when you download something, is it better to run or install it?

Question

What's the difference?

Or you know, run or save? because some programs say to run...whatever program, but when they don't specify should you save it?

Answer 1

I did not clearly understand your question. Here's how I interpreted it. I assume that you want to download an exe file from the internet and you are confused with the dialog box that your browser pops up asking you wheather to save tjhe file onto your disk or to run it from its current location.

I'd suggest you save the installation file first. That way, you can thoroughly scan the installation package for malware and ensure that you are not opening a package infected with all kinds of malware. Moreover, you'll have a back-up copy of the software to fall back on should anything go wrong.

Should you choose to run the exe file from its current location, you risk malware infection as well as a partial/incomplete/problematic install. I've had bitter experiences with ceratin installtion programs that fail to setup correctly when your run then directly off the server.

The basic difference is when you choose to "Save File to Disk" you instruct your browser to download the entire setup file and when you opt for "Run from Current Location" you don't have to download the installer onto your disk, the setup file is present on the server but it is run in a special way so as the install the software on your PC.

Answer 2

Ok, if you're sure it's from a safe source (i.e. no viruses nor spyware) then you can run it straight away and this will take you to the programs installation wizard. This will guide you thru the installation process. However, if you are downloading from a non secure source...maybe a peer to peer program for example, then it is always best to save it first, the desktop is a good place to save it to, and then when it has finished downloading, right click on the icon and scan the program with your anti-virus. if it comes up ok, then double click, and this will initiate the installation wizard. Once installed, you can delete the icon from the desktop without causing any loss or damage to the program you just installed.

Hope this is clear enough.

Answer 3

When you download an application, 99% of the time, you're downloading an installer program. This program (when you run it) will setup the application to work properly on your machine. This means putting the application executable (the actual program) in its proper place, then adding settings where appropriate for that application and notifying Windows of its presence. Once that's done (it's called installing an application) then you can run that application by double-clicking the .exe file that was unpacked during installation. Most installers will setup a shortcut to that .exe file and put it in your Start menu to make things easy.

You almost always have to install an application before running it.

Answer 4

The two options are to Run it or Save it. Run it simply means it installs directly to your computer from the site. To Save means you save the executeable(.exe) somewhere on your pc, and then install from the executeable. The advantage is that you have executeables and should you do a complete reinstall you can reinstall all the software back without having to go out and look for it and download it.
Have a good one

Answer 5

You mean run it or save it? I usually save it in my docs in a folder labeled properly to let me know what it is. If its good software, I dont have to download it again! If its bad, delete it!

Answer 6

You need to run it to install it

Answer 7

Save to disc in case you need to reinstalled

Answer 8

no when you donwload anything save it to desktop frist then check for virus and spyware be for you open the file to install

Answer 9

You often need to install something in order to rn it.

Answer 10

i think u should run it then to install it.