Magento

My server has a security setting (or something) that means that Magento Connect is not able to install extensions...can you install extensions any other way?

Thanks in advance.

Right so more on this…

My hosting provider (shared) has security to a level that doesn’t allow Magento Connect to run, as it requires a certain level of access which is lower securoty than they are willing to offer. Any ideas if I have to use Magento Connect?? Is there a way to implement changes, upgrades, addons with out it??