EZ-Net Download FAQ

Q. What is downloading?  
A. Downloading is the process of transferring files from a remote computer to your computer over the Internet.  This can be done using your web browser or an FTP client.  This FAQ will cover this process when using your web browser interface - see our FTP FAQ for information on downloading via FTP clients.  

Q. How do I download a file that I want?  
A. Once you have located a file to download on the World Wide Web, simply click on the link to the file.  These links can be the actual file name or a "download" link near the file name or description.  Once you have initiated this action, you will be asked where you want to save this file to on your computer.  Simply navigate to the folder that is acceptable and click "save" or "ok" to start the download.  

Q. How long does it take to download files?  
A. That depends on how big the files are!  An average transfer rate for a 28.8 modem is about 2.5k per second, the average transfer rate for a 56K modem is about 4.5k per second.  Transfer rates depend on several factors: 1) the quality of your modem and its connection to EZ-Net 2) the ability of the server that you are requesting the file from.  Both of these factors affect file downloads.  With that said, lets look at how long it takes to download 1MB (1024k) considering different connection speeds (again this is average):

Q. Once a file is downloaded to my computer, what do I do with it?  
A. If you downloaded a program, you will need to install it onto your computer.  Programs are "archived" in two formats: ".exe" files are self-extracting and need only be double-clicked on to initiate installation.  ".zip" files are compressed archives that require a compression utility program to uncompress them before installation can be completed.  

Q. Where can I find a compression utility?  
A. Several different compression utilities such as Win Zip & Turbo Zip (or Stuffit-Expander for Mac) are available from Download.com, Shareware.com, and Tucows.  Download these as explained above and install onto your computer.  

Q. Once I have a compression utility, what do I do with ".zip" files?  
A. Simply double-click the zipped file that you downloaded and your compression utility will automatically start and ask you where you want this archive extracted to.  Select a folder to extract to and all files in the archive will be placed within this folder.  Once extraction is complete, find the program labeled "setup" or "install" in the folder that you extracted the archive to and double-click it.  Follow any instructions presented to you and you're on you way!