Downloading files is something most people perform on a daily basis, often without realising it, but when you are waiting for a particularly important file the wait can feel like it drags on forever. This is where Light Downloader 1.1.1 attempts to overhaul the process and optimise it to squeeze maximum speed from a typical file download. This software is not unique in its goals but it does offer a few interesting arguments in its favour, making it worth a look.
The slightly bold claim made by Light Downloader is that it has the ability to increase the speed of downloads by up to 600 per cent. Of course 'up to' is the operative phrase here, meaning the performance will depend on a number of variables, but it hopes to achieve this by cleverly dividing the download into multiple sections which are then transported to your PC simultaneously and separately. This certainly has an impact but it is not a killer app. What makes Light Download worth the time of day is its combination of features and the fact that it is free of charge.
One particularly noteworthy asset of this software is the support for drag-and-drop downloads and its auto-resume feature for downloads which have been interrupted. When the program is running in the background you can drag files from your browser of choice and deposit them in the Light Downloader system tray icon where they will then begin to download or be added to your queue. A quick click of this icon on its own will maximise the main window and let you get a better look at the interface and options.
There are three separate sections to the Light Downloader window which should look familiar to any Windows user. The side panel on the left of the screen lets you browse and navigate, while the main pair of stacked panels let you see what you are downloading and the recent activity in the form of a log. The interface is tabbed to let you switch between looking at the main download screen and the secondary scheduler feature, which lets you set up downloads to occur whenever you choose. Each download can be prioritised or pushed to the back of the queue using the main toolbar icons arrayed along the top of the window.
When you drag and drop a downloadable piece of content or a whole webpage into Light Downloader, it will automatically recognise the type of download and categorise it to make it easily searchable within the interface. All types of file, from audio and video to software and text, will be easily accessible and the claims that download speeds are increased seem to be true, although this is always a subjective experience with plenty of factors having an impact.
What makes Light Downloader great is its ambition and subsequent ability to follow through on promises of speed and ease of use. This makes it a highly recommended little tool that download lovers will really be able to use regularly.