I Know I Downloaded It…Where Did It Go?

Aug 30, 2011 by Linda Anderson

Being regularly active on your computer means you need to download lots of new or updated software. Or you might like to save pictures, PDFs, or work documents. Once you find something you need on the web, it’s usually quite easy to start the download process. However, actually finding it on your computer can be a complicated matter.

So how do you figure out where your files are going? It depends on the web browser you use, but once you know how it’s done, you can set it up to always store your downloads in the folder you specify where you’ll easily remember.

Before you configure your browser for downloading, you’ll need to decide exactly where you want to save everything. Windows 7 (Libraries) and Macs (OS X Finder - video) have their own systems for file organization, but I like to have one folder I created called Downloads, where I can easily find everything new, just inside my auxiliary drive (my D drive). Having everything stored on my auxiliary drive comes in handy when I create backups, too.

Inside this Downloads folder, I have other folders for each type of download, such as images, software, or templates. If you like to have everything within quick reach, you could even keep this Downloads folder on your Desktop.

Now for the fun part – discovering exactly how to manage your downloads. Don’t worry – it’s actually pretty simple. Choose one of the following tips for your particular browser:

Managing downloads for Firefox »

Managing downloads for Internet Explorer 9 »

Managing downloads for Google Chrome »

Managing downloads for Safari »

Handy App

It should come as no surprise that quite a few popular applications that live on your computer have migrated to the smartphone. Skype is one of them. It currently works on several types of platforms: iPhone, Android, Symbian, and Verizon Wireless Android and BlackBerry.