Am I using 301 correctly?

[shawn81]

Hello,

I have a 'Free download' type site for free graphics for designers. To prevent hot linking we authenticate the downloads and use a 301 redirect. So for example:

The download URL looks like this if someone is clicking on the download button:

http://www.website.com**/resources/243-name-of-the-file/download/dc37**

and then we 301 that URL back to:

http://www.website.com**/category-name/243-name-of-the-file**

Is a 301 the correct way to do that?

[StreamlineMetrics]

Based on the information you provided, yes, I would recommend a 301 redirect to do what you are trying to accomplish versus a 302 or no redirect.