If you're new to computing, then there's probably a lot about your computer that you're not familiar with. Perhaps you're only able to write a letter in your word processor or Maybe play an occasional game of Solitaire. and that's ok. I mean, who doesn't like Solitaire? But you know your PC is capable of so much more. One of the best things about having a computer and a high speed internet connection is having the ability to download files, whether they're games, applications, or whatever. Now I'll try my best to stay away from anything controversial (i.e. downloading illegal music or movies). We'll just keep everything on the up and up here. I doubt you'd want the FBI busting down your door anyway. Even so, there's still a lot you can download to put that sleek computer of yours to good use. What you'll find here are the basic steps of how to download a file from a web site. I know it looks like a lot, but it really goes pretty fast. Trust me. you'll finish this process a lot faster than it took me to write it.

Steps For Downloading

1. Open your browser and go to a web site containing files you'd like to download. Tip: Try Downloads.Com.

2. Find a file to download and click the title if it's a link or find an associated link that says something like Download or Download Now.

3. A dialogue box will appear with the option to Save. Click on the Save button. Another dialogue box will then appear.

4. Click once inside the Save In box. It's located near the top.

5. Use your arrow keys to select the (C:) drive.

6. Below the Save In box is a box that contains various files and folders. These are files that are stored on your C: drive. Cclick once on any of those files.

7. Create a category folder to place the file in. To do this, press the Context Menu key on your keyboard. This is the third key to the right of the spacebar. A small pop-up menu will appear on your screen. Select the option labled New. Then choose the option labled Folder from the sub-menu.

8. Notice that there's now a highlighted item named New Folder along with a blinking cursor. Give your folder a name here. Choose a name that makes sense to you and fits with the type of program you're downloading. For instance, if the file you're downloading is a video game, then you might want to name the folder Games. Press Enter.

9. The new folder you created should be highlighted. If it isn't, just click it once with your mouse. Press Enter to open the folder.

10. you're now inside the folder. Create another folder here. Repeat step 6, only this time, name the folder with the name of the program you're downloading. If it's called...Super Anti-Virus Defender, then give the folder the same name.

11. Double-click the folder to open it.

12. Look at the Save As box, located near the bottom of this window. The name of the file you're downloading should be displayed. Click on the Save button to begin the download.

13. A status window will appear. Once the download is finished, you'll see a message that says "Download Complete" and you'll have the option to open the folder containing the file you downloaded or the option to close the status window.

(Note: The status window also includes a check-box that says "Close When Download Complete". If this box is checked off, the status window will automatically close when the download is finished, in which case you'll have to use Windows Explorer to double-check if the file downloaded correctly. If the box is unchecked, then the status window will remain open.

And there you have it. As Porky Pig was so fond of saying, "that's all folks.", minus the stuttering of course. This was one in a series of articles known as Back To Basics. If you'd like to hear the audio version of this article and follow along with me as I explain the things described here, then please feel free to visit SpotOn Living.Com and click on the link labled Back To Basics.