Downloading and Installing Internet Software

• Much of the software available on the Internet is of the highest quality and can rival any software packages available anywhere.

• Where else could you get a high quality software program to evaluate in your home on your own computer for free, and then, only if you decide you like it, pay a modest registration fee, which will entitle you to a full featured version of the program and technical support from the authors!

• It requires only basic computing knowledge to successfully explore the Free-ware, (software available to keep and use for free), and Share-ware, (software available for an evaluation period, after which it should be registered if you decide you like it), available on the Internet.

• Some of these "evaluation" versions of software programs may not be full featured, but all are functional enough for you to know if they will be of value to you.

• If you observe a few, simple precautions, you can have hours of enjoyment!

The Basics:

• Have a commercial anti-virus program running at all times for protection against anything that may contaminate your system.

• Know how to create (and delete), files and directories. You should understand simple file management techniques before you begin. The Windows File Manager, (or the Windows 95 "Explorer") make it easy!
  If you are not sure, ask a friend, get a Book, take a Course,
  or look for help in the UltraNet General News Group.

• ALWAYS have a backup of your critical system files BEFORE you start.

• ALWAYS download into an EMPTY directory on your disk.

• ALWAYS register your shareware programs.
  This will entitle you to technical support and up-grade information from the authors of the program.

• NEVER install an up-grade, (or new), software package on top of, or in the same directory as the program it is intended to replace unless instructed to do so in the documentation included with the program itself.
  You will always be able to fall back on the original, un-corrupted program, should something go wrong.

Step By Step:

• Create a directory on your disk for downloads.
  In the Windows File Manager, under "File" + "Create Directory".
  Name it anything you want to (and if you are my age, will remember!)

• Many Web Browsers are able to Download files by clicking on the link to them while holding the Shift Key down, and choosing your empty download directory in the resulting dialog box.

  OR

• Use an FTP utility such as the one included in the UltraNet Kit .

• Make sure the downloaded file is in a directory by itself.

• Scan the downloaded file for viruses.

• If the download has a ".exe" file extension, it is a self extracting executable.
  • Double click on the downloaded .exe file in the Windows File Manager to de-compress it.

  • Press "F5" to view the de-compressed files.

  • Move the compressed download into an archive directory for a backup.

  OR

• If the download has a ".zip" file extension, it is compressed with PKZip and you will need
  PKUnZip. to expand it.
  • To automate this process, place pkunzip.exe on your system.

  • Highlight a file with the .zip file extension. (Single click).

  • Go to "File" + "Associate" on the File Manager menu bar.

  • Browse for and select pkunzip.exe.

• Now, any downloaded .zip file can be automatically de-compressed by double clicking on it in the Windows File Manager.
  • Press "F5" to view the de-compressed files.

  • Move the compressed download into an archive directory for a backup.

• Read any files named "readme" or "read1st", etc. for any information you may need to install or run the program.
  (Rename them "read.txt" and double click to open them in the Windows Notepad Application).

• If the program comes with an installer, you will find a file named "setup.exe" or "install.exe".
  Double click on it to run the installer and follow the directions!
  These installers will generally create a new program group and icons for the program in the Windows Program Manager.

  DON'T install the program into the same directory where the de-compressed files are, or into the directory of a program you are up-grading, unless specifically instructed to do so in the "readme's"!

• If the program does not come with an installer, manually create a new directory and move the files to it.

• Create an icon for the new program by dragging and dropping its executable file (the program's ".exe" file), from the file manager window into the program group in the Windows Program Manager that you want it to reside in.

• Enjoy your new software program.

• Please register the program if you decide to keep it.
  Help the authors stay in business and entitle yourself to technical support.

OK, I'm Ready, Where do I Go Next?

• NetScape
  Specific, step-by-step instructions for internet beginners on downloading and installing NetScape!

• Other Types
  Software catalogs and direct links to hot sites for the more adventurous!

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