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Stop Dreading Those Downloads!
(This article covers the downloading process for Windows and the complete article can be found at http://specials.about.com/channels/internet/net101/zxfl5p1.htm) Downloading. If there is one term that seems to strike fear in the hearts of Internet newcomers, this is it. Downloading -- just the word seems to denote something melancholy and forboding. But actually, whether you know it or not, you are downloading every time you visit a Web site! Have you ever come across a Web site with very large graphics that took forever to fully come into view? That took forever to . . . you guessed it! Download!!!

To download is simply to transfer a file from a host computer to your computer. It's really that simple. Where the confusion seems to begin is locating that file once the download is complete. But let's start at the beginning.

In the early days of the Internet (not so very long ago), downloading was considerably more complicated, and required a very specific File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Fortunately, Internet technology has advanced at lightening speed, and today's browsers come fully equipped with the tools necessary to download most files.
Let's say that you have found a cute little animated cartoon that is yours for the taking -- for free! (freeware) The only drawback is that you have to download the file. That's not a drawback -- let's do it! Here's how:

Once you've identified the file or files that you wish to download, you can bet that the downloading instructions are not far behind. Usually the link to begin the download process is right next to the description of what you are getting ready to download. Sometimes you are given a choice of servers from which to download your files. Choose the server closest to your location by clicking on the link. In most cases the word "Download" can be clicked to begin the process, or in the case of our cartoon, the download process is activated by clicking on an arrow:

Animation available at: http://stuart.messagemates.com/categories/officeworld.htm
Click on the "Download" link to begin the process. You will now be given a choice. If using Netscape, choose "Save File." If using Internet Explorer, you will see this window. Click on "Save this program (or file) to disk, and then click "OK."

This next step seems to be the one that causes the most confusion. After choosing the "Save to disk" option, you'll be given the opportunity to tell the computer where you'd like to store the file or files that you are about to download. This is not a big deal, unless you don't remember where you stored your files. So let's make it very simple. Click on the down arrow and select the choice that represents your hard drive. In most, but not all cases this will be the "(C:)" drive.

If you don't already have a folder on your hard drive called "Downloads," let's create one. See that folder icon with the little starburst on the right hand corner? That's the place to click to create a new folder! Click!

Now you'll be given the opportunity to name your new folder. Backspace to delete the text "New Folder," and type in the new name -- "Downloads."
Ok, now back to directing where you'd like to store your soon-to-be downloaded files. Double click on the "Downloads" folder and then select "Save." At that moment, you are directing your computer to receive the requested files from the server computer! You are downloading!!! Once you see the "Download Complete" message, click on "OK."
Uh-oh. Nothing happens. Did something go terribly wrong? No! But now you need to Install or Launch your files. And where can they be found? That's right -- in your Downloads folder! To get there, go back to your Desktop (the opening screen with all the little pictures (Icons) that represent your software programs), click on "My Computer," and then select your hard drive. Again, in most cases this will be your (C:) drive. See the Downloads folder? Click on it. With a little luck, you'll see our cartoon file in this folder.
Now click on the downloaded file, and . . . . . . Whooohoooo! Your download was a success!
Please note: Large files are generally downloaded in what is called a "Zip" format, to facilitate faster transmission. Zip files can be spotted by the file extension ".zip" at the end of the file name, and need to be downloaded in a very similar, but slightly different fashion.
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