Downloads FAQ

If you have questions about finding, downloading, or opening files in our library, you'll probably find the answer here.

PCWorld.com Downloads Team

Welcome to PC World's downloads library. On this page are the five questions we're asked most frequently, with answers. Below them are links to more questions and topics.

If your question isn't covered, drop a note to webmaster@pcworld.com. Please let us know if this FAQ is useful to you and what we can do to improve it.

How does your collection of downloads compare with others on the Web?

Our mission at PCWorld.com Downloads is to offer only the highest-quality files. Unlike other libraries, we don't stock every piece of shareware on the market. We're very selective. We have spent entire afternoons installing and evaluating files without finding one that's worth adding to our library. If we didn't do that, you might waste even more time trying to contact a vendor's tech support to figure out how to run a program--or even uninstall it.

Because we comb through hundreds of files, only adding those that meet our strict criteria for quality and usefulness, we offer you the highest signal-to-noise ratio of any downloads library on the Web.

What is shareware?

The term shareware refers to software you can try before you buy. Anyone who has the program is encouraged to "share" it with others.

Are your files completely free?

Although all of our downloads are free to try, only some of them are completely free. The free ones have the word free in the beige box to the right of the file description. Other files are free to try, but although you can evaluate them with no obligation, you must pay for the program if you decide to keep it.

When you pay for a program, you are registering it, and in return you will be notified of updates and bug fixes. These fees allow developers to continue to support and update their programs, as well as to develop new ones for you to download.

What's the number one step I can take to avoid problems when I download files?

Check the vendor's site to get the latest information about the file you're planning to download. PC World makes every effort to keep our information up-to-date. However, vendors are always releasing new versions of their files, and a file's system requirements and price may change.

What is PCWorld.com's financial relationship with shareware developers?

PCWorld.com may receive a portion of the registration fee that users pay when registering for the full version of a program.

FAQ Topics:
• Getting Started
• How to Find and Download Files
• Handling Downloadable Files
• Installing Screen Savers, Icons, and Themes
• General Questions
• Updating and Submitting Files
• Problems With a File
• Copyright Complaints About a File

Getting Started

Do I need to make any preparations before I download files?

Downloading is easy, and you'll have no trouble getting the hang of it. However, the process can be deceptively simple. One of the most common mistakes, for instance, is downloading a file and forgetting where it is on your hard drive. (Don't worry, this has happened to all of us!)

To avoid this problem, we suggest you create a special folder for your downloads. You can name it anything, although "My Downloads" is a popular choice because it uses the same naming convention as "My Documents" and "My Audio" in Windows Explorer. You can save your My Downloads folder wherever you want, but we suggest you put it on your desktop or in the root of your C: drive. Either way, the folder will be easy to access.

Some people don't realize that once you install a program, you don't need the original file you downloaded. So unless you plan to install the program again on another computer--or give it to a friend--you can keep your hard drive tidy by deleting installation files after you use them.

Before you start downloading, you should also install an unzipping utility. Click here to read more about this.

What do I need in order to download files?

If you are reading this, you probably have everything you need. The primary requirements are Internet access, sufficient hard drive space to store the files, and a browser that lets you download files. Your modem should be able to transfer at least 28.8 kilobits per second, but 56 kbps or faster is best. We recommend using Netscape Navigator 4.0 or later, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or later; if you are using another browser, it should be able to store incoming files to disk.

How to Find and Download Files

How are files organized on the site?

PCWorld.com's Downloads library is organized into the following categories: Business, Desktop, Fun and Games, Handhelds, Home, Internet, Graphics and Multimedia, and Utilities.

On the index page you'll find Hot Files, Newest Downloads, and collections of files, as well as a new file profiled every day.

The File of the Day is our choice of a superior program. It may be a recent version of a popular software application (such as Eudora or Microsoft's Internet Explorer) or a more obscure file that we think is worth your attention.

You'll also see boxes highlighting our Editors' Picks on the index page, as well as on our category pages. Like our File of the Day, the files in these collections are a cut above the rest.

Category pages also display file listings, which show price, date, and number of downloads. Although these lists are initially sorted by popularity, you can sort them any way you like.

Our file description pages offer detailed information about each file, including its system requirements, operating system, vendor, trial period, and so on.

Finally, don't forget to sign up for our newsletter! It goes out every day, and it includes our picks of the day.

How do I search for files?

To browse the file categories, go to the PCWorld.com Downloads tab and click the top-level category name (such as Business or Multimedia) to see a menu of files in that category.

To search for individual files, use the Search tool at the top of the page and enter a keyword that describes the type of file you are seeking, such as driver or golf. You can also enter the title of the download you want.

Once you find a file you're interested in, you can click on its name to see its complete description and to download the file.

How do I find files mentioned in the current issue of PC World magazine?

There are several ways to find files mentioned in the current issue of the magazine.

First, you can find them on the Downloads page. The link appears below the "File of the Day," which is at the top of the page.

Alternately, you can click Check Out This Month's Issue on the right side of any PCWorld.com page (or click on the Magazine tab), select the appropriate month from the drop-down list, find the story in the table of contents, and look for the name of the download file in the story. The link goes to a page that describes the file; from there you can download it.

If you remember the name of the file, simply search for it directly, as described above.

How do I retrieve a file on your site and download it to my hard drive?

Once you've found a file you'd like to download (see above) and navigated to its description page, click the linked file name in the left side of the Download box; the size of the file is shown on the right. You'll then have the option to download the file.

To download the file, click Download File Now.

If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer, a prompt will appear, giving you the choice to "Run this program from its current location" or "Save this program to disk." Direct your browser to save the file, and specify the directory you've set up to handle downloads.

If you are using Netscape Navigator, a prompt will ask you how you'd like to handle the file. Again, direct your browser to save or store the file, and specify the directory you've set up to handle downloads.

Where does the file go after I've downloaded it?

It's a good idea to save all your downloads in the same folder, as we suggested earlier. Create one yourself if you haven't already, and name it something like My Downloads. Then you'll always know where to look for them.

Handling Downloadable Files

What are.zip files?

Most data, program, text, and graphics files available for download on the Internet are in archives that end in a.zip extension. An archive is a type of binary file that contains one or more files in a compressed format.

Archive files created by the most commonly used archiving software have file names that end in.arc,.arj, or.zip. Files of any type--programs, text, graphics, or binary data--may be found in such archives.

An archive is much smaller than the actual size of the file or files it contains. When archived, a file can be reduced in size by as much as 60 percent, depending on the type of data it contains.

A few file types, including.gif graphics files, can be stored--but not compressed--in an archive. A given archive may contain one, two, or even dozens of files. This allows you to get all the files for a game, spreadsheet, or other program in one download.

How do I open archive files?

A particular kind of utility is required to put files into an archive. The same program, or a similar one, is required to "unpack" those files.

Most of the archives in PCWorld.com's Downloads library can be unpacked with an unzipping utility. You can download several of these from our library, including PKZip and WinZip. And if you're looking for an unzipping utility that's completely free, you might give Free Zipper a try.

What are self-extracting archives, and how do I handle them?

Most.exe files that you download are self-extracting archives that do not require you to use another program to unpack their files. As its name suggests, a self-extracting archive unpacks its own files when you run it.

It's a good idea to unpack these files in a directory set aside for that purpose, such as My Downloads. A self-extracting archive may contain installation files that will be left on your hard drive after you install the program; you'll want to have those files in one place so you can easily delete them later.

Is there anything special to consider when I install downloaded files?

Installing downloaded programs differs little from installing other kinds of software. Most Windows programs--whether commercial, freeware, or shareware--include an installer.

The few programs that require manual installation almost always come with detailed instructions. The readme file (named read.me, readme.txt, or something similar) that comes with most shareware programs usually contains all the information you need to install the program and get started.

If you do have problems, first consult the readme file. If it doesn't provide the information you need, contact the program's author. You can find contact information in the readme file or on the file's description page, where the author's name is located to the right of the file's download link.

As a last resort, you can try contacting PCWorld.com's Downloads library staff by clicking the Contact Us link at the bottom of any page of PCWorld.com.

How do I handle files that don't have installation instructions?

Some types of utilities are so commonplace that their authors don't include installation instructions in the packages. Here are the four most common types. Consult your system manual for information on selecting/activating them:

1. Screen savers: These files usually have the extension.scr. Just put them in the Windows directory (C:\Windows\System).
2. Desktop themes: If you're using Windows Me, Windows 98, or the Plus add-on to Windows 95, extract these files to the Themes directory, which is located in C:\Program Files\Plus!.
3. Wallpapers: These files must have the extension.bmp, and they must reside in the Windows directory.
4. TrueType fonts: Files with the extension.ttf should be placed in the folder C:\Windows\Fonts.

Installing Screen Savers, Icons, and Themes

In the Desktop category of our library, you can find screen savers, icon packages, wallpaper, and themes.

How do I install screen savers?

In the past, screen savers showed flying toasters or stars zooming through space. Now, of course, your Windows screen saver selection includes Leonardo Da Vinci, Flying Windows, and more. But why settle for the options that came with Windows? You can replace them with images from our library, including James Bond, Tyrannosaurus Rex, or soothing waterfalls. To find the many choices, check the screen-saver section of the library.

To install a screen saver, download the program and save it to your Downloads folder. When you unzip the program, it should automatically extract itself to the proper directory in Windows.

All you have to do is go to Control Panel, double click on Display, click the Screen Saver tab, and select the screen saver from the drop-down list.

What are icon packages?

If you're tired of Windows' default icons, take a look at the icon packages in our library. They can change everything from the cursors you see in Word and the pointer you see in Explorer to the Recycle Bin and My Computer icons on your desktop.

To view and install an icon package, you will need an icon manager. We recommend Microangelo, an all-encompassing shareware program. If you prefer a program that is completely free, we recommend Icon Viewer to display your icons and ActivIcons to install them.

What is wallpaper?

Wallpaper refers to what appears on your desktop when all your windows are closed. Yours may have your PC manufacturer's logo or one of the options that come with Windows, such as waves, tiles, or clouds. If you'd like to personalize your desktop, browse some of the files in our library.

To install wallpaper, download the file to your Downloads folder and unzip it. When it unzips, it should automatically go to the proper directory in Windows. All you have to do is open Control Panel, double click on Display, select the Background tab, and then select the new file from the ones listed.

How do I install a desktop theme?

Themes can be likened to suites of desktop files. They include wallpaper, icons, and (typically) music files and sound effects. It is a little more involved to install a desktop theme than an individual screen saver, icon package, or wallpaper file--but it's well worth the effort.

To install a theme, download the file to a folder on your hard drive. Then, using an unzipping utility, extract the files to the C:\ directory of your hard drive. The files should automatically go to your C:\Program Files\Plus!\Themes directory.

Next, open Control Panel and click on Desktop Themes. In the window that appears, you'll see a drop-down box with a list of the themes that came with Windows. Scroll to the bottom of the list and select Other. Windows will now let you locate your theme on your hard drive: You should see a folder for it in the "Themes" directory. Click on the theme you downloaded, and voil?!! Your theme is now installed.

Note: If you don't see a Desktop Themes icon in your control panel, you may not have Microsoft Plus installed. You can order the suite from Microsoft, or you can download this excellent shareware program, which will easily install your desktop theme.

General Questions

Can I access your files for free?

You can browse and download files at no charge. Each file is either freeware, shareware, or a demonstration version of a commercial product.

How does PCWorld.com's Downloads library staff check files for viruses?

All.zip or self-extracting.exe files posted to PCWorld.com's Downloads library are virus-checked with at least two agents before being offered on our site. Also, all formatted text within archives is checked for macro viruses.

Many vendors and contributors are switching from.zip and other compression archives to self-installing Windows executables, which cannot be checked for viruses at this time. We add a disclaimer to the description for any files in this format, warning that the file cannot be virus-checked. We have asked all vendors who distribute archives in a self-installing format to confirm that the program files were virus-checked before they were compiled.

PCWorld.com's Downloads library cannot assume responsibility for any file posted in a self-installing format: It is the user's responsibility to ensure the integrity of their own machines.

How often are your files updated?

We add new files to our library daily. Old files are updated when new versions are released or when the old files become obsolete or are no longer supported.

What if I have an old version of a file?

Download the newer version and install it over the old one. Your data files should remain intact. However, backing up your data files is a good idea, just in case the new program does overwrite your old files. Regular backups are a good practice in any case.

Why can't I download files with Internet Explorer 3.0?

That version of IE sometimes requires that you issue a download command more than once. If you try to initiate a download and nothing happens, right-click the file link, select Save Target As, and follow the prompts to save the file. You may have to do that several times.

Why can't I download files with Netscape Navigator 2.0 or Internet Explorer 2.0?

Earlier versions of Navigator and Internet Explorer are too outdated to work well with many current Web pages, including PCWorld.com's Downloads library. This site was designed to look best on Internet Explorer 4.0 or later and on Navigator 4.0 or later. We encourage you to upgrade to a current version of the browser of your choice.

Updating and Submitting Files

How do I submit a file?

We are always on the lookout for innovative new files. If you have a file that you think deserves to be reviewed, please submit it online with the following information:

• Program name
• Program type (shareware/trial, freeware, beta/prerelease, demo, or public domain)
• Version and date
• Platform your product requires (Windows 9x, Windows Me, Windows NT 3.5 or 4.0, Windows 3.x, DOS, UNIX, Linux, or OS/2)
• Your e-mail address
• Your home page
• The URL of the Web site from which the program can be downloaded
• The type of program, such as antivirus, desktop icon, browser, or driver
• A short description of the program (less than 100 words, please)
• Additional system requirements for successfully using the program, such as DirectX or Visual Basic run-time files

How can I submit updates to a download file?

If you are releasing an update of a file that we currently have in our library, please notify us by filling out this form.

Problems With a File

I've tried repeatedly to download a file, but I can't seem to get the complete file to download. I know it's a large file, but what's the problem?

First, make sure you've followed the download instructions. You may also want to test your system; the simplest way to do that is to download a small file from another site.

At certain times--mainly during the early evening hours and on weekends--more people are trying to download files than the system can handle. At other times, network connections may be slow or even fail.

Such conditions translate to long waits and occasional file-transfer interrupts. If you are having difficulty transferring a file, you might want to try downloading the file at another time. You could also restart the file transfer; doing so will sometimes give you a better network connection.

You might also try using a download file manager, such as Netscape's SmartDownload or Headlight Software's GetRight. They automatically pause a download when you're disconnected, then when you're reconnected, they pick up the download where it left off.

Why can I download files from other sites but not from PCWorld.com's Downloads library?

Make sure you have followed the download instructions and that your system is working properly. You may need to try again when the system is not as busy.

I am having trouble downloading a file from your site. What should I do?

If you are getting an error message when you try to download a file, or if you find the link to be otherwise broken, we may be in the process of updating the file. We suggest you try again at another time or send an e-mail to our Webmaster at webmaster@pcworld.com.

When I try to download a.zip file, Navigator says it needs a "helper application." What's that?

Navigator may ask for a helper application when you begin to download a.zip file. You can rectify the problem by specifying what Navigator is to do with.zip files. Look in your browser's Help file for how to download a.zip file, or upgrade to a newer browser.

The program I downloaded says it needs additional drivers. Where can I find them?

To find drivers, check the Add-Ins and Patches links in the product category of the program you downloaded.

I am having trouble installing or running a file I obtained from your site. What should I do?

We have tried to minimize potential problems by adding files to our library only after we install and evaluate them on a desktop PC. Despite our best efforts, some of the files in our library may have problems we didn't experience when we tested them.

If you are having problems with a file, please let our Webmaster know by e-mailing webmaster@pcworld.com. Then our Downloads team can reevaluate the file and consider removing it.

Although we appreciate your feedback, we can't provide technical assistance troubleshooting problems you may experience. We suggest that you contact the file's author (you can find contact information on the file description page or in the program's readme file).

Copyright Concerns About a File

If you have a copyright concern or question regarding material posted on the PCWorld.com Web site, please contact us promptly. E-mail copyright@pcworld.com or contact:

PC World Downloads

31 St. James Avenue, Suite 260

Boston, MA 02116

Tel.: 617/482-2703

Fax: 617/426-0235

Or:

Ulla McGee, General Manager

PC World Communications, Inc.

501 Second Street

San Francisco, CA 94107

Tel.: 415/243-050

Fax: 415/442-1891