Downloading Files

What is downloading?

Downloading is the process of transferring files from a remote computer to a local computer.

How do I download a file?

Actually, every time you view a web page, you are downloading it. But let's say you want to download a file that isn't a web page, like a word

processing document, a utility program or a game. Then the process is a little different.

How is it different?

First of all, files come in many different formats. Most of the files on the Internet available for downloading areexecutable files (with a .exe

extension) or compressed (with a .zip extension). In the case of a zip file, you will need special software to decompress it. With an executable

file, nothing extra is needed.

What kind of files are available for downloading?

Just about any kind of program is available for downloading. Programs come in three categories: freeware, shareware and software.

What's the difference between the three categories?

Freeware, like the name implies, is free. No cost to you.

Shareware is not free, but usually priced $30 or less. However, with shareware, you can try before you buy. It may a version with some missing

features, a demo or light version, or have some kind of time or use constraint. If you like it, you pay for it and receive the full version or the

constraints are removed. Sometimes the shareware will be the full version, but you are constantly reminded by messages (nags) that you

haven't paid for it. Most of the files available for downloading are shareware.

Software is not free, either, but is usually full price, $30 or more. And it's the full version, no constraints or nags.

Other files available are things like patches for buggy programs, program upgrades or updates and drivers.

Where can I find files to download?

Just about anywhere. But certain sites have quite a selection of programs for downloading. Here are a few (in alphabetical order):

Download.com (http://download.cnet.com/)

Pass the Shareware (http://www.PasstheShareware.com/)

Shareware.com (http://shareware.cnet.com/)

Stroud's Consummate Winsock Apps (http://cws.internet.com/)

Tucows (http://www.tucows.com/)

ZDNET Downloads (http://www.zdnet.com/downloads/)

Sometimes you can just go to a company's web site and get files. This is especially true if you need patches, upgrades/updates or drivers.

How do I download from these sites?

First, find the file you want, then click on the link. A dialog box or a window in your browser will open. The dialog box will probably ask

whether you want to run the file or save it to disk. Choose Save To Disk. In the window that opens, you can choose what folder to save the

file in. Then click the Save button. Depending on the size of the file, the speed of your connection and a few other factors, the file will be

transferred in anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Once the download's completed, open the folder that contains the file. If it's an

executable file, simply double-click it and follow the instructions. If it's compressed, use a program to decompress it. Then double-click the

decompressed setup or install file and follow the instructions.

Is there such a thing as uploading?

Yes, it's the opposite of downloading: transferring files from a local computer to a remote computer. That will be covered in CST 110 for

uploading web pages.