[Manifold-l] download problems - still (OT: DL managers)

[David Spurr]

-----Original Message-----
From: manifold-l-bounces at lists.directionsmag.com
[mailto:manifold-l-bounces at lists.directionsmag.com] On Behalf Of SCISOFT
Sent: Monday, 16 October 2006 7:17 p.m.
To: 'Simon Greener (SpatialDB Advisor)'; 'Manifold List Server'
Subject: RE: [Manifold-l] download problems - still

......

<way_off_topic>
Some months ago I looked at BitTorrent and what I thought was a promising
evolution of a similar technique, from Microsoft - called Avalanche (you can
find the project / URLs on the Microsoft Research website). 
I don't make use of BitTorrent, myself (no particular reason - except that I
expect that Avalanche will be built into the Windows OS sometime, and used
from sites that are capable; I would use Avalanche if provided that way).

On Avalnche and BitTorrent type of products: obviously, if Avalanche were
built into or provided with Windows, it would have to be consciously
selected or turned ON by the user, as it's a peer-to-peer method and can
allow others access to your machine (and of necessity, you to theirs).
Although it's inherently secure there is always that perception of the
opposite - that irrational element of mistrust. And some people love to hate
Microsoft. 
</way_off_topic>

......


One alternative & from my experience very good DL manager I have not seen
mentioned in this thread is "Free Download Manager" (FDM -
http://www.freedownloadmanager.org/).  Has worked flawlessly for me + no ads
+ freeware.  As far as I know, it does not work peer-peer as per Bit Torrent
et al, but rather opens multiple (typ 4) DL links which can all be to the
same site (at least that is how I use it).  I mainly use it for downloads
from severely throttled sites (eg. Radio NZ podcasts @ c.33kBs !!),
especially when downloading a dozen or so files at a time.  

Have not used for Manifold DLs so I do not know if it is compatible (or
approved by them?).  Not used because I have a reasonably good home
connection (10 Mbs cable).    DL speeds from Manifold are quite adequate
without extra assistance & I have not had any problems with the downloaded
files.  Single DL threads from overseas sites to NZ seem to max out at
around 2Mbs - perhaps half that more typical, esp at peak times (5-10+ min
for 67MB).  Possibly could reduce that significantly by using FDM but the
time taken never bothered me for a one-off DL.  

However,  for those having trouble downloading from Manifold, it may be
worth trying FDM.  At least it costs nothing to give it a shot

David