Internet explorer times out when downing load a update or a new program?

When I try to download a new software program or update a existing software the downolad stats and in about a minute or more I get the following error: Internet Explorer cannot download ...... (Software) . The operation times out. This happens all the time. I cannot download any large file or software I.e. update to my Webroot Internet Security Essentials 2010. Thanks glheckler1@att.net