Accelerator Download – Pros And Cons Of Download Accelerators

I run into people all the time that want to increase internet speed which will help boost i downloads but refer to this “solution” by using the term accelerator download software or download accelerator manager. I find that I must make sure what they are really asking for before I can give them an answer.

Let’s look first at how to:Increase Internet Speed

Even with fast high speed internet connections a quick window tweak can improve the internet connection speed and boost download speeds even with a fast cable modem, or DSL connection. For more information on increasing internet speed or for reasons why your internet connection is slow read:

Internet Speed: Factors that slow it down and how to improve internet speed

Accelerator Download or Download Accelerator

Internet connections are getting faster every year. With that, more information is available at your finger tips to download. The file size is also growing as well as our need to always be picking up updated drivers for hardware and service packs for software.

Internet Explorer has and update program built in so you can keep your system up to date. All the update program does is keep track of what your system is missing or in need of updating to keep the system current. It doesn’t boost download speed.

If you find yourself downloading large files regularly such as games, movies, music anti-virus updates, or software, a accelerator download manager with includes its own download accelerator may be more what you’re looking for.

Things to Remember about the Download Process

We’ve all sat in front of our computer downloading a large file that seems to take forever. Of course, we think we are the only one downloading from that server and there must be something wrong with our internet connection or computer. You need the file fast and need to find an download accelerator program to make things quicker.

The problem may not be what you think it is. The internet server on the other end also has something to do with it. Usually the server hosts hundreds if not thousands and thousands of files. You just happen to be downloading one.

There may be thousands of users requesting files and the download is going to be slower. Believe it or not… your internet connection may just be faster than the server at the other end at the moment. The slowest part of the journey to your computer… controls how fast the files can be delivered.

This is why when a new virus comes out and people who don’t update their anti-virus programs regularly panic and attempt to update their anti-virus definitions at the same time get .. slow or nothing.

How does Download Accelerator Software Work:

There are many products on the market that are touted as accelerator download software. Some work by helping you improve download speeds by locating the fastest servers automatically. Some companies have what are called “mirror sites” that contain the same file you are requesting. The accelerator software locates the closest server let’s say in Virginia, USA to download the file from, instead of Singapore. Remember back to high school. The closest distance between 2 points is a straight line…

Other booster software use their own servers to fetch the file you are requesting, download it through their high speed internet connection to your temporary “holding area” where their software manages the download.

Still other booster software manages everything from your desktop. Instead of making one connection and downloading the file it will open multiple connections bringing the file download to your computer in pieces and assembling everything together when the download is complete. Some of the accelerator software does all or a combination of all three of the above.

Downside of Dowload Accelerator Programs

You might be amazed at how many times the term “Download Accelerator, “Accelerator Download” or the root of it is searched for each month. I did a quick search recently and during a 1 month period the term was search for over 330,000 times. Obviously people are interested in accelerator download software.

Two choices of Accelerator Software – Free or Paid

Most of the free download programs do cost you something. It may not be in money directly but in other ways. Many of the free accelerator download programs are free because of advertising or advertising banners that are included with the program.

What these “free” programs do is install a “behind the scenes” program or programs that monitor your surfing habits and sites you visit, then report this information to companies that in turn, present you with banner advertising that “meets your habits”. This is sometimes called “spyware” or “adware”.

I don’t know about you but I’m not interested in having someone track my surfing habits. Not that I have anything to hide, but I want to visit where I want to visit without announcing to people where I’m traveling. Would you like someone following you around “everywhere you went” collecting information about you?

In case you may be wondering about spyware and want to learn a little more about it check out products Spyware Eliminator or Spyware Nuker… You may be surprised what you’ll find.

The free downloading programs may work but there is a downside of FREE.

Then you look closely the download boost you may receive could be wiped out by the extra information you’re sending or receiving from the banner ad company!!!

Paid Dowload Accelerator Software

This is my preference Paid Dowload Accelerator Software simply because I’m supporting a product that is developed specifically for the purpose I’m looking for and they make their money by improving their product to keep me using it.

Most of the Paid Download Accelerator Software offers you the ability to download the software for a trial period of 30-60 days and try before you buy.

When you’re looking to boost download speed, software may be your answer. They may work the same… you just need to decide – Free vs. Paid and what is the cost.