Download Accelerator Plus

Just as in previous versions, Download Accelerator Plus 10 (free) boosts your download speeds by breaking files into smaller pieces, connecting to and downloading from multiple sources simultaneously, and even seeking out faster mirrors. What's different with this newest version, though, is the more streamlined engine that now offers features in the form of "add-ons." This means you can supplement your boosted download speeds (200 to 400 percent faster in many cases) with only the additional features that you want. One of the most useful add-ons that you can enable in version 10 is DAPsters. If you download files from RapidShare.com or similar sites, this feature will come in handy. Basically, it minimizes the annoying pages that usually precede downloads on those popular file-transfer sites and fast-tracks you to the CAPTCHA step (if there is one). Another great add-on is the Link Checker, which identifies valid and invalid download links before you actually hit the download button. It shows a small icon next to valid links on download pages, so you don't have to waste time trying out all of the different download sources. Other add-ons include a Media Preview, Zip Preview, Internet Browser, and Video Downloader & Converter. I didn't see an FTP client, though, which was available in previous versions. Also available is a SPEEDbit Video Accelerator, which is offered as a bundled download during setup. Not only that, DAP 10 serves up quite a few annoying pop-up messages encouraging you to download and install it. I tried this feature and was less than impressed. I didn't notice much of a boost, and found the Video Acceleration status window intrusive. Overall, I found DAP 10 to be extremely adept at performing its core function of accelerating downloads. I noticed the boosts consistently. It's also nice that version 10 lets you customize your experience by adding on only the features that you want. This add-on platform also bodes well for the future, as SPEEDbit is openly asking developers to create new offerings for their program you can download free now