A method for providing additional descriptive information about a file during a download to a local computer so that functional and descriptive aspects of the file may easily be reviewed without having to open the file. A software application is provided that enhances current browser software. When a user desires to download a file from a remote source, the application causes the browser to link to the web site and retrieve particular descriptive information/data associated with the file, including the URL. Concurrently, a dialog box is opened and displayed on the display device of the local computer. The dialog box includes a text entry area in which the user can enter personalized identifying data/information about the file being downloaded. The downloaded file is saved along with the data retrieved from the web site as well as the user-entered data/information. The additional information is stored as extended attributes linked to the file and are retrieved without opening the file.