I found this at another forum, it's pretty handy when you want to directly link to a download, but don't know how.

Instructions:

1. Visit the site that has the download.
2. Right click on the link that takes you DIRECTLY to the download.
3. Select "Copy Shortcut".
4. Paste the direct link to the file/program wherever you choose- a bulletin board, IM message, chatroom, or anywhere else you would like.

If you follow these 4 easy steps, this will save you the trouble of having to manually type the address out, since when the file comes up for download the address bar pops up too fast to copy and then immediately goes away and is replaced by a 'file download' box.

Just a little trick for saving time, I didn't know how to do this until recently- its pretty neat

It's a good trick - but won't always work for things that are updated frequently.

Also, if you use it for others, let them know that it's a direct link. The download notification popping up unexpectedly can freak some folks out!

It also can be used for any link that you know is valid. For example: When I recommend the program SpeedFan here, I do a google search for "speedfan", then right click on the link and copy it's location (as Alpha Blue stated) - and then paste it into my post.

You should also check TOS on the site you are doing that with, just to be nice. Some places prefer you don't so they can route people through agreements and whatnot.

Oh yeah, good point talenak, didn't think of that.

I don't do "copy shortcut"

I do the "Save target as"

I always thought the "copy shortcut" only provided a link to the file, not actually downloading it and being able to play it from the computer without the internet or redownloading everytime.?

As for direct linking to files on other web sites, if it isn't specifically authorized in their terms of service, proper etiquette would be to ask the web master for permission to link to the file. The correct term for directly linking to a file is called "hot linking" and many web masters out there consider it stealing as it takes bandwidth from the web site. This can cause web sites to go over the bandwidth allotment. I either link to the download page, or ask permission to host the file on my own server.

Just my two cents worth.

Jeff

Preferred practice is to link to the download page, not to the file itself, for security reasons. A potential downloader should be able to determine the safety of the download and have a general idea of its contents before downloading any file.
Regards,
John