Topic: Metalink Downloads

"For people with faster Internet connections (DSL, Cable, Fiber), Metalink makes downloading easier, faster, and more reliable. If you're on an error prone connection, Metalinks with repair information can fix any errors you get in transfer. Most downloads probably don't max out your downstream bandwidth. Metalink will help. Metalink, it's speed! HOORAY SPEED!"
- Metalinker.org

Ever wanted to download from every mirror server at the same time, for faster downloads? Metalink allows you to do just that. All that you need is software that supports Metalink:

• DownThemAll! (Open source, Firefox add-on) is a much better alternative to Firefox's built in downloader. If you are on a machine that cannot install new software, or just don't want to do a traditional software install, DownThemAll! is for you.
• Free Download Manager (Open source, Windows) is a very good program that we highly recommend, not only for Metalinks, but for downloading in general.
• You can find a list of compatible clients on Metalink's website.

How Metalinks work:
A .metalink file is simply an XML file containing a list of metadata for the file, including hashes and mirror servers. All that a Metalink compatible downloader does is read the server list, and download from all the servers. Once complete, the downloader automatically calculates the hash of the file, and compares it with what the Metalink file claims the hash should be. This allows for a verified and error-free file transfer, which means that the file you are getting is the same file that is on our servers - something every file hosting site should strive to achieve, but unfortunately most do not. Luckily, we proudly support Metalink, so enjoy the accelerated (yet reliable) downloads!

Is your question still not answered? Please send an email to support@host-a.net.