Downloading Files

Local Directory(ies): It is vital to the download process that a directory be created on your computer's hard drive for receiving the files that you are downloading. Failure to do so can, and usually will, result in the downloads being stored in various places, most of which are inappropriate. For the sake of easy use, call it "downloads" or "download".

Having created the "downloads" directory, it is equally important to keep the downloaded files organized. It is highly recommended that sub-directories be created within the "downloads" directory. These sub-directories would be named for the various types of files being downloaded. You might have sub-directories for "games", "drivers", "webpages" or whatever else interests you.

File Names: File downloads usually have obscure names, mostly to match the 8.3 file naming convention that is widely used. It is suggested that before starting the download, the file be renamed to something obviously descriptive. A file named "stl245.exe" is not nearly as memorable as one named "stealth24-video-driver-ver5.exe", at least if one owns a Stealth video card. It is important that the .extension be kept exactly the same on the renamed file as it was on the original. Other than this one caution, one can freely rename any file without fear of damaging the file. Note: If the download consists of multiple files that are named in a sequential manner; file001.exe, file002.exe, file003.exe etc., these files MUST NOT be renamed. Installing the first file usually causes it to seek the other files and install them, renaming the files will defeat this function.

How to Download: Downloading files is usually a fairly simple procedure. Most often, the file you want will appear on a page with a number of other files. All of these files will be represented as hyperlinks, an underlined and highlighted name, which is clicked on to start the download.

A "Save File" requester will appear on your screen after the file is selected. Make sure that the file is being saved to your downloads directory; rename the file to something you will not have to remember. Click the "Save" button on the requester and the download will start. Once the download has begun, usually a dialog box will appear that tells how big the file is, how much has been transferred, how long before the transfer is finished. The dialog also has an indicator bar that gives a visual representation of the transfer. When the download is complete, the dialog box will close automatically. You can be doing other tasks with your computer while the download takes place. This includes continuing to browse the web, however, browsing will slow the transfer.

Installing the Download: Installing new software from a downloaded file can be a bit confusing the first few times. The following will make the task a bit easier by making the various steps clear.

1. Create a directory named "temp". This can be in the download directory or, better yet, in the root of your "C:" drive.
   
   
2. Copy, do not move, the downloaded file to this directory.
   
   
3. Very often this file will be an executable program (it will end with the ".exe" extension) This means that the file can simply be clicked on and it will extract itself and its internal files. The extraction process may ask you where to extract the files to. Be sure and point it to the temp directory you are working with.
   
   
4. The extracted file may simply start its own install routine. If it does, just follow along and be sure it is installing the program or whatever into the proper directory. Some updates will go to your hard drive and search for the installed component and then automatically install the update.
   
   
5. Other extracted files will extract an entire set of files into the temp directory. Once this is done, you will usually find a readme.txt file. This can be double clicked and it will automatically load Notepad so that the file can be read. If there are installation instructions, follow them. It not, there will be a file called "setup.exe". Double click this file to start the install process. You will almost always be given an opportunity to verify the directory that the program will be installed into. You can say yes or specify a different directory and/or drive.
   
   
6. The best of all ways to install new programs, under Windows95, is to use the "Add New Programs" function that is found in the "Control Panel". Follow steps 1,2 and 5 except, once the files are extracted, start the Add New Programs function and point the program to the temp directory. Add new Programs will automatically find the "setup.exe" file and run it. This has several advantages, mainly it "registers" the program with W95 and keeps track of the files that are installed. If you decide to remove the program at some later time, using the Add/Remove Programs function, you can select the program from a list and it will be removed automatically.
   
   

Introduction to the Internet

• Brief History of the Internet
  
• Explanation of Terms (definitions)
  
• Areas of the Internet
  
  • Controls
    
  • Settings
    
  • Search Engines
    
  • Shareware and Freeware
    
  • Downloading Files
    
  • Viruses