You click a big file link and the transfer crawls, then dies at 90% when the connection drops. Or you find a video you want to keep and the site gives you no save button. Download Accelerator Manager (DAM) from Tensons Corporation is built for both problems: it speeds up and recovers ordinary downloads, and it grabs web video and music.
Quick facts
- Version: 5.6 RC
- Platform: Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10)
- Installer size: about 2.4 MB
- Price: a Free Edition is offered; a paid Ultimate edition is also mentioned
- Browsers: Firefox, Internet Explorer and Chrome work best
Key features
Faster downloads through dynamic file segmentation
Many download managers split a file into parts only before the download starts. DAM keeps re-segmenting the file while it downloads, reuses connections without extra connect steps, and keeps connections busy. It also skips the step of stitching file parts together at the end, so you don't wait after the transfer finishes. The vendor says the Free Edition can raise speeds by up to 1,000%.
Save web video and music with MediaGrabber
MediaGrabber captures video and music from sites such as YouTube, Facebook and Metacafe. With the DAM extension enabled in Firefox, Chrome or IE, you use the "Grab Video/Music by DAM" item in the right-click menu. The vendor says it can also capture media from other Internet software, not just browsers.
Recover interrupted downloads
DAM resumes downloads after lost connections, power outages or network problems, so you don't start a large file from zero.
Schedule downloads and shut down when finished
You can have DAM connect to the Internet, download your files, then disconnect or shut down the computer when it's done. That suits overnight downloads.
Handles protected sites and common protocols
DAM supports HTTP, HTTPS and FTP, web cookies, proxies and redirects, and it can fetch files from protected sites. It also has connection, site and sound management options.
Who it's for
It suits you if you regularly pull large files over an unreliable connection, want to save web videos or music without a separate tool, or want a very small installer. It is Windows only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free Edition available
- Tiny installer of about 2.4 MB
- Resume, recovery and scheduling are included
- Works with several browsers and with video sites
Cons
- Windows only
- The current build is labelled a release candidate (RC)
- The vendor says the Ultimate edition has the fastest speeds and extra features, so the Free Edition is more limited
- Video grabbing from browsers needs the DAM extension enabled
FAQs
Is Download Accelerator Manager free?
The vendor offers a Free Edition. It also describes an Ultimate edition with faster speeds and more features.
Which browsers does it work with?
It works best with 64-bit or 32-bit Firefox, Internet Explorer and Chrome. The vendor also lists Safari and Opera for media grabbing.
Can it download YouTube videos?
Yes. The MediaGrabber tool captures video and music from YouTube and many other sites.
What happens if my connection drops?
DAM recovers the download after lost connections, power outages or network problems, and you can resume it.
Which Windows versions are supported?
The vendor says it supports Windows from XP through 10, including 8, 7 and Vista.
System requirements
- Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10
- About 2.4 MB for the installer
- Firefox, Internet Explorer or Chrome recommended