What’s the Difference between Downloading and Uploading Files?
If you send a file to another computer, you are uploading the file. If you are moving the file from another computer onto your computer, you are downloading it.
User Permissions for Downloading and Uploading Files on Networked Computers
On networked computers, the user permissions are sometimes set up to prevent certain users from downloading anything from the Internet. If you believe this might be the case, then you need to contact the administrator of the network. Likewise, if you share a computer and do not have administrative rights, you may be restricted from downloading files.
Selecting Files to Download
Today, most websites have made it easy to download a file. You simply select the file that you want to download and either click on a live link. The link is usually the name of the file or the word “download.” Usually, you also get a choice to either save the file or open it. In general, saving the file, scanning it for viruses, and then opening it is the best strategy. However, in order for this to work, a few things need to be in place.
Enabling Your Browser for Downloads: Security Settings
Microsoft Internet Explorer has security settings that disable the ability to download files. This could be the problem, so I think you should check whether downloads have been disabled by following these directions. Open Internet Explorer→ Click Tools→ Click Internet Options→ Click Security→ Select Internet zone and click Custom Level. At this point, a list of the available security settings for Internet appears. In IE 7, go to the Downloads section and make sure that File Download is marked enabled. In addition, go to “Launching applications and unsafe files.”
If these prompts are disabled, then you will not be able to download any files or launch the related .exe files once downloaded. Instead, enable file downloads and select “Prompt” for the launching applications and unsafe file settings. This setting prompt you with questions such as “Are you sure you want to download this file” or something to that effect. However, it also allows you to download and execute the files that you select.
Enabling Your Browser for Downloads: Enable ActiveX
In order to display and download files from the Web, it is important that ActiveX controls have been enabled. In order to do so, follow these directions: Open Internet Explorer→ Click Tools→ Click Internet Options→ Click Security→ Select Internet zone. Look for the slider bar and set it to the medium setting to enable downloads from the Web. Make sure that you click “OK” before exiting the window.
Enabling Your Browser for Downloads: PDF Files
In order to download Portable Document Files or PDFs, you need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. This is a free download that you get simply by visiting the Adobe.com website.
Enabling Your Browser for Downloads: Java
If the files that you want to download offer a prompt that you need to have Java in order to complete the download, you must have Java installed and enabled on your browser. In order to find out how to enable Java with your browser, visit this link to Java’s website for specific instructions by browser: Java.
Susan Keenan | November 11th, 2008
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