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File
Archive Sites
Files can be downloaded from a variety of sites; I
might have some files (GEDCOMs for instance) available on my web site,
or you might find a shareware program on the program's web page. Other
places to find files are called file archives. There are a few genealogy-specific
file archives available, and several general file archives where you
can find files pertaining to just about every subject, including genealogy.
The Process
To show you the steps involved in a file download,
let's look at an actual file archive site. Softseek.com is one of my
favorite general archives, it has files for IBM compatibles only (can
replace the Softseek site with Shareware.com or one of the other general
file archive sites that supports Macintosh files), and has the files
arranged by topic. The genealogy section of Softseek.com can be found
at:
http://www.softseek.com/Home_Family_and_Leisure/Genealogy/
Once there you will see a list of (at the time of
this writing) thirteen genealogy files available for download. If you
scroll down to the bottom you'll see a file named GenDesigner. Click
on that name and you'll be brought to the program's description page.
There you can read about the file, and determine whether or not it is
what you are looking for.
To download the file, click on the link listed below
the words Download from: and, depending on your browser and its
preferences, you may see either a request to save the file, or a box
offering you several options, including a chance to save the file.
It doesn't matter which browser you are using -- all
will give you the option of saving the file. Since your goal is to transfer
the file from the softseek.com site to your own computer, that is the
option you should choose.
You will probably be asked where you want the file
saved. Choose a directory that you have set up for that purpose; if
you save to your root directory, or one in which you have other programs,
you may end up being confused about which files are needed and which
are files you have downloaded.
I create a "temp" directory that I send all of my
downloads to. After I have un-archived, or otherwise executed the file,
I go back to the Temp directory and delete the original archived file
that I downloaded earlier.
Once the download window closes, you have saved the
file to your computer and can now un-archive, or execute the program
so it will install itself.
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