If your computer's defenses are current and active, and you're convinced the file you're about to download is legitimate, then you're ready to download. Before you open a file or install a program, follow these directions to save it to your hard disk drive. That way, your antivirus software can check the file and delete it if it detects potentially damaging code. 1. | Save all your work to help avoid losing data in case a problem occurs. If you can't remember the last time you backed up your computer, see your system administrator about how to do it. Installing some software programs can erase data on a computer (though not always intentionally). | 2. | Double-click the link or the file to start the download. Internet Explorer 7 displays the warning shown in the following graphic. If you're downloading a document, you'll see an Open button instead of Run.  | 3. | If you have any doubt at all about the file, click Save. | 4. | Browse where you want to save the file, and click Save.  | 5. | After you've saved the file to your hard disk drive, double-click the file to open or run it. If your antivirus program detects a virus, do not continue. Delete the file from your hard disk drive, and delete the message if the file was attached to e-mail. | 6. | Internet Explorer displays one last warning, shown in the following graphic. Click Run only if you have absolute trust in the source of the download. Click the publisher name to check for a valid digital signature. If you cannot click the name, the file has not been digitally signed.  | 7. | If you see "The digital signature is OK," when you click the publisher name, click Run. If you do not see this sentence, you can't be sure either of the source, or that the file has not been tampered with since it was published. Click Run only if you have absolute trust in the source of the download.  | 8. | Carefully read the license agreement, and if you agree with the terms, click I agree. Surprisingly, programs bundled with spyware, for example, will often specify in the license agreement that they will monitor your surfing habits or display advertisements. When you click "I agree," you're giving the software publishers permission to track your computer on the Web or display ads. | 9. | Follow the directions on your screen if you are installing a program. |
 Be cautious with certain file types
Although no type of file is perfectly safe, pictures, music, and text files with names ending in .JPG, .GIF, .MP3, or .TXT are less likely to be harmful. Be extra cautious with all other file types. Files with names ending in .EXE, .COM, .BAT, and .VBS in particular can contain code, which if harmful, could damage your system.
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