When you see a file you want to download, meaning you want to save the file on your computer hard drive, there are several ways to do this. Most of the time the filename or link will be underlined so you can simply click on the filename. Or You can right-click on the filename and you will get a short menu starting with "Open", then click with you left mouse button on "Open". If for some reason this doesn't work, the website should provide  whatever additional information is needed. 

After You clicked on the filename, Internet Explorer users will then see a dialog box pop up and ask you if you want to "Run this program from it's current location", or "Save this program to Disk".

To save to your hard drive, be sure that "Save this program to Disk" option is chosen. Then click OK. Then You will see a dialog box showing folders on your Hard Drive. 

At the top of this dialog box, You will see the current folder. This is the folder in which the selected file will be saved in if no changes are made. It's a smart idea to have 1 (One) folder that you use to save all files you download (Example: c:\downloads). If you wish to place the new file in a different directory, use the controls at the top of the dialog box to move to the folder you do wish to save new files in. once You have moved to the correct folder, click on the save button in the bottom right of the dialog box. At this time you should see a dialog box with a progress meter showing the file being saved on your hard drive.

After you have clicked on the filename, Netscape Communicator users will see a dialog box showing folders on your Hard Drive. By default, Netscape wants to save the file in the (C:\Program Files\Netscape\Communicator\Program) Directory. This may be hard to find and/or remember. It's a smart idea to have 1 (One) folder that you use to save all files you download (Example: c:\downloads). If you wish to place the new file in a different directory, use the controls at the top of the dialog box to move to the folder you do wish to save new files in. once You have moved to the correct folder, click on the "Save" button in the bottom right of the dialog box. At this time you should see a dialog box with a progress meter showing the file being saved on your hard drive.
 

Installing Downloaded Programs and Applications

When you download an application from another computer on the Internet, it is most likely in a "compressed" or installation format.  Before you can use the program you have to install it onto your local system. 

Go to the folder that you saved the file in.  Use "My Computer" to browse your drive and folders.  At this point remembering where you "Saved" the file will help. When you get to the appropriate folder, double click the file you want to install. 

During the installation process, the computer will prompt you to select a location you want to install the program to.  Most programs will default to your "C:\Program Files\..."  just keep track of how much free space you have on your C:\ drive.  You can choose to save it to another drive if you have an extended partition or a second hard drive in your computer.  It is NOT a good idea to install a program to your A:\ drive.  Mainly because a floppy is too small to accommodate programs.

Some download able programs and applications may be compressed or "ZIPPED" using a compression program like WinZip or PKZip.  You will need one of these installed before you can decompress a Zipped file. WinZip is also download able so get this program first before you start downloading other programs.
 

Downloading & Saving Image Files

Saving an image requires only a small change in the download process.  Right click the image you want to save.  Click "Save Image As.." and select the folder or location you want to store the image in.

You can browse and view the images later by double clicking them or using a viewer or slide show program like LViewPro
 

** Visit the Resource section of the ICOM website for a list of File Archives and Download directories.  File Archives offer a wide range of programs and applications for all your computing needs.