Orbit Downloader 4.1.0.8

Overview

Orbit Downloader is one of the most effective software utilities designed for enhancing the download of multimedia files without putting too much pressure on your operating system. The application seems to be most efficient when used in conjunction with Firefox and IE, thus integrating it in Chrome may take users a bit to get accustomed. Orbit downloader will not only enhance download speed, but it will also help users in managing their downloads easier with the help of the tagging feature.

Installation

The installation is quick and painless, as downloading the executable kit file and opening it, Orbit Downloader will guide you throughout the four steps of the process: License, Options, Download and Finish. The first step is self-explanatory, you will need to read and agree to the terms and conditions of the license. In the second step, Options, you will be prompted to install the Babylon Toolbar, a search engine toolbar with additional features, but this is part of the installation is not mandatory. During the third step, users are prompted to close the Internet Explorer and Firefox browser in case they are running and click on the Next button.

At this point, although it may seem a bit redundant, you will be asked to read and agree to the terms and conditions once more and afterward, choose the destination where the program is to be installed. Once you have done so, you will be prompted to choose the browsers in which Orbit Downloader is integrated – the available options are Firefox, Opera, Maxthon, Netscape and Chrome – enter the program as an exception to the Firewall of your OS and a few other classical options. Following this step, Orbit Downloader asks whether you want to donate your idle system time to research via SpeechGrid – again, this is not mandatory, though the program recommends it. Orbit Downloader is freeware, supported by ads.

 Interface

The interface of Orbit Downloader is fairly simple and minimalistic. The upper part of the screen contains a bar with the classic File, Edit, View, Tools and Help options. The body of the applications is split in three sections. On the left side users will see be able to overview the files set to be downloaded and a button that allows updating drivers and software of the computer automatically. The right side is again split into two subsections. The upper part lists the files that are currently being downloaded. The lower part, on the other hand, can be used to track the progress of the download, view the properties of the downloaded files and check the download log.

Pros

Although the interface of the Orbit Downloader is minimalistic and straightforward, it has been designed purely for functionality and the application performs extremely well at this chapter. The most important advantage is that it makes downloading music and videos from social websites, as well as flash application, fast and easy. In fact, benchmarking has shown that Orbit Downloader speeds up the transfer by up to five times, under ideal conditions. That is really something, considering we are talking about free software, but after all, these is the type of downloads Orbit Downloader has been optimized for.

Managing the downloads via the tagging system makes it very convenient to keep track of everything you have downloaded in the past and quickly locate those files. In addition, this feature allows user to group files and folders downloaded according to their tag.

As if that was not enough, the Orbit Downloader makes updating all the existing software and drivers on your computer fast. You are able to choose which ones you want to update and go directly to the update page. In addition, you will be able to see how many users have deemed the new software updates worthwhile and useful.

Cons

The main disadvantage of this utility is that so far there is no embedded torrent support, so torrent fans can only hope that this problem will be fixed in a later patch. Until then, the p2p support should be enough.

Alternatives

In the freeware category, Star Downloader is the main competitor, but unlike Orbit Downloader, it does not provide support for social multimedia downloads as of yet. If you are looking for a freeware program with the standalone feature of downloading videos from social network websites, then you might want to try Free Facebook Downloader.

Conclusion

Overall, the Orbit Downloader is probably the best software for download acceleration, management and software and firmware upgrades, with the sole disadvantage of not being able to provide torrent support. Had it provided torrent support, it would have definitely received a 5/5 rating.