Learn More About Downloading Software

By Mark Toft
Staples Editor

If you're like most people, the thought of buying software probably evokes images of shopping carts, brightly lit aisles of linoleum, and blasts of air–conditioning. With the latest technology, however, software–purchasing options are quickly becoming as hi–tech as software itself. You can now buy software online and have it shipped to you, download it directly to your desktop from the Internet, or even rent the latest applications over the Web for as long as you need it.

Downloaded software can be purchased at many online stores, including the electronic delivery store at Staples.com. It's a fast, convenient method of purchasing. There's no paper, no plastic bags, and no hassle, and some outlets offer free management tools that will help you schedule your download for when you're away from home.

The process of downloading is straightforward and user–friendly enough that many customers will likely find that they don't need instructions. If you need more information to decide whether it's the right option for you, however, the following sections describe the benefits and outline how downloading software works.

The advantages to downloading

• Speed — The delivery of downloaded software is virtually instantaneous, especially compared to traditional in–store or mail–order methods. Though the time it takes to download depends on your Internet connection and on the size and complexity of the title being downloaded, in most cases customers can begin using the software in minutes.
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• Reduced costs — No shipping charges, no gas expended by driving to the store.
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• Safety — All of the software downloaded through Staples is virus–free and your credit–card number is protected against hackers by a secure socket layer. In addition, your address information will not be sold to other merchants or used to send you email against your wishes. If you download somewhere other than Staples, be sure to check that they offer similar safety assurances.

Computer, Internet browser, and Internet connection requirements

Software downloading can be undertaken with Netscape Navigator®, Microsoft's Internet Explorer®, or AOL's browser. As for your Internet connection, you will need at least a 56K dial–up modem.

If you're Mac user, be sure to download software designed for Macintosh. Similarly, PC users must download PC–compatible software.

Before you begin, open a new folder

Just as you clean your living room and hide the piles of newspaper before guests arrive, you might want to tidy up your computer desktop before you begin downloading. This will make it easier to locate the software file once you've saved it to your computer. Next, open and save a new folder on your desktop. Name the folder "downloads", or give it the same name as the software title you're considering downloading. Though this is not an essential step, it will simplify the software installation process.

Downloading: step-by-step

Downloading software takes only six steps. Except for the actual downloading (which should last minutes), the other five steps should take only seconds.

1. Add the software to your virtual shopping cart. Once you've found a software title that you need and that has a downloading option, add it to your shopping cart. (Remember to make sure that the software is compatible with your Mac or PC.)
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3. Enter your credit card number, click 'download'. When you check out, you'll be asked to enter your mailing address and credit card number. Once you've keyed in the correct information, there should be a clickable sign that reads 'download'.
   
   While most downloads occur over what is called HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), some online vendors (including Staples.com) will let you to choose between HTTP or E–Bot, a free download management system for PC users that scans the Web and informs you of updates and free upgrades. Either choice involves the same steps, though this section specifically deals with the steps involved in an HTTP download. (See E–Bot information.)
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5. Standard legal agreement. Before beginning the download, you'll be asked to accept a legal agreement, the specifics of which vary by software vendor. Once you've read the agreement — and if you agree to the terms of the agreement and want to continue — click 'Yes'.
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7. Save to a designated folder. After you click download, a dialog box will appear. If you're using a Netscape Navigator® browser, click 'save file' in the dialog box. Netscape® will then ask you where you would like to save your file. Choose the folder you created especially for your download.
   
   If you're using Microsoft Explorer® as your browser, choose where you would like to save your software from the 'save in' drop–down menu in the top–middle of the dialog box. From the 'save in' menu, choose your desktop, then click on your new folder. To initiate the download, click on the 'save' button in the bottom right hand corner of the dialog box.
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9. Watch the pretty pictures. A dialog box will appear to show you the progress of your download. Netscape's box (called "Saving Location") has a bar that moves from left–to–right, with a percentage that appears to indicate how much of the job is done. Microsoft's dialog box (called "File Download") shows a paper fluttering from one folder to another, as well as a percentage readout. When the download is complete, a dialog box may appear to ask you whether you would like to open or save the downloaded file. Choose save.
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11. Install software. You're almost finished. All you need to do now is install your new software. Click on the folder you've created for this special occasion, and then select the icon of your newly downloaded software. A licensing agreement (also know as an EULA, End User License Agreement) will appear. By clicking 'Yes', you assure the software manufacturer that you will not, among other things, re–sell, distribute, or violate the copyright of the software you're licensing. (Note: Most software copies will arrive with a digital license that is unique to a specific computer. If the license key or digital signature is subsequently copied to another computer, the product will not function. In addition, a unique digital code is inserted into the product before distribution. While this does not prevent copying of the product, it does allow illegal copies to be identified and traced back to their source.)¹ Once you accept the licensing agreement, the installation process will begin.

E-Bot: a free download management option for PC users

When you choose to download software, the software vendor may present you with the option of using E–Bot, a free download management system. E–Bot works with all PCs, Windows operating systems NT, Win95, and Win98. It does not work with Macs and cannot download MP3 files.

E–Bot is designed to make downloading more convenient. It allows you to schedule your download for later — even for when you're away from home (provided you use an "always on" Internet connection such as cable or DSL). If your Internet connection is cut off during the download, E–Bot allows you to resume where you left off instead of starting over from the beginning.

Once you've installed E–Bot, you can use it on continual basis to learn about software upgrades. You can also ask E–Bot to scan the Internet and notify you about free downloads.

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¹Digital Product Delivery White Paper – Digital River.

The information contained in this article is only an overview of the subject matter made for general guidance to the reader, and is subject in all cases to limitations and disclaimers set forth in Staples' Legal Terms and Conditions.