Installing Software - Descisions to be Made

Now that you have a purchased software for your computer there are several things to understand before installing it. Have you ever been disappointed with the performance or the lack of a feature mentioned in the advertizing or experienced a failed installation where the computer began acting funny or it simply stopped running. Please continue to learn how to successfully install software. For those of you who have installed software before this can serve as a refresher should it be a long time until you install another package. If you have had problems in the past or have never installed software before this is where to start.

If you are unsure concerning the media received and its suitability for your computer please review the previous lesson Computer Media Primer - Removable Media

Objective

You will be able to determine resource requirements and whether your computer has the resources for the software being installed and some of the options when you do not.

Those of you already familiar with computer software installation may skip to the next lesson

Overview

Each software package has requirements and settings unique to itself that the publisher states is necessary for minimum use. Often they will also include a recommended level to receive proper satisfaction. The definitions below reflect the most common you will encounter when reading system requirements and installation guides.

Definitions

Term	Definition
FD	Floppy Disk Drive
HD	Hard Disk Drive
GB	Giga Byte or One Billion Bytes
MB	Megabyte or One Million Bytes
MHz	Mega-Hertz. Performance speed
RAM	Random Access Memory
Readme File	This is a text file containing information and last minute instructions the publisher feels important for the user, however, could not be included in the manual. i.e. read.me, readme.txt, readme.doc
ROM	Read Only Memory
w/	With

Using this System Requirement and Installation Guide statements below we will explore further

Step One

Prior to beginning it is important to read the System Requirements on the package or in the documentation. This information tells you what must be in your computer for the software to install and be used.

Places to look

• Packaging
• User Manual
• Media Label
• Readme file

Step Two

Compare the Systems Requirements to the System Configuration given below. Using a piece of paper write down the items that are different and whether it is greater or lower than the requirement.

A lower determination means you must upgrade your computer to run the software successfully.

A greater determination means your computer will run the software successfully.

System Configuration is also known as a Technical Specification

Technical Specifications CPU: Pentium 120 MHz RAM: 16 MB VIDEO: SVGA Video w/ 2 MB Video memory 4.3 GB Hard Drive Windows 95 3.5 inch Floppy Disk Drive 5.25 inch Floppy Disk Drive 4X CD-ROM Drive 16 bit Sound Card Ports: 1 Serial, 1 Parallel, one Game

Step Three

Check your computer for sufficient available Hard Disk Space. A general guide is 25% of your total hard drive must be left un-used to allow the operating system to function correctly. Remaining space may be used to store programs and user data.

i.e. 4.3 GB Hard Disk, 25% equals 1GB.

To check your hard disk for available space:

1.	Open desktop folder "My Computer"
2.	Select the icon for Drive "C"
3.	Using your mouse click on the icon with the Right Mouse Button
4.	Select "Properties"
5.	On the "General" tab locate the label "Free space:". Compare the amount shown with the System Requirements.
6.	Using a piece of paper write down the difference and whether it is greater or lower than the requirement.

A lower determination means you must upgrade your computer or remove software to have sufficient space to install the software successfully.

A greater determination means your computer has sufficient space to install the software successfully.

Step Four

Using the installation instructions provided by the publisher, install the software.

Using a piece of paper write down any messages or observations concerning the installation and whether it is Note or Problem.

A Problem means you must contact your computer support person or the software publisher to complete the installation successfully.

A Note may be information or a tip about using the software.

Step Five

Read and follow the instructions about starting the software. Complete any information screens presented during the initial start. If a request is not clear consult the manual or call the publisher's technical support for clarification.

Installation support is available for most software, however, some publishers may choose not to include this. In these cases consult the store or person suppling the software.

Step Six

Enjoy your new software.

Thank you for using our web based training module. Please forward your comments and suggestions to Training Manager