Safe Downloads
Downloading means copying a file from the internet to your computer. Not every download is safe. Downloading the wrong file can harm your computer or let strangers access your data.
Safe vs Unsafe Downloads
✅ Safe to Download
A PDF worksheet from your school website.
A free app from an official app store.
A document your teacher emailed you.
An image from a trusted education website.
A free app from an official app store.
A document your teacher emailed you.
An image from a trusted education website.
❌ Unsafe to Download
A file from a pop-up saying "You won a prize!"
A program from an unknown website.
Any file a stranger sends you online.
A file with a suspicious name like "free_hack.exe".
A program from an unknown website.
Any file a stranger sends you online.
A file with a suspicious name like "free_hack.exe".
Downloading a File Safely
Downloading from a trusted site — safe and complete!
Dangerous File Types to Watch Out For
Some file types can carry harmful programs called viruses or malware. Be very careful with these extensions if they come from unknown sources:
⚠️ .exe — A program file. Only download from official trusted sources.
⚠️ .bat — A batch script that runs commands automatically.
⚠️ .zip — A compressed folder that could hide harmful files inside.
⚠️ .exe — A program file. Only download from official trusted sources.
⚠️ .bat — A batch script that runs commands automatically.
⚠️ .zip — A compressed folder that could hide harmful files inside.
⚠️Pop-up Warning!
If a website suddenly shows a message like "Your computer has a virus — click here to fix it!", do NOT click it. Close that browser tab immediately. These are fake warnings designed to trick you.
If a website suddenly shows a message like "Your computer has a virus — click here to fix it!", do NOT click it. Close that browser tab immediately. These are fake warnings designed to trick you.
Before You Download — Checklist
✅Did an adult say it is okay to download this?
✅Is the website address starting with https:// (the padlock 🔒)?
✅Do I recognise the website? Is it a school or official site?
✅Did someone I trust send or recommend this file?
✅Is the file type something safe like .pdf, .jpg, or .docx?
💡 Always go to the Downloads folder to check what was downloaded. If you see a file you do not recognise, ask an adult before opening it.
Quick Exercise
Q1. A pop-up says "Click here to win a free tablet!" What should you do?
✅ Do not click it. Close the tab or window immediately. Tell a trusted adult. It is a fake trick to get you to download something harmful.
Q2. Which is safer to download — a PDF from your school website, or an .exe from an unknown site?
✅ The PDF from your school website. It comes from a trusted source. An .exe file from an unknown site can carry viruses.
Q3. What does the padlock 🔒 in a website address mean?
✅ It means the website uses a secure connection (https). Your data travels safely between your computer and that website.
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