Computer Skills - Downloading a File
Downloading
Downloading is transmitting a file from a server computer (like the one our course management system runs on) to your computer. In a distance learning course you will typically need to download word processed documents or PowerPoint presentations.
Getting Started
Launch a browser and navigate to the area where there is a file you need to download -- for example, you may need to download a file from your course Syllabus or Course Material sections.
See the figure below for an example that a link to "Key Concepts". The text below the link indicates that it is a PowerPoint presentation.
Download the File
To download a file, click on the link. In the example below, the visitor clicked on the "Key Concepts" link. The message below displayed.
Now make a choice. Click either the Open, Save, or Cancel button
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To open the file immediately and view it, click the Open button.
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To save the file to your computer, click the Save button (and follow the instructions for saving an e-mail attachment).
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If you are unsure what to do or have changed your mind about downloading, click the Cancel button.
Shortcut: If you know that you want to save the file, right-click on the file name and then select "Save Target As". See the figure below.
Save the File
If you chose an option to save the file above, the Save As dialog box will display. Navigate to a folder (usually the "My Documents" folder or folder within this area) and select a location for the file.
Click the Save button.
The File Download dialog box will display. It shows the progress of the file download. When complete, as in the figure below, you can choose to open the file, open the folder, or just close the message box.
Click the Open button to view the file.
Computer Skills: Download Tutorial Text Version (pdf)