People seem to be very nervous about
downloading files –especially software. Believe me this is the
easy part. Click on it and just follow the instructions that are
given. You will be asked were to save the file. Some people
recommend saving anything you download onto your desktop and file it
later. I find that I just tend to get my desktop all crowded,
so I recommend using a specific folder that you have set up for this
purpose. I have set up a file folder in the C drive called
"Internet Downloads" and everything goes there. I
use it so often that I now have subfolders.
Let’s talk specifically about download
software programs. Sometimes you may want to print out any
installation instructions, especially if you have to close the
Browser to execute the file. I did all the time in the beginning but
now I rarely bother. Just downloading doesn’t mean anything is
going to happen. Usually you are asked if you want to install the
program. You can always say no and do it later. Good programs come
with an uninstall feature – check the notes to see if it does.
That means that, if you don’t want the program in the future, you
can easily uninstall it. Sure you have been told that you can go
into the Control Panel Folder of your computer. (Click on the start
in the lower left corner, go to settings and control panel click on
that.) Then click on add/remove programs folder when it opens up.
This doesn’t always work. Personally, I like to have a utilities
program monitoring any installations, so I know that I can uninstall
it later, if I want. Here is another note about downloaded software.
It is usually zipped (that means compressed) so that it can be
transmitted over the Internet a little more quickly. You will
usually have to unzip it first. Pay attention to where the files
that are unzipped are going. Again just double click on the icon and
follow instructions. We are going to have you practice with one of
the top 6 free software programs that you should have, so don’t
worry.
Everybody has there own personal favorites
and some automatically come with some other programs. In fact you
may already have these on your computer. If you don’t - you
should. Here are the half dozen free must haves from my perspective:
|
|
|
Adobe Acrobat Reader
|
|
|
 |
Real Player
|
|
|
|
Win Zip
|
|
|
|
Win Amp
|
|
|
|
Shock Wave
|
|
|
|
Quick Time Media Player
|
Pick a program
and let's do it!
Follow
the instructions at the vendor's website.
Click on the icon or where the
manufacturer tells you to click. You should get a box that
will ask you what file folder you would like to save the file into.
The instructions do vary, usually
between 'save to disk' and 'run program from site.'
Always write down the
file name you're about to download.
Usually it ends in zip or exe, but it can be hard to find later
if you aren't sure where you "put it". If you haven't created your own download folder on the C-drive, just
put it onto your desktop for now by clicking on the little down
arrow beside to the right of the "save in" and look for
desktop. Click on it when you find it. Then click on the
Save box. From there it will do it all for you, so just click
OK if it asks any questions.
After it's finished
downloading, the program should self install.
If it does not, then do a search on my computer (not my
documents) to find the downloaded file/program.
Double click on the
file to launch/install it.
If it doesn't ask you if you want to install it, then check your
desktop or other folder and double click on the program
directly. Remember, if you do "loose the program
file" you can do a search find files.
In some cases, you'll
be prompted to restart your computer, but usually not.
And, during the installation process, you'll usually be asked to
close other programs and if you want a copy of the shortcut to
appear on your desktop.
You may also wish to consider:
