The Web Wizards Guide to FreewareShareware

1
The Web Wizards Guide to Freeware/Shareware

• Chapter Two
• Downloading and Installing Software

2
Chapter Objectives

• To find out where to look for good software on
  the Internet
• To become familiar with downloading procedures
• To learn how to deal with various software
  installation scenarios

3
Before You Start

• Read Chapter Two from start to finish before
  you download and install any new software on your
  computer. This is one place where you dont want
  to learn things the hard way.

4
Software Clearinghouses

• A large, popular clearinghouse for online
  software is your best bet for reliable,
  high-quality software.
• Always check all new software with an up-to-date
  antivirus program, no matter where you got the
  software.
• Tucows, CNet, ZDNet, and DaveCentral are examples
  of good software clearinghouses.

5
Software Reviews

• If you have choices and you arent sure what to
  choose, read some software reviews.
• A good software review can save you a lot of time
  and frustration.
• Professional reviewers can be trusted give you an
  objective evaluation.
• Reviews written by casual users can also provide
  useful information, but make sure you look at
  more than one or two to get a representative
  sampling.
• CNet gives you reviews written by software
  editors as well as user reviews.

6
Before You Download

• Make sure you have the right version for your
  computer.
• Make sure your anti virus software is up-to-date.
• Make sure your virus scanner is running in the
  background or remember to scan your download
  manually right after the download.

7
When You Download

• Make sure you save the file to your hard drive
  (dont open it without saving it).
• Pay attention to which directory is receiving
  the file or put all your downloads in the a
  directory just for downloads.
• Use a download manager for large downloads over
  slow Internet connections.

8
Before You Install

• Shut down all other running applications.
• Be prepared to turn off your anti-virus software
  if the installer tells you to do so.
• If you downloaded a .zip file, isolate it in its
  own folder and unzip it using a file utility.
• Be certain your anti-virus software checked out
  the download. Run your virus scanner manually if
  you arent 100 sure.

9
Executable Installers

• Launch the installer by doubleclicking the
  installer icon.
• Read everything the installer has to say and
  follow its instructions.
• If the installer gives you some options and you
  arent sure which one to take, stay with the
  default choice.
• If there is a README file, read it.

10
Ready-To-Go Executables

• Check the softwares official Web site for
  announcements, updates, instructions, or
  documentation (look for README files).
• Launch the program by doubleclicking the
  softwares file icon.
• Dont look for an uninstaller if you ever want
  to remove the software, just delete the
  executable file.

11
ActiveX Installers

• This is a software installation that combines the
  downloading process and the installing process in
  one button click.
• You need to be running Internet Explorer under
  Windows to run an ActiveX installer.
• Watch for browser warnings about unsigned
  programs or suspicious Authenticode certificates.
  If you see a warning of any kind, terminate the
  installation.

12
Personal Firewalls

• A firewall protects you from unwanted hacker
  intrusions.
• A firewall will also protect your privacy by
  thwarting ET applications.
• Firewalls can be customized so they dont
  interfere with normal Internet activites
• Anyone who needs to be online for extended
  periods of time should install a firewall.