This is a guide on how to install an internet download manager: Chrome and Firefox functionality guaranteed. You will learn how to download the extension, add it to your browser, and troubleshoot it. But first, here’s a primer on what an IDM does and how it helps you.
IDM Basics
There are several reasons why you need an internet download manager. Chrome and Firefox are good enough browsers for anyone, but they have their problems. Downloading can be a pain at times. For instance, some people may prefer using Firefox for downloads. It seems to work better when it comes to larger files. Whereas, Chrome tends to struggle when the file you need is in the hundred MBs range. An internet download manager helps get rid of that. The extension can speed up a download for up to five times the normal rate. To not bore you with tech, let’s simplify how an IDM does that. Files can be too big for the server to handle downloading all at once. The download manager segments the file and downloads it in separate parts to save time.
Where To Get It/Installation
A quick Google search can lead you to where you can get an internet download manager install file. For instance, you can get one here. Installation is pretty simple as an IDM is a browser extension, a-la AdBlock. Here’s all you need to do: run the executable, follow the installation instructions, and voila! The extension is ready to use. But installations sometimes don’t go as planned. For instance, the extension can be tough to integrate into the browser. Well, you came to the right place. Here’s a full integration guide for the internet download manager; Chrome & Firefox included. But take note, however: this guide assumes you have already installed IDM on either browser.
Integrating into Chrome
*Side note: IDMGCExt.crx might be hidden in the installation folder. If so, you won’t be able to access it. To make sure, right-click the installation folder for IDM and click “Folder options.” Check “Hide extensions for known file types” and save/apply. You should be able to see everything in the folder by then.
Additional Notes (Chrome Integration)
Integrating into Firefox
Integrating the IDM into Firefox is as straightforward as Chrome’s, though there are a few caveats to take note of. For instance, Firefox gets updated every six weeks. To be able to install the internet download manager, Firefox must be its latest version. The IDM must be its latest iteration as well. Read until the end of the Firefox guide for instructions on updating the IDM installer.*
*Additional Notes (Firefox Integration)
Final Thoughts
It won’t hurt at all to install an internet download manager. Firefox and Chrome are good enough, but they have their issues when it comes to download speeds. The IDM is a worthy extension to have, so why not try it? You might thank yourself later for doing so. You’ll never know when you have to download a bunch of files in a rush. The tech behind a download manager can be indispensable.
