LinkChecker

LinkChecker version 9.3, developed by Bastian Kleineidam, is a well-rounded website validator that belongs to the Internet & Network category, with a specific emphasis on Browser plugins. This program is designed to meticulously check links in web documents or entire websites. It comes with a relatively small file size of 10.9 MB, making it quick to download and install. Users can access it across various Windows versions, including Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11, making it highly versatile for different systems.

One of the appealing aspects of LinkChecker is that it is completely free under the GPL license. Users have different executable files to choose from, such as linkchecker-gui.exe, checker.exe, linkchecker.exe, and LinkChecker64Bit.exe. This multitude of options ensures compatibility with various system setups.

The program offers a wealth of features, including recursive and multithreaded checking and site crawling, support for multiple types of links like HTTPS, FTP, and local file links, and the ability to output results in various formats such as HTML, SQL, and XML. These features make LinkChecker highly adaptable for different user needs. Regular expression filters for URLs allow users to restrict link checking selectively, which can be particularly useful for large websites or specific sections within a site.

Proxy support and username/password authorization for HTTP, FTP, and Telnet links further enhance its usability across different network setups. The program also honors the robots.txt exclusion protocol, ensuring it doesn't overstep ethical web crawling boundaries. Additional benefits include cookie and HTML5 support, making it modern and capable of handling contemporary web pages.

LinkChecker stands out with its support for plugins that allow custom page checks, which can include HTML and CSS syntax checks and even antivirus checks. The different interfaces available, including a command line, GUI, and web interface, offer flexibility depending on user preference and technical expertise.

When considering previous versions, like 9.1 and 9.2, version 9.3 brings the latest updates and enhancements, making it the best choice for new users and those seeking to upgrade.

Pros:

• Free to use and download under GPL license.
• Wide range of supported link types and formats.
• Small file size of 10.9 MB.
• Multiple interfaces: command line, GUI, and web interface.
• Extensive customization through plugins.

Cons:

• While versatile, it may present a learning curve for those not familiar with command-line interfaces.
• Plugin support, while beneficial, might require additional setup and technical know-how.

Overall, LinkChecker version 9.3 by Bastian Kleineidam is a robust, free tool that's easy to download and well-suited for anyone needing comprehensive website validation capabilities.

You may want to check out more software, such as Dr.Web Anti-Virus Link Checker, DrWeb AntiVirus Link Checker or Mihov Link Checker, which might be similar to LinkChecker.