In these broadband days you may think download managers are no longer useful, but FlashGet will make you change you mind in a snap. This handy application organizes all your download tasks, from searching websites for links to setting up a schedule for downloads so that they don't hog your bandwidth. Plus, this latest version includes an updated search bar which includes a software search powered by Softonic.

Here at Softonic we download and test up to 30 programs a day, so having a download manager on our PCs definitely makes our life easier. Flashget is considered by many to be the best download manager out there, but does it really deserve this reputation? We gave it a test drive to uncover the features that make it such a widely-coveted application.

Flashget takes charge of your downloads, automating the whole process from start to finish. Among the essential features of a download manager is batch downloading of multiple files, well handled by the program. Flashget also lets you schedule downloads to start at particular times. This is good when you have a long list of files waiting to be downloaded but you want to avoid sucking up bandwidth. You can schedule them to download one after the other, or at times when you will not be using your PC. What makes Flashget a particularly valuable tool is the speed of its downloads. You can cut up a file into various parts to download it faster and can optimize the speed according to your connection. When tested out, Flashget definitely revealed higher performances than the in-browser download managers included in Internet Explorer and Firefox.

Whenever I get a new computer, or a virtual machine here at Softonic HQ, one of the first programs I install is a download manager. If you download frequently, it makes the job so much more efficient, easily allowing you to sort, categorize and automate your downloads. What's more, lots also make downloading much, much quicker. What are you waiting for?! Check out the top options here.

Download Accelerator Plus

My favorite app is Download Accelerator Plus (DAP). Even the free version of this manager has more options than you can imagine, integrates perfectly with most browsers and really speeds things up. I couldn't live without it, and if you are looking for a great all-rounder, don't hesitate to download it. Also available for Mac.

Windows: Download managers may not be as necessary as they were in the modem era, but they're undoubtedly a handy tool for download addicts. FlashGet proves to be one of the best download managers out there, with great features such as support for Torrent an eMule files, scheduled downloads, and clipboard and web browser monitoring, among others.

iPhone: If you’re a Photoshop addict then why not try out the new iPhone version of the app, Photoshop.com Mobile. It’s by no means a fully-featured editing suite, but what it does do is to allow you to quickly and easily tweak photos on the move, through an excellent interface based around touch gestures. This latest update adds support for video playback.

Mac: kJams (formerly known as kTunes) can Rip, Mix, Play and Burn CD+G format discs in a very easy to use iTunes style interface. kJams allows you to create playlists, sort tracks by name, artist, album etc and much more. If you've already ripped some MP3+G files, kJams allows you to import them along with standard formats such as QuickTime, KAR, MIDI and Vorbis.

Softonic is all about downloading so it's natural that we should pick out the quickest, safest and sleekest download managers for you. What you're looking for in a download manager is a program that will automate the process, relieve bandwidth usage and organize how files are being downloaded.

Most of the apps we cover here offer features like download scheduling, automatic disconnect after download, batch downloading and speed optimization. If you tend to install lots of new programs, games or videos and music it's probably a good idea to set one up on your PC.

1. Flashget - The fastest of all download managers
2. Download Accelerator Plus - Squeezes the best out of your Internet connection
3. Internet Download Manager - Works with all major browsers
4. Orbit Downloader - A light application based on P2P technology
5. Free Download Manager - A free and solid all around download application
6. GigaGet - Uses Net Grid technology to increase download speeds 7 to 10 times
7. Website Ripper Copier - Automatically download all content from a web page
8. WebZIP - Collect web content to browse it offline
9. GetRight - Compact but fitted with all the necessary download features