Category: Downloading Files

Download a File to a Folder Other than the Desktop

Have you ever been working on a computer that doesn’t belong to you—at the library, school, work, a friend’s house—and needed to download a file to take with you but you couldn’t figure out how to download it to a folder other than the desktop? Although it may seem frustrating and difficult, especially with the default settings on internet browsers, but there is an easy way to download the files you need to your thumb drive or external hard drive, or even just another folder on the computer, without much extra work or any extra stress.

Right Click and Save As/Download As. If you’re trying to download a file to anywhere other than your default downloads folder or desktop, the easiest method is to skip the Download button and right click the downloadable file. You’ll be able to select to either save the linked file or download the linked file depending on your system, and then, just like when you’re saving a document you will choose where to save the file and what to call it. As long as your external memory device is plugged into the computer and recognized you will be able to select it as the download location.

If you already hit the Download button, what should you do? If you choose the download button and can’t find your file, select Tools in your browser and choose Downloads. From there, right click on the file and Open file location. You will be able to drag the file to wherever you need it to be saved, or open it, if you so choose.

Remember, downloading a file to take on the move doesn’t have to be stressful. Just use your external memory device and one of the above methods and you’ll be set.

What’s the Best Way to Download a File?

Download FilesThere are many different ways to download a file from the internet or from your email, but what’s the best way to download a file? In essence, there is no one right way or better way to download a file, although there are some things you can do to make it easier and safer:

Make sure you have anti-virus software installed on your browser or on your computer. Anti-virus software will automatically scan any files you download to ensure that there are no viruses, Trojans, or Worms attached to them. These types of viruses and bugs can harm your computer, make it run slowly, and collect, store, and distribute private information you had not intended to share. Note: if your virus scanner finds a virus, be sure to quarantine the file in your software and remove the virus before installing.

In your browser tools and settings, set the download location for your files and software to your desktop or another location of your choosing. Browser settings may automatically distribute downloaded files to a Downloads or Temporary folder, but others still may distribute to the last folder you opened, making it difficult to track the files and software’s you have downloaded. Setting the standard location for downloads will eliminate the frustration of locating the files after download.

Set your browser to automatically open files after download. This way you won’t forget that you are downloading files or lose them on your computer.

Always delete the install files or zip files after you have downloaded and installed software. There’s no reason to keep the original download file once you have installed software. It takes up room on your hard drive and makes your computer run slower.

While there’s no right answer to the question “What’s the best way to download a file?” if you follow the steps above, the process will become much easier.

Guide to Downloading Files

This simple guide runs through some questions and the steps you should take before downloading a file.

  1. Where are you downloading the file from?
    This sounds simple enough, is the site you are downloading the file from reputable?  You can tell my looking at the address bar in your web browser.
    If the address website is simple and clear and contains a well know brand then you are most likely safe to download the file. eg. www.microsoft.com
    Avoid long and complicated addresses such as dwn.user110.cn/download.html.
    This example shows an root address of “dwn.user110.cn” does that sound safe to you?
  2. Make sure your Anti-Virus software is up-to-date
    Anti-Virus software is your best protection against downloading the wrong file. If you don’t have a current subscription, download AVG Free from www.avg.com.
  3. What is the file type?
    There are many types of files, some contain more risk than others when it comes to downloading files. File types which potentially are more harnful are .exe files or programs. Zipped files can also contain hidden .exe files so tread with caution when downloading these. File types that are general safe are JPEG (.jpg), GIF (.gif), PNG (.png), PDF (.pdf) and .AVI(.avi). WORD (.doc) files are also generally safe to download.

A paranoid is someone who knows a little of what’s going on.
William S. Burroughs 

Downloading Files – Need to download a file?

Need to download a file but unsure of the risks?

Downloading files offers a range of information to explain how to safely download files on to your PC or Mac. Don’t play Russian Roulette with your hard drive an ensure you take the necessary precautions before downloading files.

We can give you all the info you need, as well as provide links to safe and tested virus free download websites. We can also ensure you avoid accidentally downloading illegal files which could lead to all sorts of problems.

There are many great resources online that offer free downloads that won’t compromise your computers security, and a test spyware free. These sites such as download.com offer a range of great downloads, some free, some on a trial basis and some downloads to buy.

Click to read more about downloading files

About

Downloading Files

This website is setup to help those who need help with Downloading Files. If you are looking for information that you can’t find on this website please post a comment and we’ll be happy to help answer your download questions!
 

 

Everybody gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense.
Gertrude Stein