| Introduction
Although installing software has become a rather standardized
process, taking a few extra moments to consider these issues during
installation can help:
- Documentation - The Read Me and documentation files provide critical information.
- Uninstall Tracking - If you're using an uninstall utility, use the tracking feature during installation.
- Installation Location - Sometimes the default installation location isn't where you want to put an application.
- Installation Size - Some applications let you choose between minimal and "fully loaded" installs.
- Registration - You could put it off, but it's best not to.
Documentation
When you double-click on a new software application CD-ROM or open
an installation folder from software downloaded over the Internet,
you're usually greeted with several files and folders, one of which
will be titled READ ME.
Open this file and you'll usually find information about incompatibilities,
known bugs, and other issues. Make a practice of reading the READ ME
files before every software installation. Uninstall Tracking
To safely remove applications from your PC or Mac you should use an
uninstaller package such as Norton's CleanSweep, QuarterDeck's
Remove-It, or MicroHelp's UnInstaller. These programs cost between $35
and $40, and often utilize a tracking function to make uninstalling
easier. Activate this function before starting the installation
feature. To find out if you have either of these programs, you search
your computer by typing Ctrl + f on a PC, or Command + f on a Mac, and
type the name of the program you are looking for. Installation Location
Double-click on the installer package (usually labeled "click here
to install" or something to that effect) to begin the installation
process.
The installer package will ask you where to install your new
application. By default, it usually places the new application in the
standard
applications folder on your hard drive.
While the default location is usually sufficient, you may want to
create special folders for certain types of applications. For example,
you may have one folder for web browsers, another for desktop
publishing software, and so on.
The installer will allow you to create a new folder and name it,
then place the new application into that folder. In this way, you can
customize
your installation location if you so desire. Installation Size
Often during the installation process, the installer software will
ask you if you'd like the full installation or one that is customized.
In some
cases, the custom approach can save you disk space at no expense in
functionality.
Most larger applications such as office packages and graphics
software include a large number of files that you may never use. For
example, if you already have a printed manual, you may never use the
on-screen tutorials provided in the standard installation package.
Even if you think the standard installation will be fine, take a
look at the options for custom installation, where you may be able to
exclude some files you don't need. When in doubt, leave questionable
files in the installation. Only omit those files that you know you
won't need. Registration
Purchasing software legitimately provides several advantages. First,
you know that the software you're installing on your computer is
reliable and not infected with any viruses or trojan horse
programs.Second, you'll be able to obtain documentation and technical
support from the software publisher. Finally, you'll usually be
eligible for upgrade pricing when the next version of the software is
released.
In order to take advantage of these benefits, it pays to register your
software as soon as you install it. Most software companies now provide
both a mail-in registration form and an online registration option.
Whichever you choose, register now, and be sure to write down the
software registration number and date of registration in a secure
place. Maintaining a small notebook with all of your software
registration numbers is a good idea. |
