1. Software basics on the Internet
Most people do not use their personal computer to its fullest potential as they don’t know how to program nor have the time for it.
Internet access gives access to other people’s software.
The software is only as correct, enjoyable, or safe as those creating it.
Consider the source
Consider the cost
Use message boards and discussion groups to check out the software.

2. Freeware – Software that is freely distributed.
Types of Software
Commercial – from a commercial vender online. Typically you pay for a licensing fee and are able to download the software from the web site.
Tends to be safe.
Shareware – Either free versions of commercial software or software made available essentially for free with a small surcharge.
Freeware – Software that is freely distributed.
Open source –Software that includes the source code, allowing you to make changes. (LINUX, UNIX operating systems and academic programs are often open source.

3. Downloading Software
Ensure the software does not contain malicious code using a virus checker with updated files.
Sometimes you will be asked to turn off your virus checker – use common sense.
Save to disk or run from current location? Saving to disk is safer.
Your browser may suggest a place to store the file, but you can override this.
Read the “readme” files!!
If the executable file is downloaded, then you are done, otherwise the code you downloaded is an “installer program” and needs to be run to install the software on your machine.
MS provides an “Install shield” to help software developers install software on your machine.

4. Anti-Virus Protection
Remember – Windows is the most popular target of virus creators. On a Windows machine, don’t download software without an anti-virus program.
Check out the source … use message boards and software review sites. If they have a virus, you may be forewarned.
Keep your anti-virus software up to date and running in the background.
Just downloading the software won’t harm you – it has to run on your machine to infect you. Select “save” options over “run in place.”

5. Typical Downloading Process
Download zipped installer program.
Unzip to a temporary directory
Run the installer (and select final directory for software)
Sometimes restart machine.
Verify software is working.

6. ActiveX Installations
ActiveX is a Microsoft product designed to ease downloading and installation.
Downloads and installs in one step.
Does not allow for virus scanning due to the one-step nature.
Therefore – be careful!

7. Where to get Software? Commercial outlets – Typically safest.
Software repositories – Often contain free software that others create and upload.
FTP repositories – repositories reached through File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Typically FTP allows an ‘anonymous’ user id to login and et publicly available software or other files.

8. Miscellaneous Terms
Adware – Software that display ads.
Nagware – Shareware that periodically reminds you to register for a full version.
Spyware – Software that tracks your activities and reports to some agent.
Trial Version – A software version with less capability than the normal software used to “test drive” the product. They often expire after a period of time or number of uses.
Zipped Files – compressed files and groups of files. The format allows for efficient file transfer.