Guest Checkout for Downloadable Products

Among our regular products (shippable), we have several downloadable products (PDFs and eBooks). Is it possible to configure the downloadables so that a customer can purchase them as a Guest, and not have to register, just as they can with the shippable products (for both kinds of products we want to offer the OPTION of registering, but not require it)?

Would it make a difference if the only way the customer could download would be from a link in the order confirmation email?

Thank you.

Yes, you can allow or not allow guests to check out.

You can also allow checkout without payment options if you have free items for sale.

I think the option for people to buy things as a guest is automatic unless they want to register. If I'm wrong about this though, then I'm sure it can be changed in the Admin panel somewhere.

To allow checkout for free items...
Go to
Extensions > Payments
Then make sure "Free Checkout" is enabled.

I think if you disable "Free Checkout", then it might force people to register before checkout.

Also, for downloadable products, make sure those items don't have required shipping.
Go to
Catalog > Product
Select your downloadable product and then select "Data" and then select "No" for "Requires Shipping".
Else they will be billed for shipping charges.