The Guide - Downloading FAQ

Downloading simply means transferring files from another computer on the Internet to your own computer. Downloading is a very common way for computer users to obtain software.

2. What do I need in order to download software?

Your Web browser and a connection to the Internet. Using your Web browser, you can click a link on a Web page to download software. Such links are usually labeled clearly (they'll often say something like "Click here to download" or simply "Download").

3. Where do I go to download software?

A number of Web sites offer software you can download. Online commercial software stores are listed, along with sites featuring shareware and freeware programs. Some good download sites :

And of course there are many many more...

4. Do I need any special software before I download?

You will need a Web browser, Netscape Navigator (part of Netscape Communicator) or Microsoft Internet Explorer. If you don't have a browser,you can download one now. It's also wise to have a compression program(see the next question).

5. What is a "compression" program?

Much of the software on the Internet is stored in a compressed format, which makes the software smaller and therefore faster to download. To use a compressed file after you've downloaded it, you need a compression program to expand it to its normal size. Popular Windows compression programs include PKZIP and WinZip. The most popular Mac compression program is StuffIt Expander.

6. What do I need to do after I download something?

Often the only thing you have to do is find the downloaded file on your harddrive and double-click it to view or install it. If the file is compressed, you'll have to decompress it first. Sometime browsers will decompress the file automatically; if yours doesn't, use one of the compression programs mentioned above to decompress the file.

7. How can you tell how long it is going to take to download something?

Sometimes the Web site you are downloading from gives you estimated download times based on the speed of your modem. Some browsers also display an estimated time as they download a file. You can also try this online download time calculator.

8. When is the best time to download software?

Usually late at night or early in the morning. Traffic on the Internet is usually much lighter during those time periods, which means you have a better chance of getting a solid, fast connection.

9. I downloaded something, but now I can't find it?

Try using your computer's find function. In Windows 95 or 98, go to Start,Find, and Files or Folders. On the Mac, go to your Apple menu and select Find File. Then enter the name of the file you downloaded.

10. My browser crashed when I was almost done downloading something.Do I have to start over?

Most likely. Netscape Navigator 4.0 and Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 can occasionally resume interrupted downloads. The best way to find out is simply to try it: Click on the same link you were downloading from and see if the download picks up where it stopped. A more reliable way to resume interrupted downloads is to use a program like GetRight, which you can download.