Orbit Downloader
Orbit Downloader was a download manager that gained popularity for its speed acceleration and built-in video grabber that could capture streaming media from websites. Initially legitimate freeware, it was discovered in 2013 to contain a hidden botnet module that performed DDoS attacks using infected computers.
What it did
The program split downloads into multiple connections for faster speeds and captured streaming video from sites like YouTube through its Grab++ feature. Browser integration intercepted download links from IE, Firefox, and Chrome. It supported HTTP, FTP, HTTPS, and BitTorrent protocols with pause/resume capability.
In August 2013, ESET security researchers discovered that versions from 4.1.1.15 onward contained a hidden DDoS module that used installed computers to attack targets without the user's knowledge. All major download sites removed it immediately.
Advantages
- Effective download acceleration when it was legitimate
- Video grabber captured streaming media
- Lightweight and fast interface
- Free with no visible limitations
Drawbacks
- Contained hidden malware/botnet since version 4.1.1.15
- Used infected PCs for DDoS attacks without consent
- Removed from all download sites in 2013
- Free Download Manager or JDownloader are safe alternatives
Who it was for
Orbit Downloader attracted users with its speed and video grabbing features, but turned out to be malware in disguise. If you still have it installed, remove it immediately and scan your system. Free Download Manager and JDownloader are legitimate alternatives that do not contain malicious code.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Features & How-To Guide
| # | Feature | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Download acceleration 2 | Paste URL or click link › Orbit takes over the download with multiple connections. |
| 2 | Video download from streaming sites | Grab++ › Open strone with filmem › Orbit wykrywa strumien › Download. |
| 3 | Download speed limiting 6 | Options › Speed Limit › Set maximum speed in KB/s. |
| 4 | Multiple file download simultaneously 3 | File › Add batch download › Paste wiele URL › Start All. |
| 5 | Resume interrupted download 5 | Right-click an interrupted download › Resume › Continues from the point of interruption. |
| 6 | Browser integration 4 | Settings › Browser Integration › Install plugin for IE/Firefox/Chrome. |
| 7 | Download via BitTorrent protocol | File › Open Torrent › Select .torrent file › P2P download starts. |
| 8 | Download scheduling 10 | Right-click › Schedule › Set date and time to start. |
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