Internet Download Manager (IDM) has been a go-to software for downloading files since its release in 2001. IDM gained popularity due to its ability to accelerate download speeds, resume broken downloads, and schedule downloads, becoming essential for users with slow or unstable internet connections. Its golden age was during the early 2000s, when high-speed internet was not widespread, and IDM's ability to handle large files efficiently made it indispensable.
A fun fact is that IDM’s “download acceleration” was achieved by splitting files into several parts and downloading them simultaneously, making it appear like magic to users back then. Another interesting tidbit: many people discovered IDM through its iconic pop-up trial reminder, which sometimes felt like it would last forever!
IDM's dominance has waned with faster internet speeds and browsers that have better built-in download managers, but it remains a nostalgic tool for many who remember its peak.