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How To Download Files From The Internet

At some point, we’ll all need to download something from the Internet.

It might be a file, a picture, a program or app. It doesn’t really matter what it is, the basic technique of downloading is pretty much the same, whatever you’re trying to download.

How To Download.

Generally speaking you’ll see some sort of Download button, or maybe a link to click to start downloading the file or program that you’re after.

You’re web browser will show you that a file is being downloaded. It varies between browsers exactly how they show you, but generally there’ll be some sort of notification near the top right of the browser window.

The download indicator is marked in Google Chrome.
Downloading a program in Google Chrome. Note the download indicator.
Download notification in Microsoft Edge.
It’s pretty much the same in Microsoft Edge.

You can click onto the download indicator to see if the file has finished downloading to your computer.

Shows recent downloads in Chrome.
Google Chrome.
Shows recent downloads in Edge.
Microsoft Edge.

The Downloads Folder.

Windows has a specific folder set aside for downloaded files. You can find it in File Explorer.

Most, if not all, web browsers will automatically save downloaded files into the Downloads folder.

Windows File Explorer open. The Downloads folder is marked.
Windows File Explorer.

Files saved inside the Downloads folder are usually displayed by the date they were downloaded, with the latest at the top.

That makes it easier to find the file that you just downloaded.

If on your computer, it isn’t displaying this way, click the Date Modified tab.

Date Modified button is indicated.
Click the Date Modified button to re-arrange your files.

How To Download An Image.

You can also download images to your computer. Even if there isn’t a download button or link.

To download an image, just right click on to it. On the menu that opens, left click Save Image As.

Save image as is marked.
Right click the image, then left click Save Image As.

After clicking the Save Image As option, a File Explorer window will open allowing you to decide where to save the picture.

Save As window opened
Choose a folder to save the image into.

Quick Scan Files.

Whenever you download anything from the Internet, it’s a good idea to give it a quick scan using your antivirus software.

You don’t need to do a full system scan, just right click on your downloaded file.

On the context menu, you should see an option to scan the file with your antivirus software.

Doing this will cause your AV to scan only the selected file and not your whole system, so it shouldn’t take long.

Scan with Microsoft Defender is highlighted on context menu.
Scan downloaded files for malware.

You Should Still Proceed With Caution.

Even after running a quick scan on the download file, you should still treat it as suspicious.

Antivirus programs aren’t infallible and this is only a quick scan. It’s better than nothing but not a guarantee.

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