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Downloading files

What you can download How to download files Download tips How to `unzip' and `zip' files Keeping your PC safe


The Web makes it easy to `download' files to your PC. But there are some pitfalls too . . .


What you can download

For many people, this is the best thing about the Internet -- all the great software waiting to be downloaded onto your PC's hard disk: documents, pictures, tiny utilities to make your life easier, handy little applications (sometimes called `applets') and full-feature software which compares favourably with anything you'll buy off the shelf.

You'll find four broad categories of software on the Net:

  • Freeware. Or `public domain software', it is, as its name indicates, totally free. If you like it you use it forever and a day; you don't like it, you don't use it. Either way, it costs you nothing. The first level or episode of many computer games are free, too: the designers hope you'll get hooked and buy the full version.
  • Shareware. This is software which is distributed on a `try before you buy' basis. You can usually use the program for 30 days before deciding if you want to pay for it by sending a one-off `registration fee' (generally between $US20-$US50) to the program's author or an Australian agent. To encourage such payments the registered version may include additional features or disable reminder screens which pop-up to advise that you haven't yet registered the program.
  • Commercial software. While you can purchase some `commercial' programs online from `virtual stores' most companies use the Internet as an affordable way to widely distribute free updates. This includes bug-fixes and minor upgrades to new versions of software, free add-ons such as templates and improved drivers for peripheral devices such as printers. There are also monthly updates which help your anti-virus program sniff out new viruses and freshen the content of reference CD-ROMs such as Microsoft Cinemania.
  • Trialware. A new class of online software, it is fully functional commercial software which can be used for a trial period (usually 30 days), after which it simply stops working. You'll also see plenty of beta software -- not-quite-completed versions of freeware, shareware and commercial programs released for widespread public testing before the final product appears. They may run smoothly or they may crash or cause conflicts with other programs: the choice is yours.

How to download files

To download software, and then actually use it, follow these steps:



Download into a designated directory. When you click on a file in your Web browser, a dialogue box will pop up asking you to save the file onto your hard disk. Make sure the file is saved to a designated directory -- create one called Download if you haven't already -- otherwise you may have trouble finding it later! The same principal applies for FTP programs.

Unzip the software. Online software is usually available as a file with an .EXE or .ZIP extension. EXE files automatically unpack and sometimes install the software when you run the file (just double-click on it using any file manager. To avoid confusion, copy or move an .EXE file into an empty directory before you unpack the archive -- create a new one if necessary.


ZIP files need to be uncompressed using a utility such as WinZip before you can use them (see How to use WinZip). Again, you should extract the files into an empty directory to avoid confusion.

If the file you downloaded is not an EXE or ZIP file -- or if the archive unpacks to a single file, it's probably a file such as a picture or sound or video clip which you can just double-click on and run. If it doesn't run, you'll have to revisit the Internet site you got it from and try to work out what program you need to run it.



Installing software. Unfortunately, not all .EXE files (and no .ZIP files) automatically install when run. And when you see all the files extracted from many archives, you'll see why we advised you to unpack them into an empty directory! To install the program, look for a Setup or Install program file (usually with the .EXE extension), and then run that file. Look also for document files, often called Readme, which may provide an installation guide and other technical tips.

Tips for downloading files

  • Be choosy. The proverbial `kid in a candy shop' has nothing on the first-time Net surfer. But remember, downloading takes time and on the Internet time is money.
  • Wherever possible use Australian sites. Download files direct from your ISP, local archives or `mirrors' which duplicate the content of popular overseas servers. You'll usually get a faster transfer with fewer errors.
  • Archive the best, delete the rest. Good housekeeping will keep your hard disk space free of clutter, while storage devices such as the Iomega ZIP and SyQuest EZ drives are ideal for storing your favourite pickings.

How to use WinZip

Installing WinZip


It's easy! Just download WinZip from www.winzip.com. The installation wizard makes WinZip automatically associate itself with ZIP file formats and integrates itself into the Windows 3.1 File Manager and the Windows 95 Explorer.

Unzipping files with WinZip



After downloading a ZIP file double-click it to launch WinZip and open the archive, then. . .


Extract the archived files. Click the Extract button on the WinZip toolbar, choose the directory into which you want the files uncompressed, then click Extract. To avoid confusion, extract the files into an empty directory. If necessary create a new directory.

Zipping files with WinZip



Want to send some files to a friend via e-mail? Drag the file icons into the WinZip window, or select and right-click the files and choose Add to Zip on the pop-up menu (in Windows 3.1, select them and click the Add to Zip button on the File Manager toolbar). Then name the archive and click the Add button.

Keeping your PC safe

Viruses are a serious enough threat to PC users at the best of times. When you start downloading software from the Internet you provide a whole new way for your PC to get infected and your data damaged or, worse, destroyed.

Get a reputable anti-virus sentry before you hit the Net (we last tested virus protection software in PC User's August 1996 issue), preferably one of the new generation programs which can automatically scan all incoming files.

Then keep it up-to-date to detect the latest viruses. The major anti-virus companies post free updates and patches on their Web pages on a regular basis, so make it a point to check these sites each month or so. The major players are:

You'd also be wise to avoid pirate software sites: stick to reputable FTP servers and shareware archives that have a reputation to maintain, as they usually check all files before they are put online.

By David Flynn and Glenn Rees

 


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