1. Find a program to download and complete the download process.
2. Having received a program, decompress/unzip/unpack it.
3. Install it.
4. Run your virus checker and see if it comes out clean. If it comes from a reputable shareware site, these checks are to have been done before it was even put in a place to share. But it doesn't hurt to double check it.

Example.

Got to http://www.shareware.com

If you do not have a program that can decompress files which is already installed on your computer, search for a program that will unpack compressed files. In windows you might use PKunzip or 123ZIP. On a Mac you might use UnStuffit or UnBinHex or both. Click on the links from the shareware site until download starts. This decompressor file should already be an executable file. You can skip step 2 above. That is, it is not compressed so it will be ready to install when you receive it.

Once you have that program downloaded you must install it. Double click on the file to start the install process for your decompress/unzip program.

1. Once this file is installed, the next step should be simple. Download another program that you want.

2. Find the next file you downloaded in ZIP format, say WSFTP.zip or a QVT.zip file, and double click it. If your decompressor software is installed, it will be found and it will begin the process. In Windows for example, if 123zip is installed, the file you double click should find 123ZIP and begin the process of unpacking itself. That is, it will display many sub-file names. You need to highlight/select the entire list of whatever is there and select Edit in the menu bar then select UnZip from there.

3. Once unzipped (unpacked), you will have a folder with all the necessary files fo installation. In Windows for example with the QVT program look in this folder for the SetUp.exe file and double click that. Screens will come up to walk you thru the install process.

4. Run your virus checker.

5. The final step of course is to run the application in question and see if you can figure it out. Look for help commands in the menu bar or Help files in the folder with the application you downloaded.