• Read the software publishers description, and note the cost associated with keeping the software. Usually, you can download software with paying for it first, use it for a trial period, then purchase it.
• Also note the size of the software file measured in KB (Kilobytes or thousands of bytes) or MB (Megabytes or millions of bytes). TUCOWS lists its download file sizes in Bytes ("Byte Size"). A larger number means the file will take longer to download (this depends on your Internet connection speed). The file size for "Animated Chinese Checkers" is 403.4 Kilobytes (about half a megabyte); the approximate download times for this game file are: 28.8 Kbps modem - 3 minutes; 56 Kbps modem - 1.5 minutes; T1, LAN or other High Speed connection - 3 seconds.

Here's a guide to approximate download times:

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• The "File Download" window prompts you to "Save this program to disk". Click OK to continue.

• The "Save As" window prompts you to save the download file somewhere on your computer.
• In this example we save the download file to the Windows Desktop (TUCOWS recommends downloading to your Desktop).

• If necessary, click the "Up a level" folder icon until you can see your Desktop contents (you may have to click more than once). Then click the Save button to save the download file on your hard drives Desktop.
• You will see a download progress dialog indicating that the file is being downloaded to your computer. This window is usually displayed for as long as it takes to complete the download. A small file and/or fast Internet connection makes this a short wait; a large file and/or a slow Internet connection makes this a longer wait.



• Note that the download progress dialog displays the estimated time to complete the download, and reminds you where on your computers hard drive the file is being downloaded.
• During the download process you can continue using your computer, working in other windows, including your Internet browser. The download process and dialog will remain active even if hidden behind other windows.
• When the download process is complete the download progress window will display "Download Complete". Click the Close button to close the download progress dialog. (If the box beside "Close this dialog box when download completes" was checked, the window will close automatically.)

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Assuming you saved the download file to your Desktop, it should be easy to locate. Download files are usually compressed in size to speed up their download time and to combine several files into one package. (However, not all download files are compressed; if the file is small, it may not need to be decompressed, so once you've located the file you may be able to skip the rest of Step 3.)

Usually, after downloading, the file needs to be "decompressed" or "extracted" before you can use it. Most compressed download files on TUCOWS are "self-extracting", which means that you don't need to do anything except start the process.* The file you have downloaded (in this example "32chex10.exe") is not the actual "Animated Chinese Checkers" game file; it is the download file.

* "Self-extracting" software is compressed software that doesnt need any other software to decompress it after it has been downloaded

• Minimize all open windows to display your Desktop (a quick way to do this is by right-clicking the gray area of your Task Bar, then left-clicking "Minimize All Windows").
• Double-click the "32chex10.exe" icon on your desktop (most download files have ".exe" at the end of their filename; "exe" stands for "executable").
• The Self-Extractor dialog window prompts you to "Setup". ("WinZip" appears in this dialog because was used to compress the "Animated Chinese Checkers" game file but you do not require WinZip yourself to decompress this file.)



• Click the Setup button to start the self-extraction and installation process. Note that different download programs use different extractors, so the image above will not always look the same.

Note: some TUCOWS software is "Try and Buy" trialware (can be used for free for a limited time), and will display a TUCOWS/Vbox window when launched, reminding you to purchase a license. View our tutorial on How to Try and Buy TUCOWS software.

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The Self-Extractor starts the installation process by converting the original download file (32chex10.exe) into the "Animated Chinese Checkers" game file (Cchecker.exe) which is stored in your computer. Different download programs use different installers, so the installer images below will not always look the same.

• The Ultisoft Installer dialog window prompts you to install the "Animated Chinese Checkers" game file in a specific place on your hard drive. (Ultisoft is the software publisher.) The Installer recommends a place to install the game file. You can change the location if you wish, but usually its best to stick with whats recommended.

• Click the Install button to continue.
• The Installer dialog indicates installation progress and completion. Click the Quit button to close the Installer dialog.

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When downloaded files are installed, shortcuts to start using the program are often placed automatically on your Desktop, in your Windows Program Group, and in your Start Menu. This can vary depending on the software publisher (TUCOWS has no control over this). After you quit the Installer dialog, your computer may display a Windows Explorer window with a shortcut to launch, or start the program "Animated Chinese Checkers". Once youve located the game file, you can start playing!

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• Downloaded shareware is free to use for a short time (usually a few weeks). Dont forget to pay the shareware fee as directed by the Software Publisher. Payment reminder and instructions usually appear after the free trial period, every time you start the program (until you pay for it).

Note: some TUCOWS software is "Try and Buy" trialware (can be used for free for a limited time), and will display a TUCOWS/Vbox window when launched, reminding you to purchase a license. View our tutorial on How to Try and Buy TUCOWS software.

Back to the beginning

After youve downloaded the "Animated Chinese Checkers" game file, decompressed or extracted it, installed, and successfully opened and played it, you may wish to delete the original download "setup" file which is not needed anymore. However, in the unlikely event that something goes awry with your installed game file, you may wish to install it again using the original download file.

• Locate the "32chex10.exe" download file (likely on your Desktop). Right-click the "32chex10.exe" icon, then left-click Delete. Click Yes to confirm you want it moved to the Recycle Bin. Or, just left-click the icon, then drag it to the Recycle Bin icon on the left of your Desktop.
• When you delete the downloaded file from your hard drive, if you need to install it again youll have to return to the TUCOWS site and start over again.

• Keep the downloaded file in a safe place so you can install the program on your hard drive again at a later date.
• Locate the "32chex10.exe" download file (likely on your Desktop) and move it to a backup disk (a floppy diskette, Zip Drive, etc.), or to a folder on your hard drive you created for storing downloaded installer files (e.g. C:\downloaded files or C:\installer files).