Downloading files is one of the pleasures of the internet. Finding that free card game or trying that new adventure game that works great on the first 3 levels (then you have to purchase the CD to find out how the adventure continues to unwind.) Whatever your interests are there are many benefits to finishing reading and understanding this page. First, you should make a new directory where you can download your new treasures. Too often we start downloading something and because of interruptions or lack of time we can't finish installing and trying out our newfound toys, utilities or whatever it happens to be.
Change the name to downloads
Windows 95 - Right-click on the Windows desktop and select New Folder from the pop-up window.
Third, find something you want to download. There are many different sites that have freeware (software that is free), postcard-ware (send the author a postcard) and shareware (software that is free to try - usually for thirty days - and then you send in a small fee to unlock the file so that it will continue to work after the thirty days). And there is even some commercial software that you can download if you want to purchase software over the internet.
Forth, decompress the software that you downloaded and install it. The files are usually compressed to reduce the time it takes to download. A file is typically 25% to 50% smaller when it is compressed.
Windows - look for the readme file and follow the instructions. There will probably be a file labeled install.exe. Fifth, get rid of the stuff you don't need after you install the software. The compressed file and any other scraps of information that were created that you don't need. You do not need the compressed file anymore - if you want to save it on a zip disk or something do that right away and then get rid of the compressed file from your hard drive. It is taking up space and it is not needed anymore. An example - when you download Adobe Acrobat Reader it is compressed - when you decompress it - it creates an installer program - when you install the program all is fine but now you have three things on your hard drive - 1) the compressed file (you don't need) 2) the installer program (you don't need) 3) the installed program (you need this).
Sixth, you might want to check the new files for Viruses Seventh, if you don't want to keep the program that you downloaded, be careful how you get it off of your hard drive. If you just throw it away (Trash on Mac and Recycle-Bin on Windows), you might be causing problems down the road. On the Mac - see if there are any extensions or control panels that were installed into the System folder. Newer programs usually include an installer log that tells what files were installed and where they are now located. On Windows - look in the control panel and see if there is the option to remove the program (under Remove Programs). Eighth, ENJOY your new toys.
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