Downloading files
What is downloading files, music and video?
Downloading is the process of taking a file or files from the internet and saving it to your computer. It can be in any format, such as word processing documents (*doc), applications (*exe), or zipped files (*zip).
The most common way to begin a download is to click on a link that will begin the download automatically. A dialogue box will appear prompting you to choose a place on your computer to download the file. Selecting Save will begin the process.
Downloading is an increasingly popular activity on the internet and, for many people, downloading music and video is the main attraction of using the web.
Downloads can be safe and legal. However, there are risks such as regular downloading, which, if it exceeds your monthly ISP download limit, can result in a slow service or excess charges.
What can I download?
There are many legal and free sources of music, movies, video clips and information files on the web. These can be downloaded from specialist software applications such as iTunes or directly from websites. Many bands, for example, give away free music, and movie sites often allow users to download their trailers. Podcasts that contain video and audio can also be downloaded directly.
Many sites now provide audio and video streaming, which enables you to watch footage or hear music without copying it onto your computer. To watch the movie again, it has to be streamed again. Although this saves filling up your hard drive, it does use more bandwidth.
Be wary of using more bandwidth than you’ve paid for. Most ISPs limit monthly downloads and may charge for extra usage. Keep an eye on your usage during the month by logging into your ISP account and checking the usage page.
If you download files, be aware that they may contain viruses, so always keep anti-virus software up to date.