Intro:
Before you begin
Step 1:
Create a folder for your downloaded files
Step 2:
Download the file
Step 3:
Decompress the file
Step 4:
Install the software (optional)

2torial #0804:
Learn2 Download Files (continued)

Decompress the file

Almost every file you'll download will be compressed. This is because compressed files are smaller and faster to download. A compressed file also lets you download any necessary information along with the file itself in one easy step.

To decompress files, you'll use software such as WinZip (for Windows), or StuffIt Expander (for Macintosh). Once it's installed on your computer, you can double-click on the compressed file, and it will automatically launch the appropriate software. But different types of files behave in different ways. You can tell what type of file it is by its name (its last few letters will contain the file type), or the site you're downloading from will indicate what type of files are offered. Here's what to expect from the most common types.

The following types of files are available for use on Windows machines only. They will not run on a Macintosh:

EXE files are self-extracting (they will decompress themselves without launching any decompression software). To open them, double-click on the file you downloaded into your Downloads folder. If it's a software file, it may offer to install itself on your computer as well. If this is the case, and you choose to let it install, you may skip Step 4. Just remember that these files are potentially harmful, so scan them with your virus software before opening them.

ARC, Z, or ZIP files must be extracted with software such as WinZip:

• Double-click on the file. WinZip will automatically launch and a dialog box will appear. Inside the dialog box, you'll see any individual files that were contained inside the single, compressed file.

• Click on the Extract button. A dialog box will appear, asking you where you want to put the extracted files. Use the pull-down menus to navigate to the appropriate folder on your desktop, and then click on the Extract button again.

The following types of files are Macintosh-exclusive, and will not run on Windows machines:

SEA files, like EXE files, are self-extracting. To open them, double-click on the file. A dialog box may come up, requiring you to press Continue. Then another dialog box will appear asking you where you want to put the extracted files. Use the pull-down menus to navigate to an appropriate folder on your desktop.

HQX or SIT files must be extracted using software such as StuffIt Expander.

• Double-click on the file. If you're lucky, StuffIt Expander will automatically launch, and present you with that same dialog box, asking where you want to put the extracted file(s). Navigate to an appropriate folder and click Save.

• If the file won't open when you double-click on it, drag it onto the StuffIt application icon to launch StuffIt, then just follow the above directions.

When you're finished downloading a file, and you've determined it's working properly, you can drag the compressed file (which is now just taking up space) to the Trash or Recycle Bin icon on your desktop (and empty it when you're done). Or, if you want to save the compressed file so you don't have to download it again if it gets lost or moved, save it onto a disk or similar back-up system. After that, it's up to you to make use of (and enjoy) your newly downloaded stuff.