Downloading from the Web
Software
Downloading a software from the Web is also easy, thanks to the free software
that are legitimately being offered. Almost every major portal and computer
software company today have Download sections in their own sites like Netscape,
Lycos, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, etc. All you have to do is follow the directions
for downloading and installing.
Before you do that create a special folder and name it Downloaded Files
(Windows suggests "My Downloads"). Save all your downloads to this folder
so it will be easier for you to locate them when you install. It is NOT
advisable to save to the Program Files folder which is the default
for most, because if the file you downloaded is corrupt or carries a virus
in some way it will infect all your other program files. Plus, this also
makes it easier for you to uninstall the software in case you didn't like
it.
The software available come in different categories:
Demoware
Also called demo version or beta version. Distributed for free to test
the product in the real world for bugs and feedback prior to its commercial
release. It is also a good marketing strategy to create interest and whet
appetite for the full version that will be launched later.
Freeware
The author or developer still controls copyright or proprietary rights
but makes the product available to the public at no cost. People may use
the product freely but are not allowed to sell it or alter it. Should not
be confused for public-domain software which are copyright free. Companies
offer freeware to convince users to buy their other products.
Shareware
A combination of demoware and freeware but with an expiration date.
It's a "try before you buy" software. The product is offered for a 30-45
day trial period and if the user decides to keep it then she has to pay
for it. Many shareware have built-in mechanisms that make it unusable after
the deadline. Users will be prompted or reminded to register and pay in
order. Upon receiving a user license they can resume using the software.
The main advantage of owning a licensed software is similar to registering
an electronic equipment. It entitles you to customer support and assistance.
Warez
Pirated copy of a commercial and copyrighted software that is illegally
made available on the Internet.
Exercise
We will download a free copy of the
Adobe
Acrobat Reader©. You will need this software to be able to
view and print most government and school documents on the Internet, such
as forms, surveys, questionnaires, and reports. You will see these instructions
in its download page.You may uncheck by left-clicking the two check boxes
in Step 2, which are optional. Click the red Download button after you
have filled out the form:
This version has been downloaded over 2 million times since it was released
in November 1999. Approximate download time is 25 minutes at a modem speed
of 28.8 kbps and less if you have a 56k connection, cable, or ISDN. You
will find that downloading software will take 10-30 minutes according to
the speed of your connection. A dialog box will appear to show you the
status of the download. You can ignore this and just continue working on
the computer.
 This box will disappear
when the download is complete. Close all windows in your computer by exiting
from the program you are using (like this browser) and look for the file
or icon named ar405eng.exe, and double-click on it. Follow the directions
to install Acrobat Reader.
When you have successfully installed Acrobat Reader connect back to
the Internet and test it by downloading this Educational
Software Evaluation form.
Recommended download
National
Educational Technology Standards for Students that was drafted by the
International Society for Technology Education. The NETS project is supported
by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), U.S. Department
of Education, Milken Exchange on Education Technology, and Apple Computer,
Inc.
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