20. Should I RUN or SAVE downloaded software?
When you try to install any software from an Internet site, you may get a small dialog window appearing, asking you if you want to “RUN” or “SAVE” the file.
- The “RUN” option means that Windows will only store the application temporarily, and try to run it (proceed with the install) as soon as downloading is completed.
- The “SAVE” option means that Windows will store the application in a place you specify, but will not try to run the program after it has downloaded the file.
Only chose the “RUN” option if you know the application being copied or downloaded, and trust the website and the company that's supplying it.
Otherwise, select “SAVE” and somewhere to store it on your hard disk. If you use Firefox, it will automatically be put into your 'downloads' folder.
Choosing save lets you scan the installer for viruses, before you install it. This removes some of the risk of using software from the Internet. Never download software from websites or suppliers that you do not know well enough to trust.
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