The Internet contains a wealth of information and resources. On-line educators today would be amazed at the variety of freeware, demoware and shareware that is available for downloading. Although the download process has become easier over the past few years there still are certain steps that a user should follow when attempting to download (or transfer files from a remote server to your local workstation or computer). The purpose of this article is to help internet users practice the download procedure so that they can become more proficient in the overall process. It is written using the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) format which has gained popularity since it first appeared on the world wide web. However, it is strongly recommended that readers who wish to become more familiar with the download process, follow the questions in the following step-by-step process.

First it is very important that you are running some sort of virus protection software on the computer since downloading files can introduce computer viruses. However, I have been downloading files for the past three or four years and have yet to encounter a virus.

What is the difference between "demoware", "shareware" and "freeware"?

It is important that we begin by defining the different types of software that is available for downloading off the Internet:

• Demoware - This type of software is usually an operational product which may be used for a limited time (30 day trial) before it stops working or it may be "crippled" (has some features disabled e.g. it cannot print, or fewer "bells and whistles available" Software in this format is realized on the Internet so that consumers can try out the product risk-free for a limited period of time before they purchase the full blown package from a local store or through the Internet.
  

• Shareware - These products are based on the honour system in that the creator asks that if you continue to use the product, you should pay the developer a fee usually less than $50.00 for its use. Educators who find excellent curriculum-supporting shareware are encouraged to let any member of the Technology Education team know of its existence so that we can perhaps secure a more cost-effective school or Divisional license. Many elementary teachers are aware of the Flix collection of shareware which schools have been able to secure, as a school site license, very inexpensively. Shareware can be shared distributed amongst colleagues and can be distributed as a "freebie" through "Bits and Bytes", however once a person determines that the shareware product meets her/his needs they are obligated to pay the shareware license fee. Educators must be aware that shareware cannot be used on Divisional computers unless a license or purchase arrangement has been negotiated with the shareware developer.
  

•  Freeware - This is the software type that most educators prefer. One can freely distribute this software and use it without paying any license. Don’t think that freeware need be poorly written, unattractive or have limited documentation. Some of our regularly used Divisional freeware, including "Drawing for Children", "Logo for Windows" , "Lview 3.1", "Eudora", "Stuffit Expander" are all very useful products that are used throughout our Division without any cost. However, if I was a freeware developer I would certainly appreciate an e-mail note of THANKS indicating how useful the product had been to a teacher or their students.

What are the general steps needed to download files off the Internet?
Essentially the software download procedure involves the following basic steps:

1. Search for freeware software to download
2. Download the compressed file using your browser
3. Expand the compressed file and install the software
4. Try out the software
5. Register and/or pay any shareware licensing fees

What are the specific steps needed to download files off the Internet?
For the purpose of this article, I will assume that you are working on an "unlocked" Windows 95/98 computer where you have access to the "My Computer" icon or the "Windows Explore" procedure. It would be advantageous, if you are viewing this article on-line, to print up these instructions for referral.

1. How do I prepare my Windows 95/98 desktop so that I can view the file extensions?
Experience has demonstrated that there are advantages to being able to see the three character suffix (e.g. .exe, .zip, .gif, .bmp, etc.) attached to many files being downloaded or residing on one's hard drive. To verify that this option is turned on, click on the "Start" button, move up the Start menu to select "Find" /"Files or Folders" and under the "Name & Location" tab enter "*.bmp" (without quotes) in the "Named:" field and press the "Find Now" button. A search of your hard drive will take place to find all bit-mapped files as indicated by the "wild-card" asterisk (*). Examine the files that are found in the window below. If the files appear with the ".bmp" suffix (such as "Circles.bmp", "Clouds.bmp" or "Bubbles.bmp") in the "C:\WINDOWS" folder, then the suffix feature is turned on and you can skip ahead to Step 2.

If however, the file names appear as "Circles", "Clouds" or "Bubbles" (without the ".bmp" suffix) one should change the desktop view to show the suffixes as follows: Double-click on "My Computer" and then double-click on the hard drive icon (usually the C: drive). Next click on the "View/Folder Options" menu items. Next click on the "View" tab. Under the "Advanced Settings:" double-click on "Files and Folders" to expand the options underneath and show the "Hide file extensions for known file types". If a check-mark appears in the box preceding this option, click on the box to toggle-off this option. When the box is empty, click on the "OK" button and close the window. If a change was made, one needs to restart the computer before the file suffixes will automatically appear when one views files through the "My Computer" or "Windows Explore" mechanisms. 

2. Why should I prepare a DOWNLOAD folder on my hard drive into which all Internet files can be downloaded?
Unfortunately in past, some Internet neophytes have begun downloading files off the Internet without an organizational plan. True, the files were transferred from a remote server on the world wide web to their local computer but because they had not prepared a "collection vessel" or folder they hade no idea where the resulting files were deposited on their hard drive.

It is important, if you have not already done so, to prepare a folder (or directory) on your hard drive called "DOWNLOAD" into which all Internet files can be transferred. To do this: double-click on the "My Computer" icon; double-click on the hard drive icon (usually the C: drive); click on File/New/Folder and rename the folder "DOWNLOAD" (without quotes). If you prefer to use the "Windows Explore" process: right-click on the "Start" button; left-click on "Explore"; navigate to the "C:" drive; double-click on the "C" folder; click on "File/New/Folder" menu items and rename the folder "DOWNLOAD" (without quotes).

3. What browser should I use?
Get your system on-line, select either Internet Explorer or Netscape and enter the following Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address into the "Address" or "Location" field and press the <Enter> key to transfer to this "Bits and Bytes" on-line article:

Navigate to this current article so that you can practice downloading with the files prepared for this purpose.

4. How do I search for freeware software to download?
There are a wide variety of freeware/shareware software sites on the web (which will be addressed at the end of this article). However in order to provide new Internet users with a practice activity, I would encourage them to click on the "ANIMALS.EXE" hyperlink below.

5. How do I know which version of the software to download?
When you are attempting to download software off the world wide web, it is important to make certain that you are downloading the appropriate software version (be it Macintosh or Windows). Also Windows 3.1 software might be listed as a "16-bit application" whereas Windows 95/98 is often referred to as a "32-bit application).

6. What are .ZIP files?
Much of the data, code, text, graphics and sound files that are components of a program (which is available for download off the Internet) are compressed in archives that have a ".ZIP" extension or suffix. An archive is a special type of binary file which has been compressed so that it does not take up as much space on an Internet server on the world wide web. When a series of files, making up an educational program, are  archived or compressed using utility software such as "PKZIP", the total space of all files can be reduced by as much as 60% depending on the type of data contained within the original file(s). Once an archived or ".ZIP" file is downloaded, the file must be unpacked or decompressed back to its individual file components with their original larger sizes using a special utility software like "PKZIP" or "Aladdin's (Stuffit) Expander". 

8. How can I try out an "easy" download in order to become more comfortable with the process?
To facilitate this download practice procedure, I have created a simple web-based page which has pictures of 16 animals linked to the respective sound that each animal makes. These files are all compressed and stored on the Winnipeg School Division web server which can be downloaded by clicking on the "ANIMALS.EXE" link below:

Windows Software Download Practice File: ANIMALS.EXE

This process links a single, self-extracting archive file (251 KB) on our remote server, on the world wide web, with your local workstation or computer.

9. How do I transfer the file to a NEW, appropriately-named, folder in my DOWNLOAD directory/folder on my local hard drive?

Netscape Users: When Netscape Navigators click on the appropriate link (in this case, the ANIMALS.EXE), using their browser, a "Save As" dialogue box will be displayed. Click on the "Save File" button and navigate to the C:\DOWNLOAD folder. (Continue at "Both Browsers" below:)

Internet Explorer Users: When Internet Explorers click on the appropriate link (in this case, the ANIMALS.EXE), using their browser, a "File Download" message box appears. Click on the radio button beside "Save this file to disk" and click on the OK button. In the "Save As" dialogue box, navigate to the C:\DOWNLOAD folder. (Continue at "Both Browsers" below:)

Both Browsers: Once the DOWNLOAD folder is open, in the "Save in:" display field, click on the "Create New Folder" icon and rename the "New Folder" appropriately, based on the file that you are downloading. Since we are downloading a simple hypertext file which allows children to click on various animals and hear the sounds they make, we'll rename this new folder "ANIMALSE" (without quotes). Naming the folder with an "E" after "ANIMALS", will remind the user that the original file was a self-extracting "E"xecutable file. Next double-click on the new "ANIMALSE" folder so that the "Save in:" display field shows that the "ANIMALSE" folder is now open to receive any downloaded files. 

Notice that the name of the file to be downloaded from the remote server is called "animals.exe". When one clicks on the "Save" button, the download process of transferring the compressed 251 KB "animals.exe" file to your local computer begins. A download gauge will move across the screen indicating the download progress. Depending on the speed of your modem (or Internet access) and the size of the file being downloaded, this transfer process can take anywhere between several seconds through several hours. When the download bar reaches the right hand edge, the display window should automatically close indicating that the download is complete. At such a time, you will have transferred a compressed archive file from a remote server somewhere on the world wide web to an appropriately-named sub folder in your DOWNLOAD folder/directory on your local workstation. By organizing your files so that all Internet downloads go into their own appropriately-named subfolder, (within the DOWNLOAD folder), one is better prepared to follow through with any installation or decompression process because one knows where the resulting transferred files are located. 

10. How do I expand the compressed .EXE file on my own hard drive?
Over the years, improvements have been made to the download process. Older Internet files were often stored on world wide web servers in compressed archives called "zipped" files because they were created using PKZIP software and the files were recognizable because they all used the ".ZIP" suffix when naming compressed archive files. Unfortunately, when such "zipped" files were downloaded (using the process identified above), the user required additional freeware such as "Aladdin's (Stuffit) Expander" or WizUnzip (for Windows 3.x files) to decompress or expand the files on the local microcomputer. (An opportunity for readers to practice this additional process will be provided later in this article following the "zipper" image starting in question #13).

However, more and more newer Windows-related software is being stored in the easier-to-use "self-extracting" zip archived files identified with the .EXE suffix (for example, ANIMALS.EXE). Such "self-extracting" zip files are ideal for Internet downloading because they can contain multiple compressed files and they allow the recipient to use a familiar windows interface to decompress the downloaded executable file without the need or knowledge of how to use a separate additional "unzip" utility such as "Aladdin's (Stuffit) Expander".

For example, we will decompress our single (251 KB) ANIMALS.EXE file by using either "My Computer" or the "Windows Explore" process to navigate and find the recently downloaded ANIMALS.EXE file. It will be found in our directory/folder C:\DOWNLOAD\ANIMALSE. If one double-clicks on the ANIMALS.EXE file, on the local workstations hard drive, the decompression process will begin. In some cases, the software will decompress and install automatically on your hard drive in a single combined step. If you are presented with options as to which directories should be created, simply select the default or suggestions (recommended by the software) and follow the on-line installation to completion. 

11. Although my file decompressed, why did it not install the software?
Some downloaded "self-extracting" .EXE files might involve a two-stage process. Rather than decompress and install when the downloaded file is first executed by double-clicking on it, the file may only decompress into its component files. Use "My Computer" or the "Windows Explore" process to view the results of the decompression activity by looking at the new contents of the C:\DOWNLOAD\ANIMALSE directory or folder. One may need to click on the browser's  "View/Refresh" or "View/Reload" menu items to gain an updated screen display of the resulting decompressed or expanded files. If one observes a newly created file called SETUP or INSTALL, chances are this file will need to be executed (by double-clicking on it) to complete two-step installation process. For example, if one examines the contents of the C:\DOWNLOAD\ANIMALSE folder, one will observe that the original single (251 KB) ANIMALS.EXE file, has been decompressed or expanded to include an additional 35 files totaling 661 KB. Although there is no SETUP.EXE or INSTALL.EXE program to complete the installation process in this case, users are encouraged to peruse any "ReadMe" text files for additional information. Double-clicking on any "ReadMe" text file opens up the NotePad application where users may wish to turn on the "Edit/Word Wrap" menu options so that the text wraps within the open window. In this case, if one double-clicks on the READ1ST.TXT text file, it will indicate that the user needs to start his/her browser and open the file "animals.htm" (without quotes) found in the C:\DOWNLOAD\ANIMALSE folder to test that the software works. Clicking on each animal image should result in the appropriate animal's sound being played on speaker-equipped microcomputers. If everything works OK, you have successfully downloaded your first program.

12. Where can I get some practice downloading software which installs in one-step?
If you were successful, downloading the previous ANIMALS.EXE file, you may wish to try downloading the (469 KB) file SEBRAN.EXE. Sebran (which is Swedish for "Zebra") is a drill and practice freeware program for Windows 95/98 microcomputers which introduces early childhood students to educational games that teach letters, numbers, simple math and the rudiments of reading.  Begin by using "My Computer" or the "Windows Explore" process to create a new folder called "SEBRAN" off the DOWNLOAD folder e.g. C:\DOWNLOAD\SEBRAN into which this SEBRAN.EXE program is to be downloaded. Following the process identified in questions #9 - #11 use your browser to click on the SEBRAN.EXE link above and make certain that you have opened the appropriate folder into which this "self-extracting" program can be deposited. Once the download is complete, use "My Computer" or the "Windows Explore" process to navigate to the "sebran.exe" file in the C:\DOWNLOAD\SEBRAN\ folder. If it doesn't initially appear, click on the View/Refresh menu items to refresh the folder's contents. Double-click on the "sebran.exe" file to start the automatic decompression and installation process since this is a one-step process with this software. Whenever prompted, choose the default values presented by the computer. Lastly run the "sebran" program (which will be added to your menu structure automatically) to ensure that it works correctly.

13. How does a "zipped" file differ from a "self-extracting" archive?
If the file to be downloaded is a "zipped" file (as identified by the .ZIP suffix), then the recipient requires a software utility package which will decompress the downloaded "zipped" file. Such a freeware product is "Aladdin's (Stuffit) Expander" which is found on most lab microcomputers that have been distributed to schools over the past few years.

Unlike self-extracting .EXE files which often decompress and install in one step, "zipped" files always require a two step process. The first requires using a product like "Aladdin (Stuffit) Expander" to uncompress the file and the second step requires initiating a "setup" or "install" process (if available) or a making links from your Start Menu to the appropriate "starting" file.

For the purpose of this educational activity, I have provided the "ANIMALS" activity for downloading in a "zipped" format so that the reader can compare the ease of the self-extracting .EXE download and install compared with the .ZIP download which requires an additional decompression utility like "Aladdin’s (Stuffit) Expander".

14. How can I try download a "zipped" file for practice?
In order to allow readers to gain practice downloading a "zipped" compressed archives, I have provided the same "ANIMALS" web-based activity in the earlier "zipped" format. In order that readers can compare the easier "self-extracting" process (using ANIMALS.EXE) with the more traditional "zipped" procedure (using ANIMALS.ZIP), it is recommended that readers keep the two sets of archived and expanded files in their respective sub-folders under the C:\DOWNLOAD folder. For example, the ANIMALS.EXE archived file was transferred to C:\DOWNLOAD\ANIMALSE folder whereas it is recommended that the ANIMALS.ZIP archive be transferred to the C:\DOWNLOAD\ANIMALSZ folder. Begin by clicking on the "ANIMALS.ZIP" hyperlink below to start the download process:

 Windows 95/98 Software Download Practice File: ANIMALS.ZIP

This process links a single, compressed file (232 KB) on our Divisional remote server on the world wide web with your local workstation or computer.

15. How do I transfer the file to a NEW, appropriately-named, folder in my DOWNLOAD directory/folder on my local hard drive?

Netscape Users: When Netscape Navigators click on the appropriate link (in this case, the ANIMALS.ZIP), using their browser, a "Save As" dialogue box will be displayed. Click on the "Save File" button and navigate to the C:\DOWNLOAD folder. (Continue at "Both Browsers" below:)

Internet Explorer Users: When Internet Explorers click on the appropriate link (in this case, the ANIMALS.ZIP), using their browser, a "File Download" message box appears. Click on the radio button beside "Save this file to disk" and click on the OK button. In the "Save As" dialogue box, navigate to the C:\DOWNLOAD folder. (Continue at "Both Browsers" below:)

Both Browsers: Once the DOWNLOAD folder is open, in the "Save in:" display field, click on the "Create New Folder" icon and rename the "New Folder" appropriately, based on the file that you are downloading. Since we are downloading a simple hypertext file which allows children to click on various animals and hear the sounds they make, we'll rename this new folder "ANIMALSZ" (without quotes). Naming the folder with an "Z" after "ANIMALS", will remind the user that the original file was a "Z"ipped file. Next double-click on the new "ANIMALSZ" folder so that the "Save in:" display field shows that the "ANIMALSZ" folder is now open to receive any downloaded files. 

Notice that the name of the file to be downloaded from the remote server is called "animals.zip". When one clicks on the "Save" button, the download process of transferring the compressed 232 KB "animals.zip" file to your local computer begins. A download gauge will move across the screen indicating the download progress. Depending on the speed of your modem (or Internet access) and the size of the file being downloaded, this transfer process can take anywhere between several seconds through several hours. When the download bar reaches the right hand edge, the display window should automatically close indicating that the download is complete. At such a time, you will have transferred a compressed archive file from a remote server somewhere on the world wide web to an appropriately-named sub folder in your DOWNLOAD folder/directory on your local workstation. By organizing your files so that all Internet downloads go into their own appropriately-named subfolder, (within the DOWNLOAD folder), one is better prepared to follow through with any installation or decompression process because one knows where the resulting transferred files are located. In this case, users can not only compare the different download procedures between the self-extracting ".EXE" files and the zipped ".ZIP" archives but also the expanded results in the two respective folders "ANIMALSE" and "ANIMALZ" under the C:\DOWNLOAD directory.

16. How do I configure "Aladdin's (Stuffit) Expander"?
In order to ensure that "Aladdin's (Stuffit) Expander" freeware utility stores the files in the same folders as  described here, it will be necessary to ensure that your version of the "Aladdin's (Stuffit) Expander" is configured in the same fashion. Start the "Expander" software. Click on the "Options/Destination" (or "View/Options") menu items. Ensure that under the "Destination directory for expanded files:" the radio button is selected beside "Ask each time". Under the "Create a subdirectory with the same name as the archive:" make sure the radio button selected is beside "When the archive contains more than one file or directory". Click on the "OK" button to close the "Options" window.

17. How do I decompress or expand a "zipped" file?
Start "Aladdin's (Stuffit) Expander" freeware. Click on the "File/Expand" menu items under the right-hand "Directories:" window. Navigate by double-clicking on the respective folders until one is positioned in the C:\DOWNLOAD\ANIMALSZ folder. The file "animals.zip" should automatically appear in the left-hand window under "File Name:". Click on the filename "animals.zip" and click on the "OK" button. Next, the user is prompted to "Choose the destination directory for the expanded file(s):" Ensure the that C:\DOWNLOAD\ANIMALSZ is displayed and click on the "OK" button to start the decompression or expansion process. When the user examines the results of the decompression using "My Computer" or the "Windows Explore" process, one will note that the original "animals.zip" is still located under C:\DOWNLOAD\ANIMALSZ but there is now a new folder called "ANIMALS" and upon opening it, one finds 34 files of 439 KB. Further examination reveals that of the 34 files there is no SETUP.EXE or INSTALL.EXE file but the READ1ST.TXT file indicates that the user should open the "animals.htm" in the browser.

18. If I am familiar with "drag and drop", can I use this feature in "Aladdin's (Stuffit) Expander"?
An alternative way of expanding "zipped" files (as compared to the standard procedure in question #17) is to use the "drag and drop" technique provided for in Aladdin's (Stuffit) Expander. This quicker process can be started if the user wishes to open up the C:\DOWNLOAD\ANIMALSZ folder using "My Computer" or the "Windows Explore" process. Leave this display in the background and start "Aladdin's (Stuffit) Expander" in the foreground. Shrink and re-position the "Expander" window to a smaller size so you can see the animals.zip file in the background. If one holds down the <Ctrl> key while they click on the zipped file (animals.zip) and drag and drop it into the "Aladdin's (Stuffit) Expander" window, the decompression process will begin.