How many times have you downloaded a programme and seen a message that asks “Do you want to run or save the file”? Probably many times. But do you actually know what you should choose?
Firstly, I’m going to assume that you are running antivirus software and if you’re on a server that your administrator is aware that you’re installing software.
Selecting ‘Run’ is the fast option and automatically downloads the software so that your computer can run the downloaded setup file. The download is placed in a temporary area on your PC so this not only removes your control over the process but depending on the download process may leave behind a temporary file. Over time the more files you download to the temporary area the more disk space is possibly taken up by temporary files.
My advice though is that you should generally not use the ‘Run’ option as you don’t have control of the process.
Whereas, selecting ‘Save’ gives you more control. You can firstly save the file in a location that you select and if required virus check the application before you open it. An additional benefit is that you now have a physical copy of the application on your PC, so should you ever need to re-install the application then you simply go to where it’s downloaded.
So in summary:
- Save the download to an area on your PC that you select
- Virus check the application
- Then install if all is ok
If you need any advice then please contact me at david@bgcit.co.uk
Problem free computing will be a reality.
