Introduction to Downloading Files

Downloading is the process of transferring programs or data from a server or host computer to your own computer or device. When downloading via the Internet, the process can be done in several ways; individual images or web pages can be saved directly or whole files and programs can be transferred directly though your browser, or though the use of a plug-in or helper application. Download managers can be used to speed up downloads, or enable users to pause and resume large files.

In this section, we take a look at how to set up your computer system for efficient downloading, the factors that can affect your download speed, along with the various methods of downloading files.

Setting Up Your System: Your guide to getting ready to download; from checking out your computer's specifications to organising your files.
Download Speeds: A look at the top ten factors that may affect the speed of your downloads.
Saving Web Pages: If you want to save a webpage to your hard drive in order to extract data or to read offline, learn how it can be done here.
Plugins & Helper Applications: Discovering how plug-ins and helper apps work.
Downloading via the Web: Find out how you can download programs and other files through your web browser.
Using Download Managers: Speed up and orgainise your downloads by using a manager program.
Dealing with Files: How to open or install a downloaded program or file.