"Do you want to run or save this file" is a question which appears quite often when downloading programs.

Question

Could someone explain how the options differ and which is normally advisable

Answer 1

Run file = saved in temp folder and opened when download complete, will self destruct when closed
Save File = file saved in your normal saved documents folder, unless otherwise altered by user, and can be opened at any time, to be removed by the user as with any other saved file

Answer 2

I usually download from safe sites, and have a scanner that checks all downloads. (AVG or Avast anti virus are good for this.)
So I tick Save, then when it asks me where I want to save it I select the desktop. But I'm using a limited account, not the administrators account, so its less risky. The limited account can't install software, and that includes some spyware.
Then I check it with the anti virus, and at least one anti spyware.

That means I have the installation file which I can backup, so if I have to reformat I've got a back up of all my software and don't have to track it all down and download it again. A copy goes to a backup folder, and the original goes to the admin account to install and try out the software. Check the license agreement allows you to do this; most do. If not, delete the backup.

Answer 3

Well it depends if you want o keep the document you are opening.
it is advisable to only press open if you don't know the site as the document may contain a virus.
but if you know the site and trust the sight then pressing save is a good way to go into the site really quickly

Answer 4

If you run the file, it is saved most likely into your temp folder and then it is run from there.
If you save the file, you can choose where you want to save it and then run it when you want to.

Answer 5

if you run it it will just be for that time, you would need to save it and then install it