is a shareware download manager developed and published by Conceiva. It can download files, entire websites, streaming audio and streaming video. DownloadStudio has been awarded by PC Magazine as the best download manager in its Utility Guide 2004.