QGIS Software Download
(Please Read All Information Below; We Recommend Using 64-bit QGIS VERSION 3.4.14-1).
USE FREE QGIS Courses TO LEARN HOW TO DOWNLOAD AND USE QGIS AND SATELLITE IMAGERY.
You can download the following QGIS (QGIS homepage) versions and other relevant software from this website (had clean scans with Webroot SecureAnywhere 9.0.23.32 Anti-Virus software). 1) 64-bit QGIS Version 3.4.14-1 (Version 3 is more recent and has more features than Version 2, and can produce raster attribute table for atmospheric correction as described in tutorials). VERSION 3.14.14-1 IS THE RECOMMENDED VERSION. 2) 7-Zip lets you extract (open/access) compressed files, such as imagery (simply download it, and run program to install it). 3) 64-Bit QGIS VERSION 2.18.25 is the Previously Recommended Version because it is the precise version used for the Tutorials and Courses and can produce raster histograms for atmospheric corrections as described in tutorials. 4) 32-bit QGIS Version 2.18.25 has been included, though the vast percent of computers today do not have a 64-bit operating system. 5) OpenLayers PlugIn will allows you to open continual high resolution background imagery in Version 2 (3 & 4 above; simply install it then, in QGIS, navigate to Web > OpenLayers plugin > Bing Maps > Bing Aerial. To add background imagery to QGIS Version 3.4.14-1, right-click Add XYZ Tile in QGIS window at left, then paste in URL for imagery and give tile a name (search for Add XYZ tiles in QGIS on internet for a list of URL, such as Google Imagery, for specific addresses and instructions).
IMPORTANT: MAJOR INTERNET BROWSERS HAVE RECENTLY UPGRADED SECURITY FOR DOWNLOADING DATA FROM WEBSITES. If your browser has a security risk message when attempting to download a file below (or any file on this website), you can complete a download security risk check by: 1) copying the download URL by right-clicking on the download then clicking Copy Link, 2) accessing virustotal.com (parent company is Google; opens in new tab) then clicking the URL tab, 3) pasting the download URL into the search box then clicking the magnifying glass to start the download security risk search. Of course, use the download security check website or tool of your choice.
Downloads:
The 64-bit QGIS Version 2 above has been scanned at least twice with Webroot anti-virus software and no malware or viruses were detected (clean scans). The version is a QGIS Standalone Installer 64-Bit program (need a 64-bit system; to determine if your computer is 64-bit you can commonly right-click at the lower left corner, then click on System for the information). Course 1A describes how to download and install QGIS.
To access and download the most recent QGIS version, visit the QGIS homepage by clicking QGIS link near top of page (or do an internet search for QGIS, if you prefer). Though as we mentioned, tutorials and courses here are based on the 2.18 version and the QGIS-developed User Guide and Training Manual that can be accessed on the this website are also based on 2.18.
32-Bit QGIS Version
If you have a 32-bit system, access the QGIS website for the 32-bit download. When we installed the 32-bit version of QGIS (version 2.18.25 32-bit) malware was detected by Webroot on the first installation (see graphic below) and had an error on the second and third installation. However, our most recent installation in August of 2019 (the same download available above) had no such problems (clean scan).
The malware group for the earlier scan was W32.ConvertAd. The wording and summary for this malware from Microsoft is as follows: "We have blocked this program from running on your network because the program is considered to have a poor reputation. These programs are most commonly software bundlers or installers for software such as toolbars, adware, or system optimizers. The software might modify your homepage, your search provider, or perform other actions that you might not have intended. If you were trying to install an application, you might have downloaded it from a source other than the official website." (Cited at: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/threats/malware-encyclopedia-description?Name=PUA%3AWin32%2FConvertAd&ThreatID=213951)
