Run vs Save When Downloading Programs or Files
When downloading documents or program files from the Internet, such as the Symantec AntiVirus program available from the ITS Help Desk Software Download site, your browser will ask if you want to run or save the file. Which option should you choose and what is the difference?
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Run/Open - If you choose to run the file (for some file types your choice will be "open" instead of run), the file is saved to a temporary folder on your computer and run or opened automatically.
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Save - If you choose to save the file, you will have the option of deciding where the file is saved on your computer and exactly when you want to run or open it.
You have more control over the file by choosing the save option. Besides deciding when to run or open the file, you can perform additional actions, such as running a virus scan on the file to see if it is clean and safe. To scan a file after saving it to your computer, right click on the file and choose the Scan for Viruses option.
In general, you shouldn't accept or download files or programs from sources that you don't trust. And even if you think you know the source of the file (for example, you may have received a link from a buddy on your instant messenger program), it can still be a disguised attempt to infect your computer with a virus. So choosing to save the file, rather than running or opening it directly, provides an extra layer of security.
For more information about keeping your computer safe, see the ITS Help Desk Security Center.
Last Updated: 04/24/2008