How do you install an application? By following the instructions that come with
the program. Follow these general tips unless the instructions advise otherwise:I’m assuming you are installing a commercially written program and
using an original disc as provided by the maker. If for some reason you
are using something other than the original disc (or a downloaded ver-
sion from a source other than the official site of the manufacturer), you
have three concerns:- Are you legally permitted to install this program?
- Will the program run once installed and be properly activated over
the Internet if the manufacturer requires such action? - Does the homemade disc or the downloaded file contain a virus or
spyware?
If you are running Windows XP Pro or Windows NT, make sure you are
logged in as a user with Administrator privileges; most individual users
of these operating systems make no distinction between users and
administrators. However, if your machine is under the management of an
IT(information technology) department, it may have set up the operat-
ing system to limit your ability to install new programs or significantly
change the operating system.
Make sure that no other programs are running. Go to the programs and
choose Close or shut them down with these steps:- Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to go to the Windows Task Manager.
- Choose the Applications tab.
- Highlight each task that is running and click End Task.
Shut down your antivirus program. (If you insist on trying to install an
unofficial copy of a program despite the concerns I laid out a bit earlier,
be sure to thoroughly scan the disk or file before beginning the installa-
tion process.)
You are asked to shut down your antivirus program to prevent it from
sounding an alarm or stopping the installation process because it has
detected actions that might otherwise be considered threatening:
making changes to the Windows Registry and other settings of the com-
puter among them. Be sure to reenable your antivirus program after the
installation is completed.
Run your laptop from an AC power source if possible, or at the very
least, make sure you have a fully charged battery; you don’t want the
machine to shut down in mid-installation.278 Part V: The Software Side of Life