Internet

FMTC Tips and Tricks - Downloading Files

The Internet is a terrific source of information and entertainment. It's also a great place to research and try out software. Many companies offer trial versions of their software free to download off of the Internet. This gives us a chance to "try it on" before going to the expense of purchasing software that may not be exactly what we wanted.

The first step in downloading software is to create a directory on your computer specifically for downloaded files. Call it something like "downloads". The easiest way to create a new directory (or folder) is by right clicking where you want to create the folder (like on the desktop) and then click on 'new' and then 'folder'. Once the new folder pops up, you can immediately type in a name for it and then hit enter to confirm the new folder's name.

Locate the file that you desire to download and follow the specified procedure for beginning the downloading process. Once you've clicked on a downloadable file, your browser will ask if you want to open the file from its current location or save the file to disk. Opening it from its current location will only save this file onto your computer as a temporary file. Saving it to disk (or Hard Drive/Hard disk) will actually allow you to choose where you want the file and come back to the file later if you choose.

Make sure to manage those files! Otherwise, before too long you'll have files everywhere and not know where you put them all. Personal tip: Create one folder called "downloads" and then within that folder create sub folders and name them "music", "pictures", "programs", "drivers", etc. Then, depending on the type of download you're looking for you've got a great filing structure to place them in and it will help you get back to them later on, too.

Be careful with media sharing programs such as Kazaa and Imesh. These programs come bundled with Spyware and in some cases can make your Internet connection unrealiable.

Great places to download:
download.com
tucows.com
ZDnet.com