BT offers millions of customers the chance to boost their broadband speed for free with the launch of faster headline speeds of up to 20Mb/s and the BT Broadband Accelerator .
BT Retail broadband customers already enjoy download speeds of up to 8Mb/s, but in enabled areas that will leap to up to 20Mb/s to deliver consistently faster broadband all day and night even at peak times. Upload speeds will also increase from up to 448Kb/s to up to 1Mb.
Unlike other broadband providers, BT Retail is offering the faster speeds at no extra cost. The cheapest broadband option is just £7.78 a month for the first three months.
Faster speeds will initially be available through 549 exchanges serving 10 million - or 40 per cent - of the UK's homes and businesses. Coverage will increase to 55 per cent by March 2010.
The BT Broadband Accelerator - a speed booster pack worth £15 - will be free for BT Total Broadband customers who order it online, with postage of just £1.20. The BT Broadband Accelerator includes a small plate that customers, who have more than one phone socket, can easily insert into their main telephone socket to reduce the impact of electrical interference; this may increase broadband speed by 1.5Mb. It also comes with an easy self-install guide as well as a comprehensive 10-step guide on how to optimise broadband speeds and will help customers get the most out of their broadband connection.
BT research shows that one of the main causes of slow broadband is customers' home wiring. The BT Broadband Accelerator plate, also known as the I-Plate, isolates a redundant wire in the socket which can slow connections. Although speed improvements are likely, they cannot be guaranteed. Even if it does not improve speed the device can help stabilise broadband lines making them even more reliable.
John Petter, managing director of BT's Consumer division, said: "The BT Broadband Accelerator can make a big difference to the speed of your broadband. We think it is so important we've taken the decision to offer it to our customers for just the cost of the postage.
"Between that and us more than doubling headline speeds for millions of homes and businesses, most customers should start to see a rapid boost in the performance of their connection. We have a track record of not charging customers any more when we increase the speed and this time is no different. BT broadband customers won't have to pay any more to get higher speeds.
"These two moves demonstrate our commitment to helping the UK move closer to the kind of widely-available speeds published in the Digital Britain report."
ADSL2+ - BT Consumer
New customers or re-contracting BT Total Broadband customers in an enabled exchange area will automatically be eligible for up to 20Mb/s broadband service from as little as £7.78 per month. Customers will be able to order or simply find out when they can get up to 20Mb/s and what speed they can expect via BT.com. Existing customers will be asked to sign a new contract.
The BT Broadband Accelerator will be offered free to BT Total broadband customers who order it online.
ADSL2+ - BT Business
New or re-contracting BT Business Broadband customer in an enabled exchange area will automatically be eligible for the up to 20Mb/s service. Orders can be placed by customers direct online, or via any offline business sales channel. Customers will not pay any more for the new service, which offers up to 20Mb/s downstream speeds. The upstream (customer to exchange) line speed will improve to 1Mb/s.
The BT Business Total Broadband tariff also remains the same and includes BT Openzone Wi-Fi minutes. BT Business Option 3 customers also receive free mobile broadband and other business services worth over £750. BT Business Total Broadband is available from £12.50 (ex VAT) per month including 24/7 UK freephone business support. Businesses also have the flexibility to build their own communications package by bundling their broadband with calls to UK landlines, mobiles and international numbers from only £27.50.
The BT Broadband Accelerator will be offered free to customers in instances where BT believes performance can be improved.
Friday, September 18, 2009
BT presses the accelerator for broadband speed
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Basic Knowledge of Download Manager
A download manager is a computer program dedicated to the task of downloading (and sometimes uploading) possibly unrelated stand-alone files from (and sometimes to) the Internet for storage. This is unlike a World Wide Web browser, which is mainly intended to browse web pages, composed of a multitude of smaller files, where error-free moving of files for permanent storage is of secondary importance. (A failed or incomplete web page file rarely ruins the page.) The typical download manager at a minimum provides means to recover from errors without losing the work already completed, and can optionally split the file to be downloaded (or uploaded) into 2 or more segments, which are then moved in parallel, potentially making the process faster within the limits of the available bandwidth. (A few servers are known to block moving files in parallel segments, on the principle that server capacity should be shared equally by all users.) Multi-source is the name given to files that are downloaded in parallel.
Download managers commonly include one or more of the following features:
Pausing the downloading of large files.
Resuming broken or paused downloads (especially for very large files).
Downloading files on poor connections.
Downloading several files from a site automatically according to simple rules (file types, updated files, etc. - see also Offline Browser).
Automatic recursive downloads (mirroring).
Scheduled downloads (including, automatic hang-up and shutdown).
Searching for mirror sites, and the handling of different connections to download the same file more quickly (segmented downloading).
Variable bandwidth usage.
Automatic subfolder generation.
Download managers are useful for very active Internet users. For dial-up users, they can automatically dial the Internet Service Provider at night, when rates or tariffs are usually much lower, download the specified files, and hang-up. They can record which links the user clicks on during the day, and queue these files for later download. For broadband users, download managers can help download very large files by resuming broken downloads, by limiting the bandwidth used, so that other internet activities are not affected (slowed) and the server is not overloaded, or by automatically navigating a site and downloading pre-specified content (photo galleries, MP3 collections, etc.) this can also include automatically downloading whole sites and regularly updating them (see Mirroring).
Many download managers support Metalink, an XML file listing mirrors, checksums, and other information useful for downloading.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Review of download managers
Christmas time - a time where many PC users will use their free time to download and test a lot of software. Time for us to review what download managers are out there and which ones are free of spyware and adware. Inspiration for this article was a download manager review in issue 1/2004 (page 144) of my favorite computer magazine c't; this review doesn't repeat all the feature and speed tests, but concentrates on looking for easy-to-use and spy- and adware-free software.
The following list is in alphabetical order by the way...
Download Accelerator Plus (7, dubious privacy policy)
A few versions back, Download Accelerator Plus came even without a privacy policy, and the one found in a hidden place online contained some bad terms. Today, during the installation a license agreement will be shown, and this license agreement contains a privacy policy. It's still quite misleading and contradicting though, speaking about co-registrations with other services on the one hand, but only anonymous publishing on the other hand. How a registration with other services can be done anonymously is beyond my understanding...
In addition, just starting it opens half a dozen connections to ad servers, including Cydoor. Couldn't deal with the downloads on the site I used for this tests, as it always tried to download the download page, blocking the load of it inside the browser. On other pages, it worked ok. Still, even if you neglect the ads and possible spying, there are other download managers that are easier to use.
Download Express (1.4 build 233 SR 1, spyware-clean, free for non-commercial use)
Download Express is freeware for personal use, and quite fast in downloading as it splits every download and downloads it with 10 connections (like nearly all download managers in this list do). Its IE integration is working nicely, its download dialog is informative (though its quite flickering - a small thing the developers should fix). The German localization I tested is not complete, but at least there are a lot of localizations.
FlashGet (1.40, spyware-infected or paid mode)
FlashGet can be installed in two modes - one ad-sponsored, one ad-free shareware mode that needs registering. I tried the ad-sponsored version, and indeed it did install Cydoor.
The interface by the way reminds me strong of one of the other tools I tested (screenshots will be added later to this article). With only 5 simultanous download connections, it was only half as fast as Download Express, but it can be set to use up to ten.
My opinion about this one is that you can get better download managers for free.
FreshDownload (6.50, spyware-clean, free for personal use)
The IE integration of FreshDownload had problems during my tests and tried to download HTML pages as files, but once downloaded identified them as such and re-opened them in the browser. It doesn't have a lot of features, but it has the necessary ones and comes along with an easy to use interface. Too bad it doesn't uninstall completely.
Update: After a user reported that newer versions of this software would phone home every few minutes, I wanted to give it another try. I'm afraid I will have to report that it now required your name and email address to get a download link. I never received that email, but bunches of "unpopular" (misleading) advertisement popups from their website.
GetIt (1.04, spyware-clean, freeware)
Not very easy to use. In fact, the browser integration and the save dialogs need a lot of work. Until that work is done, I wouldn't recommend using it.
GetRight (5.02, spyware-clean, free trial)
GetRight has been one the first download managers around; in the early days spyware infected, but clean today. GetRight is not free, and doesn't have too many features compared to some other download managers in this test, but it's reliable and its IE integration works better than that of many others. If you already use it and don't miss any features, there are not many reasons to switch.
Go!Zilla (1.44.39, spyware-infected, 30-day trial)
Only a trial, and then also infected with eZula and Radiate. Does also installs a Smart Explorer, a browser that did phone home when starting it and will keep in memory. The browser integration wasn't working either, and crashing IE instead. With so many good and clean alternatives, keep your fingers from this one.
Internet Download Manager (3.1.8, spyware-clean, 60-day trial)
IDMs advantage is an easy to use user interface and integration into many browsers.
LeechGet 2003 (1.0 RC3 build 1500, spyware-clean, free for personal use)
LeechGet has the biggest graphical overload, but it's nicely designed and very informative. LeechGet is free for personal use, but you have to pay for commercial use and/or for for removing some limits. It doesn't install any adware or spyware, and has more features than most managers I tested. It has also been recommended by c't as the best freeware solution. It works with IE as well as Opera, Netscape or Mozilla (even Firebird).
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Download Accelerator Plus 9.2.0.4
Download Accelerator Plus (DAP) 9.2 is the world's most popular download manager with over 175 million users worldwide. DAP accelerates your download speed so you can get all your favorite files, applications, and videos as fast as possible. Additionally, DAP features powerful privacy, security, and file management tools letting you download with confidence and flexibility. DAP is easy to use working automatically with your web browser to provide the fastest download speed possible. Now with the latest DAP 9.2 users can use DAP in their own language with 38 different languages available and full support for Unicode languages. These new languages are the result of users from around the world working on the DAP Translation Wiki Project. Additionally, with DAP you can download your favorite videos from YouTube and other popular video sites. Downloading is safer in DAP with innovative new download security powered by SpeedBit's Multi Antivirus (MAV) Analysis that lets you compare what the leading Antivirus programs have to say about your downloads. You can also choose your Download Style with either Internet Explorer style downloading that lets you get files with Download Windows, or Firefox style downloading that presents all your downloads in a Download list.
Editor review: Daily Reviews Team, 2006-10-07 01:10:10
Bring a drastic change in the way you download with Download Accelerator Plus that will increase the speed of your downloads by 400%.
Get this wizard of downloads and see your downloads accelerate by 400 percent. With superior performance and simple interface this tool solves the basic problems that lead to sluggish downloads. The simple interface of the tool is based on a patented technology with rich features like; number of connection that indulge faster download from most responsive servers, resuming broken, lost connections, errors downloads and management of downloaded files, scheduling, auto hang-up and much more. This tool supports all the popular browsers like Internet Explorer, Firefox, Netscape and others. The tool supports German, Dutch, French, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian and Italian.
The tool also includes Higher speed, Broadband Optimization, graphic Speed Panel and completed downloads tab, preview of rich media files, shredder and trace cleaner.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Download Accelerator Plus 9.2.0.4
Download Accelerator Plus (DAP) is the world's most popular download manager, with over 170 million users worldwide. DAP accelerates your download speed so you can get all your favorite files, applications, and videos as fast as possible. Additionally, DAP features powerful privacy, security, and file management tools letting you download with confidence and flexibility. DAP is easy to use, working automatically with your web browser to provide the fastest download speed possible. DAP 9.1 has been enhanced with the most requested features to provide an even better download experience. Downloading is safer in DAP 9.1 with innovative new download security powered by SpeedBit's Multi Antivirus (MAV) Analysis. In DAP 9.1 you can now choose your Download Style, with Internet Explorer style downloading, that lets you get files with Download Windows, and Firefox style downloading, that presents all your downloads in a Download list. DAP is also being translated into multiple languages by users working on the DAP Wiki project, and support for Internet Explorer 8 and Windows 7 has been added. Additionally, expansions are available for DAP that provide for downloading and acceleration of your favorite videos from YouTube and other popular video sites.
This download manager brings much more to the table than fast file transfers, but it definitely delivers those, too. Increased download speeds are Download Accelerator Plus's bread and butter, speeding up downloads by almost 200 percent in most cases and occasionally as high as 400 percent.
Besides splitting files into smaller pieces, it thrives on automatically seeking faster mirrors. It also can get a file simultaneously from several sites, which is useful if a particular site limits the download speed; it can resume downloads; and it can preview some media files while downloading . There's also a blacklist for sites that you never want to accept downloads from, and categorized folders and filters to keep your downloads organized. DAP rolls in a media buffer, too, that allegedly will prevent streaming-video hiccups. Ensuring that you're running the latest version of the Adobe Flash player won't hurt, either.
Two new features include a UI change that lets users choose a Firefox- or Internet Explorer-styled download window, and integration with DAP's publisher's video converter. Downloading and converting video on the fly is a pretty smart way to keep the program fresh. The program will prompt you at your first attempt if you don't have the converter installed and guide you through its installation. Frustratingly, the install process will weigh you down with a ton of toolbars, default switches, and e-mail recommendations that you must opt out of for a clean installation.
Although it's heavy with ads and promotions, DAP is still a good choice for adding some heat to your typical download recipe.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Internet Download Accelerator 5.7
Internet Download Accelerator effectively solves three of the biggest problems when downloading files: speed, resuming broken downloads, and management of downloaded files.
The distinguishing features of Internet Download Accelerator are superior overall performance and convenient user interface.
Internet Download Accelerator lets you to noticeably increase the speed of file download from the Internet using HTTP, HTTPS and FTP protocols. The acceleration is achieved by splitting a file being downloaded into several parts and downloading these parts at the same time. Internet Download Accelerator resumes broken downloads from where they left off from both HTTP, HTTPS and FTP servers.
To increase usability Internet Download Accelerator integrates with Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla, Opera, Nescape and others, replacing the standard download modules. Moreover, the program monitors the system clipboard and detects URLs in the clipboard. With IDA you can download and save video from popular video sharing services: YouTube, Google Video, Metacafe and others.
Whatever your connection type, Internet Download Accelerator will use the bandwidth of your connection most effectively and download files extremely fast.
Power and useful tool for management of download categories. Possibility of automatic file type detection with automatic file placement to the specified categories. Unlimited number of categories and hierarchy levels.
The program also contains:
- FTP Explorer;
- site manager for password and download folders management;
- scheduler;
- download speed control, automatic mode for the most comfortable browsing on the Web;
- dial for dial-up connection;
- search for files, programs, games, and music;
- IDA Bar - a toolbar for Internet Explorer and Firefox.
