Overview

The Internet Download Accelerator software utility is capable of doing far more than just augment the speed at which downloads from various transfer protocols occur. Whilst its connection-boosting capabilities based on the intellectual multi-section techniques is definitely able to match the 500% speed augmentation boasted by its creators, the file transfer management is not an aspect that can be easily overlooked. If you were to summarize the description of Internet Download Accelerator, you could say that it is a versatile, easy to use download booster and manager with a wide array of features. 

Installation

It is important to note that users can download the freeware version of the Internet Download Accelerator. However, opting for the paid version does include a few perks, like discounts on the other software designed by Westbyte, the ability to use the program in commercial purposes, top notch tech support and free updates as well as access to newly developed editions. On the other hand, the main features of Internet Download Accelerator can also be found in the freeware version.

Once you have downloaded the Internet Download Accelerator and commenced the installation procedure, you will be asked to turn off all browsers, in order for all components of the program to integrate within them correctly. The installation process will take just a few seconds, as the Internet Download Accelerator is lightweight. The first time you start the app, you will be required to specify the type of internet connection you are currently employing, in order for Internet Download Accelerator to adapt its settings automatically for best results.  

Interface

Whilst the interface for the Internet Download Accelerator does not excel in terms of design, it is fair to say that it is intuitive and clean. The main window is split into 3 subsections and has basically the same look as most torrent clients. The upper part contains the main menus and the shortcuts for the basic functionality features, enabling you to add URLs, start, pause and stop downloads, manage the amount of simultaneous downloads as well as the speed associated with them, or explore FTP websites.

On the lower left section, the categories features will enable you to sort the downloaded files and folders within the appropriate location, be they movies, music, archives or programs. In addition, the Internet Download Accelerator gives users access to the most popular links for a wide variety of downloads. Lastly, the lower right subsection, which basically occupies the main part of the window, enables you to see the exact files and folders that you have downloaded or that you are currently downloading, as well as the characteristics associated with them.

Pros

One of the greatest advantages associated with Internet Download Accelerator resides in its ability to be integrated with all modern browsers without any difficulty. Furthermore, this software utility can download video clips from the major video sharing websites in the .flv file format. In the eventuality that your downloads are interrupted, IDA will enable you to continue downloading from the exact point at which the interruption had occurred. Another technology proprietary to Westbyte is the Visual Cart feature, which refers to the capability to operate the application without the help of the main window.

Another innovative feature proprietary to Internet Download Accelerator is the ability to view the files that are located within the archives and download them separately, in case you are not interested in transferring the entire contents. Last but not least, the main benefit of this software application is its ability to perform exactly as advertised, in terms of speeding up your file transfer rate, as your downloads will be roughly five times faster.

Cons

Unless you purchase the full version, the application is supported by ads and will offer to install programs that are not necessarily associated with the functioning of Internet Download Accelerator.

Alternatives

Other that can provide an alternative to Internet Download Accelerator are ,  or .

Conclusion

Although Internet Download Accelerator and the main features are included in the freeware version, this should not lead you to believe that it does not present the same potential as its paid counterparts. In fact, this application is not only able to boost the data transfer speed over a great deal of protocols and can integrate itself in almost all the existing browsers, but it also enables users to resume downloads that were stopped.