LESSON: DOWNLOADS

 

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

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.  If you haven't created your own download folder on the C-dirve, 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.

You may also wish to consider:

• FTP Explorer
• Zone Labs
• Microsoft Windows Media Player
• GoZilla
• MusicMatch Jukebox
• Napster
• MYMP3
• CuteFTP
• (GoldWave)