Using the Internet Safely For Seniors

Many sites allow visitors to upload files that others

(privately or publicly) can then download. On such

sites, it’s safest to download from only those users you

know and trust.

Community file-sharing programs that allow music

and movie downloads are notorious for infecting

machines with spyware, viruses, and other forms of

malware. Be very cautious if you download programs

from these sites!

Download Safely

As you browse the Web, you might find files you want to download,

such as music or movie files that you either buy from an online store or

obtain from a site that legally offers them free of charge.

1. Open a Web site that offers files you want to download.
   Typically, Web sites display a Download button or link
   that initiates a file download.

2.Click the appropriate link to proceed. Windows Vista

might display a dialog box asking your permission to pro-

ceed with the download; click Yes.

3.In the resulting File Download dialog box, as shown in

Figure 4-18, choose either option:

• Click Open to download to a temporary folder.You
  can run an installation program for software, for exam-
  ple. However, beware: If you run a program directly from
  the Internet, you might introduce dangerous viruses to
  your system. You should buy and follow the software
  manufacturer’s instructions to install and set up an anti-
  virus program, such as McAfee or Norton Antivirus, to
  scan files before downloading them.


• Click Save to save the file to your hard drive.In the Save
  As dialog box, select the folder on your computer or

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Part II: Using the Internet While Dodging the Risk