Downloading Something from the Internet

Downloading means copying a file from the Internet onto your computer.

The file might be a document, a picture, a music file, a program, a ZIP folder, or something else that you want to keep and use later.

Finding Something to Download

A website may have a link or button that says Download, Download Now, Save File, Get the App, Download PDF, or Download ZIP.

Press Tab to move through links and controls.

Press B to move by buttons.

Press Insert+F7 to open the JAWS Links List.

When you find the correct Download link or button, press Enter.

What Happens After You Press Download

Sometimes the file begins downloading immediately. Sometimes the browser asks whether you want to save the file. Sometimes Windows may ask where you want to save it.

If a Save dialog opens, use Tab and Shift+Tab to move through the controls.

If you are unsure where to put it, the Downloads folder is usually a good place.

The Downloads Folder

Press the Windows key and type Downloads.

Listen for JAWS to say something such as "Downloads, File folder." If necessary, use the Up Arrow or Down Arrow until you hear the Downloads folder, then press Enter.

Use the Up Arrow and Down Arrow to move through the files you have downloaded.

Recognizing What You Downloaded

.pdf is a PDF document.

.docx is a Microsoft Word document.

.mp3 or .wav is an audio file.

.zip is a compressed folder.

.exe is a Windows program or installer.

Be Careful What You Download

Only download files from websites or people you trust.

A file that appears harmless can sometimes contain malware, spyware, viruses, or instructions that can harm your computer or take you to unsafe websites.

Practice

Open a trusted website that provides a file you can download.

Find the Download link or button and press Enter.

After the download finishes, press the Windows key, type Downloads, open the Downloads folder, and use the Down Arrow key to find the file you just downloaded.

End of this lesson.

Enjoy practicing adding other files and programs to your digital library.