Install A Program

It has been mentioned on Computer Application Installation page that there are a number of steps to installing a application. The steps are detailed further below. An example is shown in video clips for software called Scribus which is a free DTP (Desk Top Publishing) app.
Desktop Publishing is focused on the production of flyers, posters, newsletters and similar documents.

Pertinent Points

The process of installation of software (application or app) on a Windows computer is like this:

  • Search for a suitable app - use Search and reviews to find the app that will best suit your needs
  • Find the download website - use the supplier website or other trusted site for the selected app
  • Make a payment if the app has a fee - some apps require payment first, others may have a trial period. Some are free
  • Download a copy of the selected app - download the installation file making sure it suits your computer type
  • Run a security scan on the downloaded file - always check any download with your Security Suite (anti-virus software)
  • Install the app by running the download - if safe, double click on the download to start the installation
  • Open the app, register and set up - open the app to put in the product code if a paid app, then go through the set up of options to suit you
zan-X_JsI_9Hl7o-unsplash.jpg
image: zan-X on Unsplash

Search for the application provider

You may want to do some online research to find out the answers to these two questions:

  • Who makes the type of app that you want?
  • Which is the most suitable for your needs?

You can do internet searches for reviews and opinions to answer these questions.

Here is a summary of a Google search result for "PDF reader software for Win10"

PDF%20ReaderSfwr.jpg

Here are the Google search results for video editor software for Windows 10.
The search terms used are highlighted in the purple box.

VidEdSftwr.jpg

You can see that there are paid and free options possible (red highlighted boxes) and the brief descriptions may assist in choosing the most appropriate application.

It may require doing a further search for detailed reviews of the possible options that suit your own needs.
You can search for "reviews of…" where … is the name of the application you want reviewed.

Once you have decided on the application that best suits your needs, you need to get a copy of the application and you need to find out where can it be downloaded. This is usually the manufacturer's website but there are sometimes other sites that are possible.
The next issue is then which download sites are safe because there are some sites that load applications with malware or useless extras. Prefer to download from the manufacturer's website if at all possible.

The video below shows how to navigate from a search result to a manufacturers website and how to find the information you need to do a download of the program.
This example is for the free software, Scribus.

Navigate to the application download page

When a safe download site has been determined it may be necessary to find the download page and ensure that you click on the correct download for your computer (see also below)

Make a payment for the application, if required and receive a product code

In some cases of paid software, you pay first and then can access the download.
Usually the payment is confirmed by email and you are also provided with the product code which is needed to verify your purchase at or after installation.

Download the correct application for your computer

Unlike mobile phones and tablets, it is important that you know enough about the type of computer you have.

You need to match the application to the computer, the most important bits being:

  • Which Windows version is the application designed for?
  • Is there enough space on your storage drive (Hard Drive) to store the program
  • Is your system 32 bit or 64 bit?
  • Is there at least the recommended amount of RAM (memory) on your computer

In Windows 10, you can find this information easily.
Go to Settings > System > About to get a list of information about your computer.

The important bits are:

  • Installed RAM (memory size in GB)
  • System Type (32 or 64 bit)
  • Windows Edition and Version: Windows 7, 8, 8.1 or 10


Make sure you press the correct download button to suit your computer and then the file will be downloaded, usually to your Downloads folder.
Continuing the above example of Scribus software, the video below shows how to do the download.

Run a security scan on the downloaded installation file

When the download is complete, do not start the installation but first check the download is safe.
In the downloads folder, right click the downloaded file and choose Scan now to check using your computer's security system.
If this is all clear, then you are ready for installation.
If you have any doubts about the safety of the downloaded file then remove it; left click on the file and press Shift + delete which will remove it.
If you simply press Delete it will be moved to the Recycle Bin.

Security software may do the above check automatically and advise that the application is safe or not.

Start the installation file to install the application

To start installation you need only to double left click the downloaded file and it will begin. (it will usually have a filename that ends with .exe which means it is an 'executable' file. This means it will work immediately you double-click it.
NEVER start an .exe file without knowing what it is as it can install nasties on your computer!

You also usually have to agree to the UAC (User Access Control) before the installation can run. This is a sensible security procedure that verifies that you want the application installed. This gives you one last chance to stop dangerous software from being installed if you clicked the wrong thing.
NEVER turn the UAC system off.

Notice too that you have to have a user account at Administrator level to approve UAC.
If you have a limited user account you will not be able to install an application.

The video below shows how a downloaded .exe file can be double-clicked to do installation of the Scribus program.
This video also shows the steps discussed in the next section about correct installation.

Follow the installation procedure to ensure correct installation

The installation procedure will have a number of steps and will be something like:

  • What language is to be installed? (usually English is the default)
  • Where is the application to be installed on the computer? (unless you have good reason to change, just accept the default C:/ drive)
  • Do you want a standard or customised installation? (unless you have used the application before accept standard)
  • Insert product code (may be required after installation and the first run of the application - see next section)
  • Be aware that a window might show with other applications to be installed that are not part of the selected application. These are usually shown with ticks already in check boxes and should be unchecked as they are usually extra rubbish that you do not need.

(this can be things like extra search toolbars for your browser and often these are intrusive and difficult to remove if left in. If you do not know what it is, do not install it just because it is 'free')

  • The installation will then proceed and usually will have a window that shows completion and that may have options to put a shortcut to the application on the desktop which you can choose if desired. It may also give the option to open the application immediately if you wish.

Insert the product code to validate a purchased product

At some stage of the installation an application that has been purchased will need the 'product code' inserted to prove that you have paid for it. Some suppliers require this as part of the installation procedure above, whereas others will require it when you open the application to use it.
DO NOT LOSE THAT PRODUCT CODE! If you ever need to reinstall the application you will need the product code.

Uninstall if it is not needed or performance is poor

It may be that an application performs reasonably but after some time it may require replacement with something more powerful or more appropriate features. It is also possible that the wrong application has been chosen and it really does not perform as expected.
It is preferable to always remove (uninstall) any software or app that is no longer needed. The most important reason is that space is used to store the unused app which can be freed up to store other apps or data.

The video below shows the use of Windows 10 Settings to find an app that you wish to uninstall.
This example also shows how to uninstall the Scribus software from the previous videos above.

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