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Advanced Web
Downloading and Installing Software: instructions, Macintosh | Viruses: protection, hoaxes | Plug-ins and Active X: using plug-ins, common plug-ins, finding plug-ins, downloading and installing plug-ins | Helper Applications | Links


Downloading and Installing Software from the Web

So, you want to filter out unwanted email messages, create animated graphics, scan your computer for viruses, or play computer games. Chances are, the software you're looking for is available on the Internet. The Internet has been used to distribute software since its beginnings, and the Web's graphical interface has made it easier than ever. In this section, we outline the basics of finding, downloading, and installing software from the Internet.

Finding Software

Most of the software you will find on the Internet falls into one of three categories—Demos, Shareware, Freeware. These categories represent different ways of distributing software.

  • Demo Software are stripped down versions of commercial software programs. With demo versions, you may not be able to use all of the software's features or else it will expire after a certain length of time. The idea is to let you try out the software before buying the full version.

  • Shareware Software are also programs that you can try before you buy. Unlike demos, however, shareware programs are usually fully-functioning software. If you like the software, you are required to pay a registration fee. Otherwise, you should remove it from your computer after the stated evaluation period

  • Freeware Software are programs developers make available to the Internet community for FREE (yes, you can still get something for free). One tradeoff with free software is that you can't expect complete documentation or technical support should you run into problems using the program. A variation on Freeware is "careware." Developers of careware may request that you send them a postcard or message letting them know that you are using their software.

Software Download Sites

In addition to the Web sites of individual software companies, there are several search tools for tracking down software on the Web:


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