Software basics on the Internet

1
Software basics on the Internet

• Most people do not use their personal computer to
  its fullest potential as they dont know how to
  program nor have the time for it.
• Internet access gives access to other peoples
  software.
• The software is only as correct, enjoyable, or
  safe as those creating it.
• Consider the source
• Consider the cost
• Use message boards and discussion groups to check
  out the software.

2
Types of Software

• Commercial from a commercial vender online.
  Typically you pay for a licensing fee and are
  able to download the software from the web site.
• Tends to be safe.
• Shareware Either free versions of commercial
  software or software made available essentially
  for free with a small surcharge.
• Freeware Software that is freely distributed.
• Open source Software that includes the source
  code, allowing you to make changes. (LINUX, UNIX
  operating systems and academic programs are often
  open source.

3
Downloading Software

• Ensure the software does not contain malicious
  code using a virus checker with updated files.
• Sometimes you will be asked to turn off your
  virus checker use common sense.
• Save to disk or run from current location?
  Saving to disk is safer.
• Your browser may suggest a place to store the
  file, but you can override this.
• Read the readme files!!
• If the executable file is downloaded, then you
  are done, otherwise the code you downloaded is an
  installer program and needs to be run to
  install the software on your machine.
• MS provides an Install shield to help software
  developers install software on your machine.

4
Anti-Virus Protection

• Remember Windows is the most popular target of
  virus creators. On a Windows machine, dont
  download software without an anti-virus program.
• Check out the source use message boards and
  software review sites. If they have a virus, you
  may be forewarned.
• Keep your anti-virus software up to date and
  running in the background.
• Just downloading the software wont harm you it
  has to run on your machine to infect you.
  Select save options over run in place.

5
Typical Downloading Process

• Download zipped installer program.
• Unzip to a temporary directory
• Run the installer (and select final directory for
  software)
• Sometimes restart machine.
• Verify software is working.

6
ActiveX Installations

• ActiveX is a Microsoft product designed to ease
  downloading and installation.
• Downloads and installs in one step.
• Does not allow for virus scanning due to the
  one-step nature.
• Therefore be careful!

7
Where to get Software?

• Commercial outlets Typically safest.
• Software repositories Often contain free
  software that others create and upload.
• FTP repositories repositories reached through
  File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Typically FTP
  allows an anonymous user id to login and et
  publicly available software or other files.

8
Miscellaneous Terms

• Adware Software that display ads.
• Nagware Shareware that periodically reminds you
  to register for a full version.
• Spyware Software that tracks your activities
  and reports to some agent.
• Trial Version A software version with less
  capability than the normal software used to test
  drive the product. They often expire after a
  period of time or number of uses.
• Zipped Files compressed files and groups of
  files. The format allows for efficient file
  transfer.