installing Programs
If you use a computer for very long at all, you will want to install a program. I have been asked many times if I will install programs for people, but it's very easy. You can do it.
Your source for a new program will vary, but usually the program will either be contained on a disk or as a download. Wherever the program comes from, the process of installation is pretty much the same. The important thing I want to get across is that you need to pay attention sometimes, because the publisher of the software may try to get something by you, especially if the software is free. You can't always assume that software is safe, either.
Beginning Install from Disk
If you want to install software from a disk, be it a CD, a DVD, or even a USB flash drive, the process is pretty straightforward.
1. Insert the disk into the appropriate drive.
2. if autoplay is enabled, the disk will run, and usually you will be taken directly into the setup. If autoplay is not enabled, you will need to navigate to the drive. Open My Computer, then navigate to the source of the software, either a disk drive or wherever else the software resides.
Beginning Install from a Download
If you want to install software from a download:
1. Locate the download on your computer. I usually have downloads go directly to my desktop. That way I don't have to look for the download after it's done. When I'm done with the download, I then move it elsewhere on my drive to save it, or I delete it.
2. Once you have located the download, you can usually just double-click it to start the installation.
Installing a Program
In our example, we'll be installing Foxit Reader, my preferred program for reading PDF files. This install is typical, but every one is different. The point here is to pay attention to what is going on, and act accordingly.
1. Locate the downloaded software or the setup file.
2. You may get an introduction screen.
3. With every program, you will get the End User License Agreement (EULA). This contains legal rules for the use of the software. If you don't agree to the EULA, setup will end. If you want to install the software, you must agree.
4. You may get an option to use a standard installation or a custom one. I personally use custom installs most of the time, because I have multiple hard drives, and I don't ever install programs on the same drive with Windows. I also suggest using a custom install, especially with free software, because there may be added items that you may not want installed. We'll see this in a moment.
5. Usually if you select a custom install, you will be presented with the option of where on your drive you want the program installed. If you only have the one hard drive, and haven't done anything unusual with your system, you can just accept the default location. If you want to change the location look for a Browse button.
6. Yiou may be presented with other options for the install, which you can check or uncheck as you desire.
7. Here's a gotcha...they want to install a toolbar in your browser. This doesn't make the software bad or the publishers bad people; they just have to monetize giving away free software. There's no rule saying you have to install this.
Many times I will work on someone's computer, and they have several browser toolbars. I ask them if they want them, and they usually say "I don't know how it got there." This is exactly how it got there.
8. Hopefully, when all is said and done, you will get a message indicating a successful install. Note also that I left checked the option to make this software the default reader for PDF files. This can be an important option. This tells Windows that you want this program to be used instead of others that may be installed.
Again, this is not exactly how every install goes; it's representative of a typical install, and i wanted to show you one of the pitfalls of free software.