1. What is downloading?
2. Why would I want to download anything?
3. What is Shareware?
4. What do I need to download files from the internet?
5. How long does downloading take ?
6. How do I download a file with my browser?
7. How do I download a file using an FTP program?
8. Now that I completely understand downloading, where may I download files from?

A. Downloading is the process of moving files from one computer to another through the use of a modem or other communications device. In fact, you have already downloaded many files without even realizing it. Everytime that you point your web browser to a location, your browser downloads the page data and all the associated components (graphics, Java applets, etc..) and then displays them. That is why it takes more time for more complex pages to load; there is more information for your computer to download.

Q. Why would I want to download anything?

A. You can download games, utilities, graphics, sound files and many other types of software from the internet for FREE! This type of software is referred to as freeware because you are not expected to pay for it. Many times companies will offer full versions of their software before it is ready to sell (called beta versions) so that people on the internet can use it and report the bugs in the software back to the manufacturer.

Q. What is Shareware?

A. Shareware, like freeware can be downloaded from the internet for free. The difference is that the authors of shareware expect you to pay them for the use of their software if you enjoy using it and would like to continue using it. Many times once you have paid for the shareware the author will send you an enhanced version of the product and send you updates as they are released. Paying for shareware is based on the honor system, but remember, this is the way that the author gets paid for the hard work and effort involved in creating the product you are using. 

Q. What do I need to download files from the internet?

A. You need a web browser, such as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer, or a FTP (file transfer protocol) program.

Q. How long does downloading take ?

A. It depends on the size of the file and the speed of your modem. Another factor that can affect downloading time is how busy the computer that you are downloading from is. Other factors that effect downloading time is the workload on the computers that the information must pass through to get from the remote computer (computer that you are downloading from) to your computer. Downloading very early in the morning would be the optimum time since there would be less people on the internet to slow down the flow of data. Remember, when you are browsing the web you are downloading information so if you are downloading a file and browsing at the same time, the processes will slow each other down.

Q. How do I download a file with my browser?

A. You can learn how to do this by viewing CNET's  download  tutorial.

Q. How do I download a file using an FTP program?

A. You can learn how to do this by viewing a  FTP tutorial.

Q. Now that I completely understand downloading, where may I download files from?