Use Descriptive Filenames on Downloads

I download software from the internet from time to time, as most people do. I keep all of my downloads in one folder, aptly called Downloads. However, when you download some software, the filenames of those files are sometimes very cryptic, and you really don’t have any clue by the filename what application it installs. The alternative is to begin the install just to identify the program, then cancel the installation.

What makes more sense is to simply change the filename when you download it. When you begin to download, you will get the “Save As” dialog box. The existing name for the file will be in place. Simply use a more descriptive name before saving it. The file will run the same regardless of what it is called. And you will be able to tell at a glance what the software is.

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An alternative to changing the filename of a download to something descriptive is to keep the original filename and save it to a descriptively-named sub-folder of Downloads. This application-specific folder can also be used to hold any other files relevant to that application, such as manuals or reviews. It will also help to keep your Downloads folder tidy.