If you send a file to another computer, you upload the file or send it up. If you receive a file from another computer, you download the file or bring it down to your computer.

Once you have been on the Internet for even a short period, you will realize that the Web contains a lot of information that you might want to download. This is especially true of software programs. There are many useful free or inexpensive programs found on the Web. In order to take advantage of these programs, you need to know how to download a file.

How to Start
Although the process of downloading files may seem intimidating to the neophyte, it is fairly easy. First you hook up to the Internet and start your Internet browser, e.g. Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Chrome. Then locate the file that you want to download.

For instance, if you wanted to find some free some of the free software in the Compu-KISS Free Stuff area. Just choose a program that you want to download. Click on the link given in the review and then look through the site until you find a file that you want to download.

You will be looking for a button labeled "Download" or "Download now " or a underlined file in the download area. Be sure that the file you are downloading is the appropriate one for your operating system. Often this will be done automatically, but sometimes you must choose the proper file yourself. There are often different versions of a file needed for Windows and the Mac. If you have the choice, it is best to match your operating system exactly. Use the program marked Windows XP if you are using Windows XP, etc. Also, if you are given any special instructions for installing the program, this would be a great time to print them out.

Once you click on the file to download it, a screen may pop up asking what you want to do with the file. You can choose to Open or Save the file. You can open the file directly from the Web site, but this might adversely affect other programs that are currently running on your computer. The better choice is to save the file. You may be asked to choose a download site. Choosing a site in the geographic vicinity of your current location is usually the best choice.

After you choose to Save the file, you will be presented with another window that asks where you want to save the file. The program will choose a folder where it will put the file and a name that the file will be given. You can either accept these "so-called" defaults, or you can change them.

Smart Downloading Habits
Before you click "Okay" to save the file to your disk, you should be aware of two important things. First, you will have to remember where the file is located and what it is called. It's perfectly okay to just accept the defaults and let the program choose where to put the file and what to name it. However, make a habit of writing down the name and location of the file so that you can find it later. Second, if you do rename the file, do not rename the extension.

The three letters that follow the period in a file name are the extension. The computer uses these three letters to determine the type of file that it is working with. Feel free to rename the file (the name in front of the period) anything you like. However, you must keep the extension the same as the name suggested by the computer or you will confuse the computer when it comes time to install the file.

How Long Will It Take?
Both Microsoft Internet Explorer and Firefox have a progress indicator that tells you how much time is remaining in your file download process. Unfortunately, the indicators in both of these programs are unreliable. If you are using a broadband connection like cable or DSL, the file will usually download quite quickly. If you are still using a dial-up connection, you can expect it to be a very long process. Once the download is complete, you may or may not get a notice to that effect on your screen.

Installing the File
If you are using Firefox, a download box similar to the one below will show that your download is complete. You can simply double-click on the file that you just downloaded and it will start the install program. Then follow the steps given on the screen to complete the installation.

If you are using Internet Explorer, you will see a windows like the one below. Click on Run and follow the on-screen instructions to install the program If special instructions were given when you downloaded the file, follow those instructions for installation.

Overcoming Roadblocks
At times you will not get a successful download on the first try. If this happens, choose a different download site, if you have that option. Otherwise, just try the download again. The time of day can be important when you are downloading a file, especially a large one. When the Internet is busy, the Net can become congested slowing down transfer times. Internet usage usually peaks between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. daily, with heavier use on weekends.
The speed of your modem and the size of the file are the most influential things in determining the length of time that a download will take. You cannot change the size of the file, but you can usually change the speed of your modem. Unless you are already using the fastest modem available, you can upgrade to increase the speed of downloads.

Watch Out!
Spyware might come along with files that you download. Please read my Spyware is Everywhere article to make sure that you understand how to minimize your risk of downloading spyware and how to eliminate it if it does infest your computer. If you are downloading the free programs that I suggest in the Compu-KISS Free Stuff area, you don't have to worry about spyware. All of them have been tested to be spyware-free.

Worth the Effort
It might take you some practice to master the process of downloading, but I am sure you will agree your new skill is worth the effort. Downloading is one of the most valuable functions in the computer world.