Downloading Files From The Internet
Ed Ash
October,
2001
(October 21, 2001 Update shown in Green)
Objective
Provide an understanding of the download process
Help you access many useful files
Make the process efficient and trouble-free
To Be Covered
What is downloading?
Why download?
Finding files to download
Concerns
Precautions
Illustration of download procedure
Tips
Some Practice exercises
References
What is Downloading?
Downloading is transferring a file from a computer on the World Wide Web (WWW) to your computer
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) may also be used (will not discussed here)
Downloading differs from e-mail attachments (WWW vs. e-mail)
Uploading is the opposite
Used by those having a personal Web Page
FTP is used
Clicking on a link in the Browser will download, then either open or save a file, depending on the file type (extension)
This setting is determined by Windows
The default setting for web page files (.html) is open
This default setting can be overridden
How? 1. Right click on link 2. Save Target As...
The default setting for .exe and .zip files is save
These are the most common file downloads
An .exe file is an executable program
A .zip file contains other files which have been compressed to save space and reduce download time
Why Download?
There are many useful files on the WWW
For Example:
Programs/applications (games, utilities, viewers, etc)
Graphics/sound/music
Program updates
Windows drivers
Virus definition updates
Fonts
Forms (e.g., IRS)
Browser plugins
Types:
Freeware
Shareware (try, then buy)
Commercial (online purchase with credit card)
Finding Files to Download
Use a WWW download site, for example:
http://download.cnet.com/ (large collection of files)
http://www.hotfiles.com (large collection of files)
http://www.tucows.com (large collection of files)
http://cws.internet.com/ (large collection of files)
http://www.winfiles.com/ (large collection of files)
http://www.irs.gov/forms_pubs/index.html (IRS forms)
http://www.windrivers.com/
(windows driver files)
Use a Search Engine (e.g., http://www.google.com)
Search for the file name if you know it
Search for file type (e.g., "clip art", or "fonts")
Use the search engine's advanced features to look for graphics, sounds, etc
Concerns
Large files can take a long time with a conventional modem
A 20 MB file can take 60 minutes
The connection may be lost/dropped during long downloads
A broadband connection (e.g., cable, DSL) minimizes this problem
Files can contain viruses
Be especially vigilant with the following file types:
.exe, .doc, .zip, .xls
You can misplace the file on your Computer
The download can be lost among the thousands of files on your computer
The file type may require special software in order to use it:
A compression/decompression program:
http://www.winzip.com (Winzip-Shareware-$29)
http://www.ultimatezip.com/ (Ultimate Zip-Free)
A special viewer such as Adobe Acrobat Reader
Precautions
Turn off screen saver before download
How? 1. Right Click Desktop 2. Properties, Screen Saver 3. Select none
Check your Power Management settings to be sure they will not disable computer during long downloads
How? Start, Settings, Control Panel, Power Management
Be sure virus protection is active and virus definitions are up-to-date
How? 1. Be sure anti-virus icon is showing in the system tray, 2. update virus definitions every 1-2 weeks
Be sure your computer is set to view file extensions
How? 1. Open Windows Explorer, 2. View, Folder Options, View 3. Uncheck Hide File Extensions.... 3. For Windows ME, use Control Panel, Folder Options, View
Make a special Download folder (note: AOL does this for you)
How? 1. Open Windows Explorer 2. Click C: drive in left pane 3. Right click in right pane, New, Folder 4. Name it "Download"
Place a Shortcut to the "Download" Folder on the Desktop
How? 1. Open Windows Explorer 2. Right click the New Download folder 3. Send to, Desktop
Double-check for a virus by scanning Download folder after download is complete
How? 1. Right Click the Download Folder shortcut on the desktop 2. Select Scan with Norton AntiVirus (McAfee procedure may be different, depending on your version)
Illustration of Download Procedure (Example: Winzip)
Step 1. Turn off screen saver and verify active anti-virus software. Check Power management.
Step 2. Use a Search Engine to find the file
How? Go to www.google.com and insert search term "winzip"
Step 3. Navigate the site until you find the Download link
Step 4. Choose Save this program to disk and Browse to your Download folder. Jot down the name of the file and note the file type (e.g., winzip80.exe). This is an installation program.
Step 5. Click the Save Button and wait for the download to complete
Step 6. Double Check for a virus by scanning the download folder
How? Right Click the Download folder shortcut on the desktop and select Scan with Norton Antivirus (or McAfee)
Step 7. You may now install the program on your computer by double-clicking the downloaded .exe file.
Note: Downloaded installation (setup) programs may be of several types:
.exe Executing this file by double-clicking will begin installation. The .exe file can be deleted after installation is complete.
.zip This compressed file must first be decompressed ("unzipped" or "extracted) using a utility such as Winzip. After decompression, an .exe installation file will be found. See Reference 1 for a Winzip Tutorial. The .zip file can be deleted after installation is complete. Note: Windows ME and AOL both handle .zip files without the need for this utility (see references 2, 3).
Remember to shut down all "background" programs before installation (See previous SIG notes "Some Do's and Don'ts of computing, Feb. 12, 2001)
Tips
Download during off-peak hours
Download large files in the computer club lab if you have a conventional dialup modem
Transfer to a Zip Disk or "burn" a CD to take home
If you lose a file, use Windows, Find to locate it
How? 1. Start, Find, Files and Folders 2. Enter the name of the file 3. Click Find Now
Install a download manager, for example, GoZilla (popular, free)
http://download.cnet.com/downloads/0-3282264-100-5670149.html
Gathers desired files
Finds best download sites
Schedules downloads
Picks up broken downloads
Archive the Downloaded Installation Program so that you can install it again, if needed
How? Copy it to a floppy, zip disk or CD-R before deleting it
Some Practice Exercises
Find, download and install the excellent Irfanview Graphics Viewer (Freeware)
http://www.irfanview.com/english.htm (A .Zip Compressed file)
Find, download and install the Adobe Acrobat Reader (Freeware)
Find, download and install the Winzip Program (Shareware-$29 to register, which eliminates obnoxious splash screen)
http://www.winzip.com (An .exe Installation Program)
Find, download and install the Cookie Jar Program (Freeware)
http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/cookiejar.asp (A .Zip Compressed File)
Find, download and install the PGP Encryption Program (Freeware)
http://www.pgp.com (A .Zip Compressed File)
Find, download and install the Cookie Crusher Cookie Management Program (Shareware-$15 after 30 days)
http://www.thelimitsoft.com (An .exe installation program)
Download an IRS form and print it using Adobe Acrobat Reader
http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/forms_pubs/index.html (A .pdf file)
Download and install the Mighty Fax Program (Shareware-$19.95 after 30 day trial)
http://store.yahoo.com/rks/index.html (An .exe installation program)
Download and Install the PopUp Killer Program (Freeware)
http://software.xfx.net/utilities/popupkiller/ (An .exe installation program)
References
Topic for Next Beginner's SIG
Options for Searching the Internet