JANUARY MEETING

12/30/05
Downloads :
What are downloads and how do I get them?
Downloads: They are files containing programs, photo, documents and music that are transmitted to your computer using the Internet.
This site is a very good step by step visual tutorial on downloading. www.asktcl.com/tutorials/download.html
Software Updates and Programs:
It is also a good idea to create a "Restore Point" before installing any software
Creating a Restore Point : Open programs and clicking on Accessories/System Tools/ Restore Point. Click on Create a restore point. Title it and create it. That way if something goes wrong with the software you can go back.
Anti-virus software and Windows require many updates and do the updates without offering you choices. If you want better control of downloads, turn off automatic up-dates. I have turned off automatic up-dating. I want to know what is being downloaded and control of when I up-date.
Most automatically save to a Temporary file and delete the file after it is installed. If you save them to another area they will remain and can be re-installed if you have a problem later..
To Find Up-Dates and Software:
While on the Internet go to the Software site and find the link to downloads and updates or open the program and under the help menu find "updates". After selecting update or download program, generally the program will then check your computer to see if there any updates available for your computer. If updates are found a list will appear and you are prompted to click on the updates you want. At times you are then asked to choose a location nearest you for the update. Many companies maintain multiple servers in different countries to allow faster service. Choose a location and you are offered the choice of where you want to save the update (see above). Please remember the name of the file and where you have chosen to save it. The download will began and once finished you are offered the option of running it or closing the window. Several phrases are used for this option "open file"and "run file" are two often used. Choose to run the file and the installation begins. At this point you will be asked to accept a legal agreement. If you trust the software manufacturer"accept" or "agree". This is important. You should read the agreement if you are un-certain. In some cases it allows the manufacture to monitor your computer and also installs software for spying.
Once you have agreed the installation will begin. There may be other questions about setting up the software, like where you want to install the program, links to file types, creating desktop icons and whether to accept the free or buy paid versions. Read these carefully. Agree to those you want by checking the correct selections. The installation will take several minutes. When it is finished you are often asked to re-start your computer. Click Re-Start and the installation will be finished
This may sound complex, but the choices are for your safety. Many companies have in the past have installed unwanted software without giving you the options and caused problems.
Sony Music and Films was a recent example of this practice. They installed software that disabled DVD writers and created an automatic links to Internet on your computer when you played a movie or music DVD. It also opened your computer to others and enabled the easy loading of virus and spy ware. This was under the guise of enabling more features and never mentioned the down side. They have been ordered by the courts to stop this practice. Other companies using this type of software include HP, Compaq, Intel, Micro Soft just to name a few all were using "Web Back" to collect data. Just be care full.
Downloading a Program:
For demonstration purposes we will download a useful free utility program from the Internet. The program allow you to print a list of the files in a directory of you computer, or any list of files on your computer. This is real great when you need a list of Photos or music on your computer.
The software is available from http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptdirprn.asp . Karen Ware is a well recognized site for utility software and is known for safe software.