POWER DOWNLOADER
The Internet's Favorite Software Superhero!
Relive the golden age of downloads with CNET's legendary mascot. From 1997 to 2008, our caped crusader guided millions through the world of software with weekly picks and superhero-style adventures!
1,337,420
Downloads Saved & Counting!
Welcome to the Power Downloader Archive!
Step back in time to the golden age of software downloads! This fan site celebrates CNET's iconic Power Downloader mascot - the caped crusader who made finding great software fun and exciting. Join us in preserving the legacy of the Internet's favorite software superhero!
Art Gallery
What if history's greatest artists had painted Power Downloader? Explore our collection of artistic interpretations through different movements and masters.
Andy Warhol
Pop Art
Power Downloader gets the iconic Warhol treatment with bold colors and repetitive imagery, transforming our software superhero into a pop culture icon.
Banksy
Street Art/Stencil
In Banksy's hands, Power Downloader becomes a symbol of digital revolution, spray-painted on a virtual wall with characteristic stencil style and social commentary.
Frida Kahlo
Surrealism/Folk Art
Frida reimagines Power Downloader with vibrant Mexican colors and symbolic elements, blending technology with natural and spiritual themes.
Artistic Styles
Years of Art History
Software Superhero
The Power Downloader Community
Join fellow fans in celebrating our software superhero!
@RetroWebFan
Amazing pixel art recreation of Power Downloader
@90sKid
How Power Downloader helped me discover Blender
@DownloadVeteran
I still have the screensaver running on my old PC!
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you wanted to know about CNET's beloved software superhero
Who was Power Downloader?
Power Downloader was CNET Download.com's cartoon mascot from 1997-2008. He was portrayed as a 'software superhero' and 'caped crusader' who guided millions of users to great downloadable software through weekly picks and entertaining stories.
When was Power Downloader active?
Power Downloader was active from approximately 1997 to 2008, with his peak popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The character headlined weekly features and was prominently featured on Download.com's homepage and newsletters.
What was Power Downloader's Weekly Picks?
This was a popular weekly feature on Download.com where Power Downloader would recommend software around specific themes. Each week had playful titles like 'Power Downloader finds free 3D-animation software' or 'Power Downloader manages a superhero-size music collection.'
Who created the Power Downloader character?
Power Downloader was created by CNET's in-house editorial and design team. Writers including Michelle Wright, Peter Butler, Seth Rosenblatt, and Jason Parker contributed to his weekly columns and stories, bringing the character to life with humor and tech wisdom.
What was the Power Downloader Screensaver?
Released in 2002, this was an official Windows screensaver featuring animated Power Downloader flying through multiple scenes. It included seasonal content that would only appear during holidays, and helped cement the character's visual design in users' minds.
Did Power Downloader have a personal life?
Yes! In the stories, Power Downloader lived in the 'Power Pad,' had a pet cat named 'Kitty Kilobyte,' and enjoyed playing guitar in his spare time. These details made him more relatable and created an ongoing mythology around the character.