On Windows or Mac, go to [getmonero.org]({{ site.baseurl_root }}/downloads/)and download the correct file for your operating system. Save the file to your home directory. **Do not extract the files yet.**
On Windows or Mac, go to [getmonero.org]({{ site.baseurl_root }}/downloads/)and download the correct file for your operating system. Save the file to your home directory. **Do not extract the files yet.**
On Windows or Mac, go to the [hashes file on getmonero.org]({{ site.baseurl_root }}/downloads/hashes.txt) and save the page as `hashes.txt` to your home directory.
On Windows or Mac, go to [binaryFate's GPG key](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/monero-project/monero/master/utils/gpg_keys/binaryfate.asc), which he uses to sign the Monero binaries, and save the page as `binaryfate.asc` to your home directory.
Verification of the Monero binary files should be done prior to extracting, installing, or using the Monero software. This is the only way to ensure that you are using the official Monero software. If you receive a fake Monero binary (eg. phishing, MITM, etc.), following this guide will protect you from being tricked into using it.