| Need more information about downloading?
Don't conform to the above criteria? Confused? You won't
be after reading this article.
Downloading isn't scary. You have done it a million
times already without even realizing it. You download
information every time you look at a web page (an HTML
file). The file is downloaded by the modem and is displayed
in your web browser as text and graphics. You man the
controls by choosing the pages you want and clicking
on links.
Many online
casinos are based on a clients computer (yours,
that you are looking at right now) and are freestanding
executable files, or applications, that need to be downloaded.
You are already familiar with applications as well.
Your web browser (most likely Explorer) is an application.
Java and Flash
casinos are applications based on the server's computer,
because they are smaller in file size. Downloading casinos
have more engaging graphics, features (such as being
able to message with your fellow players), and faster
smoother games and as such are larger in file size.
Download casinos have a larger file size due to their
extra features.
Applications are sent smaller than what they really
are. Like those sponges that fluff up when you wet them,
your computer extracts the information from the application,
making it full size again, and saves it on your hard
drive. You'll be able to play client sided games as
soon as you download and install. This may take more
time initially than the server side casinos, but the
payoff is a more appealing game.
Decided to give it a try? Good for you! Now let's see
if your computer is ready for it. You need to see if
you have enough room on your memory for both the compressed
file and the extracted files. You can find out how much
space you will need to download and operate the casino
on their website. Don't be surprised that the actual
program is larger than the downloading file (the program
running is the extracted file). To be sure you don't
overstuff your hard drive, you can check the capacity
by opening Windows Explorer and highlighting the drive
(A: , B: , C: , etc…) and left-clicking it once.
Then, while keeping the mouse on the chosen drive, right-click
and scroll to Properties. Now you will see a window
with a pie graph at the bottom. This pie graph shows
you how much of your disk space is used and how much
is free (or available for use). Make sure you leave
plenty of room on your hard drive so that you can add
more files later and you don't slow down your computer
(computers, like people, are slow when they are full).
Of course if your modem isn't up to speed there's no
point in checking your hardware. Be sure your modem
is at least a 56k. If it's not, most internet casinos
will be happy to send you a CD-ROM version of their
software via snail mail. Your file will download faster
depending on your modem speed:
• DSL, cable modem, and T1 – The Lamborghini
of connection rates. You'll download the entire casino
software faster than most commercial breaks.
• ISDN, DSL (faster than modem, slower than above)
– The S.U.V. of connection rates. Do a quick load
of laundry (including sorting time) and get yourself
a drink. That wasn't so bad, was it?
• Modem (28.8 – 56.6kps) – The equivalent
of a nice reliable family sedan. Watch a few reruns
and get back to your computer after an hour.
• Modem (14.4kps and below) – Remember
the Punto, Yugo, and the mighty Gremlin? Well that is
the equivalent car to your modem. Ditch it and go buy
yourself a new computer!
Feeling better? You should be. Now that you know what
you need, you are ready to learn how
to download.
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