Downloading Software

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Downloading software

There are many software programs available for you off the web. Some are free, some cost money, and some allow you to download a trial version for use for 30 days or so. For your assignment, you are asked to download a software program that will help you to compress files, which you will do in the last lesson.

There are two well-known programs for compressing files. Aladdin Stuffit/Expander is available for both Windows and Macintosh computers and WinZip is available for only Windows computers. You will review the product websites, select the one you wish to use, then download and install the program. If you are in a lab, you can still download and install a software program, but the program will not likely be there after you log off the computer. The websites for each of these programs are as follows:

Aladdin Stuffit Expander
http://www.stuffit.com/index.html
There are more advanced versions of this program, which can be purchased off this website; however, for this assignment, you are asked to download only the free copy. This program allows you to expand a variety of compressed formats with any of the following extensions: .sit, .cpt, .arc, .bin, .hqx, .zip, and more. If you choose to download this program, you could either click on "Downloads" and choose the free program or go directly to the following link:

For Windows 98 or higher: http://www.stuffit.com/expander/winindex.html
For Macintosh: http://www.stuffit.com/expander/macindex.html

A pop-up window will ask you to log in. Choose the version (English, German, etc.) you wish to download from a drop-down window. The page informs you that you are required to enter your name, email address, and postal code, however, the download worked when I only entered my first name. You may wish to keep your email address private. Remove the checkmark from "Yes, I would like to be notified of updates & other offers." After completing this screen, the program will begin to download automatically. It is important to find out where it is being downloaded to on your computer. A status window similar to the following should appear showing you the progress of the download.

You can see part of the location from where the program file is being downloaded. The program name shown above is "STUFFIT7.EXE." If you do not know in which folder the file was downloaded, do a "Find" or "Search" for the file name.

To install the program, be sure you have closed all open programs and documents so it does not interfere with the installation process. Next, double-click on the program "Stuffit7.exe" and a "InstallShield Wizard" will guide you through the installation process. Previously, in the first module of level one, you were warned to not open ".exe" files, because they may be small virus programs. When downloading and installing a program, be sure you downloaded it from a reputable website.

WinZip (for Windows only)
http://www.winzip.com/winzip/
The .zip is a common Windows compression format. There is no free copy, but an evaluation copy is available for free. Click on "Download Evaluation Copy" or go to the following webpage: http://www.winzip.com/winzip/ddchomea.htm. Click on "Download WinZip 8.1" to begin the download. A status window similar to the following will appear:

As you can see, the file name that is being downloaded is "winzip81.exe." To install the program, be sure you have closed all open programs and documents so it does not interfere with the installation process. Next, double-click on the program "winzip81.exe" and you will be guided through the installation process.

Once you have installed one of the above programs, please continue to the next lesson on Taking Screen Captures.