downloaded giganto file, now what?
 

Sorry to all the experts for the stupid question. I have downloaded this gigantic file (****EDITED****), now what? Is it an archive? An executable? Is there a FAQ page that initiates us newbies into the mysteries of file sharing or do I have to go through some ritual hazing to learn the secret handshake?

There's no way we can tell you, there is no standard. Could be anything .exe .zip .tar.gz etc. Look at the extension taht's usually how you'd tell. I reccomend a virus scan before you do anything.