How do I download files?

When you download a file, it means you are copying it from a websitestored on a computer somewhere else in the world to your own computer. Similarly, uploading a file means to copy it from your computer to another computer connected to the internet.

There are a few different things that can happen when you attempt to download a file from the internet using your web browser.

If your web browser recognises the type of file as one it can open, it downloads and displays the file inside your browser. This commonly happens with documents and spreadsheets.

If your web browser doesn’t recognise the file, in most cases it opens a window asking you whether you wish to open the file or save it to your computer. If you choose to save it, another window will ask you to decide where you want to save the file.

This box pops up when you use Microsoft Internet Explorer to download files.

In some cases, depending on your web browser, the file may begin downloading immediately to a default location, such as your computer desktop.

You can also choose to right click (using your right mouse button) on the hyperlink to a file you wish to download. This will allow you to choose where to save the file to, even if it is a file that otherwise would be opened in your web browser. This can be very useful when you want to save files rather than view them.