Accelerating your downloads so you can save on time

By Vishnu K. Mahmud

JAKARTA (JP): Downloading files over the Internet is supposed to be easy. All you have to do is click a hyperlink and presto!, a digital copy of the file lands in your computer.

But with the high cost of telephone charges, web "time-outs" (due to soaring net traffic) and poor or often broken net connections, downloading large files (be it MP3s, presentation documents or games) can be rather pricey.

And should the file transfer fail midway, you have to start the download again from the beginning.

The solution is to upgrade to a broadband connection (not available everywhere), download at off peak times (such as 3 a.m.) or use a download manager.

One popular shareware program that manages your downloads is GetRight, (www.getright.com) which allows users to continue their downloads should they be disconnected for any reason, be it a dropped phone line or operating system crash.

GetRight is one of many software applications aimed at the Internet community. Not only does it resume broken downloads, but you can also schedule a time to connect to the Internet, start retrieving the file, log off the phone connection and shut down your computer automatically (depending on the motherboard of your computer).

You can find others by entering "download manager" in CNET.com's search engine.

Download Accelerator (www.speedbit.com) is another download manager that has the same features as GetRight, with a difference: it can download files faster. Using segmented downloading, the program breaks up one file into many parts and downloads those segments at the same time.

With this method, the program can theoretically use the web connection more efficiently.

This will only work, however, on web servers that support (read: allow) resuming downloads. Other factors also come into the equation.

Your phone line or modem should be clear of line noise to ensure multiple download streams are possible. Any line noise will prompt the computer to reject the data and request the server to resend it, causing longer download times.

If you have phone line problems (that is, if you pick up the phone and hear static), contact your service provider and see what can be done.

For users with older machines (such as a 486 or first- generation Pentium computer), it may be a good idea to let the computer download the file without using another application at the same moment, thus freeing up memory, processor time and hard disk access.

Active applications and operating system swap files usually slow down a computer by accessing the hard drive.

Some download managers even work with Antivirus scanners to ensure that the file you download is safe, once it is downloaded. You should also consider the time of day and location of the files for your download.

It may be faster in Jakarta to download at 6 a.m. but it would be 6 p.m. in New York where the file originates from, which is the Internet prime time there (and possibly slower connections).

There are a few things to remember, however.

Some programs now use adware, a payment system that compensates for the "free" software by placing ads on a special window in the program.

Users should be connected to the net to receive the ads and must also fill out a demographics form so the company can "target" their ads move effectively to your interests and needs.

Privacy advocates may cringe upon hearing this and as with any other closed-sourced application, we have no idea what else that program really does to our computer. Does it download our files as well as send information to its creator details of our Internet surfing habits?

In addition, some people may have a problem allowing computer programs to dial up the Internet automatically or power down their PC's on their own. Users should be diligent in allowing which program full rights to dialing an outside line on their computer since it may provide a backdoor for other unauthorized programs.

There have been cases of people downloading programs to accelerate their Internet connection (or to view certain dubious websites) only to find out that the program disconnected their net connection and reconnected to the web via an overseas telephone number, thus racking up a high, long-distance bill.

As always with other programs, diligence is mandatory in selecting a program. Draw on user reviews from CNET, ZDNET or other computer sites and search engines to find out if the program is above board and trustworthy.

These thoughts aside, these download managers are created to help users and are worth the shareware price.

The writer is an IT consultant based in Jakarta. Questions? Contact Vishnu at sundaypost@thejakartapost.com.