Download Tips

Once You Have Downloaded Your Program...

PC Download Tips

Remember to run your virus scanner on the downloaded file to check for viruses or spyware. Back up your downloaded programs for future installations - maybe for friends, family members, etc. Back up on disc, external drive, or a flash drive, or on a online site.

Get to know the program - including the sub menu settings. These may allow customization for specific parameters, which may increase the time and flexibility of it's operations). Also allows you the possibly to pinpoint external errors that may occur. See my blog for a example of this...Site Creation (Read My Blogs)

Perform regular updates and upgrades, and maybe signup for any subscriptions, plugins, enhanced features, etc if available on the associated websites. These are often beneficial...

Think of trying at least two similar programs to evaluate which suits you. Though bear in mind you cannot have two or more system based programs running simultaneously as compatibilty and other issues are likely to occur. Firewalls and Antivirus programs are examples of this.

In fact many freeware programs, in my experience, are more worthwhile if used in at least pairs. Examples are registry cleaners, photo editing programs, burning and ripping programs, etc. This also applies to web based programs - email programs, social networks, file sharing, forums, etc. Local pc based freeware tend to compliment each other which produce near equivalent results as paid versions...

Select essential system programs as first priority, then the more worthwhile programs to you, such as graphics, editors, email clients, etc. Often it is too easy too have many small nice programs, which are just that - not really adding real functional value to the average user. Examples are fancy toolbars, startup menus, organisers, shortcuts, etc. If you do want extra programs then transfer them on a backup drive to save clutter on your drive. Particularly if they require unzipping...

Ocassionally check for replacements, read reviews, to keep up to date with the latest and the most popular freeware programs to improve your computer's operation. Help is often readily available for popular programs...

Reading our local paper (South Auckland Courier in NZ), I came across a advert from some poor chap who had advertised about his stolen portable drive. He desperately wants it back - more for his extensive university research notes stored, rather it seems than the actual drive. Apparently months of research gone...

This indicates that backing up important data is a good form of security in theory, but not always - particularly on hardware such as USB drives. Another backup measure, and perhaps overlooked (In part due to the popularity, simplicity, and extensive marketing of some sleek looking USB portable and pen drives) is on your own ISP web server - of which often web space can be allocated for free. This is in addition to free online commercial sites that may be available on the net, and of course on your web host server if you have a web site.

I currently use my ISP web space (In NZ) to store my blogs, and other files which can be linked to my web site as downloads. My website is hosted on a separate server in the USA. So if in a bit of a hurry to backup, and backup hardware is unavailable then... your ISP server may be the easiest safety backup location. Just call your ISP for activation...