VI-A. Downloading Files (Part I)

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  1. Downloading Files directly from Web pages or from FTP locations is:

    1. Easy
    2. Rewarding
    3. Fun
    4. Inexpensive
    5. Slow
    6. Tedious
    7. Risky

  2. It is Easy, Rewarding, Fun and Inexpensive because

    1. You can start a download by simply clicking on the appropriate button

      1. Use a Search Engine to find the page containing the file you want, or ...
      2. Try a Shareware site such as www.tucows.com or a magazine site such as www.pcworld.com/downloads/ or www.pcmag.com, or ...
      3. Simply browse until you find a file of interest

    2. The download will begin by prompting you to specify a directory and file name for the downloaded file on your system
    3. Specify the necessary information in the dialog box
    4. The next dialog box will give you a (very optimistic) estimate of the time required for the download (the system assumes ideal conditions), and will also display a progress bar as the download takes place
    5. You can obtain some very useful free (or relatively inexpensive) software including system and web browser utilities and games in this way

  3. It is Slow, Tedious and Risky because

    1. Even with a 56K modem, many downloads can take upwards of 30 to 45 minutes and some, such as an update to a major software package, can take hours
    2. There is always a chance that the file(s) you are downloading contain a virus. You should be sure never to download from a site that appears suspicious
    3. Always run a virus check on the downloaded file before you open or install it

  4. How to Handle Downloaded Files. Once you've downloaded what you need, you'll need to know what to do with it

    1. Remember that, after you have downloaded a file, you must install it on your system before you can use it
    2. Before installing the program it is a good idea to make a back-up using a program like Go Back just in case the new program causes problems with your system
    3. Most downloaded files will come with either a .ZIP or .EXE extension
    4. If the file has a .EXE extension, it is either

      1. ready to run. Go ahead and run the program by double-clicking on the filename after you have checked it for viruses. or...
      2. a packed file. When you double-click on the file name, the files packed inside will begin to pop out, much as does popcorn in the microwave oven. You will then either be given instructions on how to install the program or you will find a text file called something like "readme" which will contain the necessary instructions

    5. If the file has a .ZIP extension, it is a file that has been compressed (or "zipped") for more rapid downloading.

      1. You will have to "unzip" this file using a utility such as PKZIP, WINZIP, ZIPMAGIC, POWERZIP, etc.
      2. Use a search engine to look for these files on the Web and download them. They will typically be in the form of executable files

    6. If the installation process does not start automatically, look for a program called something like setup.exe or autorun.exe, double-click on it and follow the installation instructions

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