Akamai NetSession - Is this a virus? What is it?
I got this when I was trying to install AutoCAD WS on my PC. Couldn't get the AutoCAD to go and this thing just keeps popping up but I blocked it. I think it is legitimate stuff but it sure seems to have freaked out a bunch of folks.
it seems that it helps on downloading but for me it slows my browser speed especially even i only browse some site or just watching but when i disable it the lagging of browser ends too.
The folder arrived on my machine on the 11 Nov. I have not installed any new software... (For months). AVG just keeps say block or allow. I keep blocking but really would like to delete the folder it is sitting in - but dont want to delete something that I shoudl not delete
Or use msconfig
Just FYI, Akamai is a reputiable company
www.akamai.com
Both MS and Apple have invested money and built partnerships with them. Apple used them as the backend for their Apple TV or something with Quicktime. MS invested 15mil in them at one time, and apply 12.5mil. Just though you guys might like to know that as that at least gives eome comfort of where they startup item came from, as long as its not a fake made be someone elese.
popped up right after updating flash? maybe it is flash related?
This is part of the akamai download manager software. It is used by several companies (incl Adobe store and trial downloads from adobe).
Suposedly it is safe (personally I don't know). Kind of deceptive to install (maybe there is a mention in the terms to download?)
In Windows control panel there is an option to launch its control settings. This is the way to see what program/company is using it.
uninstall through control panel PROGRAMS AND FEATURES (or add remove programs).
What is frustrating is (with Adobe) after the trial software is installed/downloaded this download management software STAYS INSTALLED. it would be better if Adobe (and others) have found a better solution for download accelleration. I mean 8MB of wasted system resources (ram) that could be better used by other background programs since I am not always downloading trial adobe software or updating software, etc.
Larry
Thanks Larry. Very useful info. 
I created a screenshot of the Akamai NetSession Interface Console so people know what it looks like. As Larry already mentioned, you can get to it via your Control Panel applets in Windows. Here's a quote from it's own About screen:
The Akamai NetSession Interface is secure client-side networking technology that enhances networking protocols for delivery of software and media, improving the speed, reliability, and efficiency of content downloaded from the Web.
Who's New
I have the same on my computer (c:\Users\NAME \AppData\Local\Akamai\ControlPanel_Installer.exe along with several additional final extensions) and I am pretty sure it is related to the Flash Player Update that I performed around the same time (item's install info) ...additional info below from "Akamai NetSession Interface - FAQ". Hope this helps!
What is the Akamai NetSession Interface?
The Akamai NetSession Interface is distributed networking software which greatly enhances the quality and speed of downloads and video streams you get from websites that support Akamai technology. The Akamai NetSession Interface handles the caching, reflecting and sending of files delivered to you through the Akamai network. The software is safe and secure, and does not contain any adware or spyware and never will. It can also be easily removed if you no longer wish to use it (see 'How do I uninstall the Akamai NetSession Interface?').
Why should I use the Akamai NetSession Interface?
The Akamai NetSession Interface improves the speed and quality of downloads and streams that your favorite sites are able to provide to you. You'll see a great improvement in your download experience. The client does away with much of the traffic spikes and network congestion that can make the Net a difficult place to get your content. Most sites that support the Akamai NetSession Interface do so to provide you a much richer, broadband-enabled service offering.
How does the Akamai NetSession Interface work?
When you click on a link utilizing the Akamai NetSession Interface, the technology creates efficiency and speed in several ways. The client works by coordinating all caches of content on the network, including caches on end user machines as well as thousands of Akamai edge servers distributed around the world. Mostly, the client employs significantly more intelligence in the download process: downloading from multiple sources of a file simultaneously
capable of connecting to other end user machines to help speed delivery
continually looking for (and connecting to) faster/nearer sources of a file
intelligently routing your download around network congestion and traffic spikes
What information is shared between the Akamai NetSession Interface and my computer?
The Akamai NetSession Interface captures and stores about the same information as a standard web server. The Akamai NetSession Interface is made up of various networking protocols designed to manage the distribution of files over IP networks and is solely used for that function. And just to be clear: The Akamai NetSession Interface is networking software only. Absolutely zero personal information is *ever* captured, shared or stored via the Akamai NetSession Interface.