These complete instructions are based on the Netscape browser. If you haven't
downloaded a program from the Internet before, you may want to print this page and use it
as a reference.
Before you begin...
First, make sure you are using Windows. While all the programs on this site run under
Windows, So the software you are about to download requires Windows. If
you are using a Macintosh or some other computer that doesn't run Windows software, please exit now or else you will become very frustrated.
Second, create a directory on your hard disk where you will store things you get from the Internet. I suggest something like C:\JUNK. This is where this and other programs from the Internet will wind up. Every now and then you will want to delete things in this directory that you no longer want.
Third, if creating directories and such is intimidating, then get one of the "Dummies" books and learn how to do that.
(I'm a pretty good programmer, and I use "Dummies" books too.)
Fourth, The files from my site that you download will normally be zip files. In other words the files have been compressed to install the program into one smaller file, making it easier for you and me. To open the files you will need a zipping program to have been already installed on your computer, such as Winzip,FreeZIP, or Aladdin Expander.
FreeZIP and Aladdin Expander are FREE! and WinZIP cost about $29, but In my personal opinion, WinZIP is the best and easiest to use decompression program there is. I highly recommend all three of these programs. The choice is yours. You can download a 30-day trial version of WinZIP, as well as A free version of Aladdin Expander, and FreeZIP at the bottom of this page. ***FreeZip and Aladdin Expander are for Windows 95!! For Windows 3.1 users, please take my advice and use WinZip for 3.1.***
Downloading a program:
Select a directory on your disk where the program files will be deposited. If you have already created C:\JUNK or some other directory, select that.
Wait. The download will take several minutes, depending on your modem and how busy the net is.
When the download is complete, the program that you have downloaded
will be the directory you selected.
Installing the software:
To install the software you have downloaded, go to the directory on your hard disk where you have put it.
If you have a copy of Winzip on your computer, the file you download should look like a yellow vice like object. Double left
mouse click it to open the zip file and you will either get a screen telling you to 'agree' or 'quit' (click agree), or (if you have a registered copy of winzip) you will be straight into the file.
Once the file is open, have a look at the buttons in the tool bar along the top. If you have the latest version of Winzip, there should be one there called 'Install'. Click this and follow the on screen instructions.
If you don't have this button, choose 'Extract' and choose a file to send the contents to. I make a new folder on my 'C' drive (click on File and select 'New Folder') for things like this. If you give it a familiar name, you can delete it afterwards. When you have the files in your new folder, double left
click on the 'setup' icon OR the 'exe' file (your program will have one or the other) and follow the instructions on the screen.
Here are the three best ZIP decompression programs that I have found.
Just download them and "double-left-click" on them. They will open and install automatically.
WinZIP for Windows 95 WinZIP for Windows 3.1 Very easy to use! Definitely the "Tool of Choice!" Easily 'unzips' compressed files! You can even create your own 'zip files or even turn 'zip' files into full 'exe.' programs! Excellent for beginners and programmers alike. The best choice.(695Kb for W95 version)(629Kb for W3.1 version)
Aladdin Expander I haven't had a chance to try this one yet, but I've heard alot of good things about it. It's very powerful and is user-friendly.(W95 only)
FreeZip Excellent choice for beginners,it is very user friendly,and it's free! This freeware program decompresses "zip" files.(284Kb)(W95 only) For more info about Freezip, visit HERE
Now you're on your own. Good Luck!
If you have problems, email me at jimbodooley@usa.net giving as much detail as possible as to the problem. I'll try to get back to you quite quickly as I check my mail several times a day.
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