In the 80s and 90s, users used Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to swap small text files and basic software. Speeds were measured in kilobits, and a single image could take minutes to load.

The Ultimate Guide to Downloading: History, Safety, and Best Practices

Installers (like .exe or .dmg files) that add programs to your system.

Always keep your antivirus software active. Services like VirusTotal allow you to upload a file or URL to be scanned by dozens of different antivirus engines before you open it.

Files like .ZIP or .RAR that bundle many files into one smaller package to save space. 4. Safety First: How to Avoid Malware