Note: The following is intended only as a set of guidelines. Consult the documentation that came with your computer or the software in question for additional guidance.

Software comes from only one of five possible sources:

1. It has been installed on your computer prior to delivery. Your pre-installed operating system is, of course, the best example. Other pre-installed programs may include anti-virus software or MS Works. You may have occasion to re-install such software: when asked where to put software during such re-installation, simply select its default location.
2. You install it from a CD or a floppy diskette. Ordinarily, when asked for a target directory, you should allow it to be put to the default location (usually C:/Program Files/appname).
3. You download and pay for it and install it from a website. Downloads arrive as a single file and then either expand or self-install when they are "opened." When asked where you want this downloaded, allow it to download into whatever folder the PC indicates, or you can create a top-level folder on the "C:\" drive called "My Downloads" and force everything there (which makes it easier to locate such programs if you encounter any problems with your system after downloading). You should backup these single download files by putting them onto a separate disk and labeling them with any account or registration identification numbers. This way, the software can be reinstalled in the future, if necessary, without repurchasing it. You may then delete these downloads from your hard drive. Be sure to bookmark the website where you obtained the file so you can return to it, in the event that you encounter problems or need support.
4. You download and install it for free from a website. Downloads arrive as a single file and then either expand or self-install when they are "opened." You can allow the incoming file to download into whatever folder it chooses, or you can create a top-level folder on the C: drive called "My Downloads" and direct everything into this folder. You can delete these single download files after they have been "opened" and the installation process has completed. Be sure to bookmark the website where you obtained the file so you can return to it, in the event you need to reinstall it.
5. Someone emails you an executable file (i.e., a file with a .exe or .vbs extension). Such files are frequently, indeed, almost invariably, viruses. Do not open such a file unless you are sure that you know what you are doing. Do not rely on your anti-virus software to catch it: it may be a virus released since your latest virus update.

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