Installing and Uninstalling Computer Software
Computer software has come a long way from the floppy disks we used to use, where you had to manually run the install and it was impossible to remove once loaded. Now, with new technology, computer software can be easily installed and uninstalled. All you need is the CD or access to the software you want to download. There are three ways to install software.
First, if you have the disc, you simply load it into the CD drive and let the computer auto-load the program. More often, your computer will have an install wizard pop up and ask you questions about the installation. The second way to install the program is by going to the Start Menu. On the Start Menu, click on the run option, then type in the location of the program or click browse. Browse will usually allow you to find the CD location and open the program. Look for the setup.exe file and open it to start the download. The third option for installing computer software is without the disc. Some companies allow you to purchase computer software directly from the internet. These downloads let you click on the download button, click run, and have the program go through the installation wizard without a disc. This is one of the easiest ways to download the computer software you need.
When it comes to uninstalling software, you also have a couple of options. There are programs that promise to remove software by downloading it. This means you can get rid of programs that you never wanted on your computer, like AOL and other items that come with the computer when purchased. This is the last option you may want to consider, as it will remove all information from the hard drive. The simplest way to remove computer programs from your computer is by using the program in your control panel. Go to the Start Menu, select settings, and then click on the control panel. In the control panel, you will find an option for removing or adding programs.
When you open the option, you just have to click on the item you want to uninstall and click on remove. The process usually asks you to close the program and asks if you want a complete uninstallation of the computer software. The process can take several minutes or a few seconds, depending on the file size. Another option for uninstalling computer software is using the actual installation disc. Most programs have a built-in uninstall program to help you remove the entire program from the computer.
You may need to uninstall programs if the installation process was not successful or if you have a new version of the computer software you are trying to remove. Some programs will not overwrite existing files with an update; instead, they will download the entire program again, taking up your disk space with both the older and newer versions. Programs that you do not need and that come with the computer can be removed using the "add or remove programs" option in the control panel. Be very careful with the programs you are removing.
Make sure you know what the program is and that it is not vital to the running of your computer. Accidentally removing something your computer needs to run may crash the entire hard drive. If you have trouble with an installation, it may be that the disc you are using is incompatible with your other software or has been damaged. If the software you have purchased does not work, make sure to return it to the store and ask for an exchange, ensuring that the program is compatible.