How to Download files
Downloading is the process of copying a file from another computer across the internet to your own PC. When you download a program, application, or file from a web site, it means you are copying it from the web server to your own computer. This allows you to install and use the program or file on your own PC.
This is a general 'how-to' for downloading a file using Internet Explorer and Windows XP. If you are using a different browser such as Netscape Navigator or a different version of Windows, the windows you see may be different in their appearance and wording, but the process will not differ much from these instructions.
When you locate the file you want to download and click the link to begin the download process. You may be asked if you want to 'Save" the file or 'Open' it to run it from its current location. If you receive this prompt, select "Save." If not, do not worry, some browsers will automatically choose 'Save' for you.
You will then be asked to select the folder where you want to save the program or file, using a standard "Save As" dialog box. Pay attention to which folder you select before clicking the "Save" button. It may help you to create a folder like "C:\Download" for all of your downloads, but you can use any folder you'd like.
The download will now begin. Your web browser will keep you updated on the progress of the download by showing a progress bar that fills up as you download.
Note: You may also see a check box labeled "Close this dialog box when download completes." If you see this check box, it helps to uncheck this box. You don't have to, but if you do, it will be easier to find the file after you download it.
Depending on what file you're downloading, how fast your connection is, and how busy the internet server you are connecting to is, it may take anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours to download.
When your download is finished, if you left the "Close this dialog box when download completes" option unchecked, you'll see a dialog box like this one:
At this screen you can either choose 'Open' to run the file you just downloaded, or you can choose to 'Open Folder' which will open the folder containing the file you've just downloaded.
What your next step is depends on the type of file you downloaded. The files you'll download most often will end in one of two extensions. (An extension is the last few letters of the filename, after the period. By default Windows XP hides the extensions of common/known file types.)
The two most common are:
.EXE files: Are executable files meant to be ran to either run an application, or the installation program for an application. Follow the on-screen instructions after executing it to run the program or to install the program to your computer and then read the documentation to the file (typically found on the site you downloaded the file from) to learn how to run the program after it's installed.
.ZIP files: ZIP is a common file format used to compress and combine files to make them download more quickly. Some versions of Windows (XP and sometimes ME) can read ZIP files without extra software. Otherwise, you will need an unzipping program to read these ZIP files. If you need a program to unzip files with, Layman's PC Sales and Service recommends WinRAR which is available at Download.com.
If you have any questions, concerns, or need any additional information or help, please contact Layman's PC Sales and Service today.