Computer Services | Software Install | Computer Express
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The installation of software with our Columbus residents is not always the easiest task. Sometimes the software requires a different operating system, which you did not know about because someone gave you the disk. Or it did not install properly because if would not work with your operating system.

 

Other times, the software you installed seemed to slow down the computer tremendously because not only did you install the software, but another two to 10 programs you didn't know were 'bundled' with the original software program.

So here are a few tips on software installation.  Remember, we can not be held responsible for you following these tips, because they are only tips. If you have any questions regarding software installation, please give us a call and we'll be more than happy to help you in any way we can. It's not always as easy as you think, but we may be able to help lift some of that burden.

 

Computer Software Installation 

The operating system of your computer is an important factor to be considered when you install any software. It is the program that is contrived to run the software on your computer, and is responsible for managing the software and hardware. Before you install software, the first important step is to check the configuration of your computer, and the system requirements of the software. The configuration of your computer must match the requirements of the software to be installed.Sometimes, the software to be installed is compressed in a .RAR or .ZIP file. In these cases, before you install, you have to uncompress all the installation files and folders.

 

To uncompress the files and folders, ensure that you have a decompression software application installed on your computer. 

Every computer’s software comes with a 'Read me' file. This 'Read me' file contains all the instructions that are required for installation. Sometimes, when you install software, it may ask you to install another program that is required for the proper execution of the software. The computer may even prompt you to install the supporting software after you complete the installation. When you install any software program, it is advisable to close all other programs and utilities. Some antivirus software applications may require you to turn off the firewall and disable the antivirus in order to install the software. When installing software applications related to computer networking or web browsing, it is recommended that you disable the antivirus and the firewall. Finally, to complete the installation, restart your system. 

 

On Windows  

Installing a new program on Windows is pretty simple. Just head to the program's web site. Usually, this downloads an installer package, which you'll use to install the program itself. Find out where you saved the installer, and double-click on it. This will start the install wizard. 

 

Every install wizard is a little different, but generally it just involves hitting "next" a number of times. That said, here are some things you want to watch out for: 

 

Install Type: You'll often be asked to perform a "typical" or a "custom" install (or some variation thereof). In pretty much every situation, a typical install should be just fine. 

 

Install Location: By default, the installer will probably want to put your program in C:\Program Files\[NAME OF PROGRAM]. Again, the default location is fine. 

 

Bundled Software: This is one you really want to watch out for. Sometimes, an installer will ask you if you want to install an extra, unrelated piece of software, like the Ask Toolbar or WeatherBug that you don't want. Make sure, as you go through the install wizard that you watch out for this type of stuff. Often, they'll try to trick you into installing it by saying something like, "do you want to accept the terms of use and install the Ask Toolbar?" It's okay to reject that terms of use, since it's the terms of use for the Ask Toolbar—not for the software you're installing. Keep an eye out, and uncheck any packaged crap-ware you come across. 

Shortcuts: Usually, at the end of an installation, it'll ask you if you want to create a shortcut on the desktop and/or the Start Menu. I usually like to keep my desktop clean, so I uncheck this option, but make sure you always create a shortcut in the Start Menu so you can easily access that program whenever you want. 

 

That's it! It should take a minute or two for the program to install, but once it's done, you should be able to find it in Start > All Programs. You can even pin it to the Windows 7 taskbar if you want quick access to it. You can now delete the original installer package from your Downloads folder; you don't need that anymore. 

 

On a Mac 

Installing a program on a Mac is super easy, but it isn't always self-explanatory. When you download a program from a web site, it'll usually download as a .dmg file. Find the .dmg file you just downloaded and double click on it. It will "mount" that .dmg file as a white disk on your desktop, and open up a new window with the program inside. It might also have a shortcut to the Applications folder, in which case you can just drag the icon onto the Applications folder. 

 

If the window that pops up doesn't have a shortcut to the Applications folder, go to File > New Window to open a new Finder window, then click on Applications in the left-hand sidebar. Drag the program's icon into your newly opened Applications window. 

Once you've dragged the app into your Applications folder, you can close both windows. Right-click on the white disk icon on your desktop (which will have the same name as the program you just installed), and hit Eject. Then, delete the original .dmg file you downloaded. You won't need this anymore, since the program is now on your hard drive. To access it, just open up the Finder, go to Applications, and the program should be in there. You can even add it to your dock if you want quick access to it.