Downloading from the Internet

[chesterK]

I like to download video and audio files from the internet to my hard drive. Most of the files I download are not professional productions. They are usually home-made documentary or historical news-clip type media. I eventually plan to copy these files to something more permanent like DVD.

My question is what can I do to get the best download? I am on cable internet and use XP home with an IE browser. "Save Target As.." is my typical method for downloading. Is there anything I can do on my end to ensure that the quality of my downloaded files are the same as the source? Or is this even an issue to begin with?

I use VLC media player and I believe that on at least one occasion the download box had a VLC header or title. Will that effect the downloaded file in any way?

I don't want to go nuts trying to make sure that every last byte is perfect. This is just a question that an archivist would want to know the answer to.

[steveryan]

Doesn't matter which method of downloading you use, the quality will be the same.

[jagabo]

"Save target as" is essentially the same as a file copy over the internet. The file you save is exactly as good or bad as the file they send.

[Craig Tucker]

Or is this even an issue to begin with?

No, its not.