Adding or removing programs from Windows
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Windows comes with standard program package that suits your basic needs for using a computer. Now days not many buy a computer to just visits a website, write a word document, create an Excel file, and so on. People expect computers to do more. They, for instance, want to chat with friends, use Apple’s iTunes, get automatic weather or stock updates from the internet, run animation files, use a browser other than Internet Explorer from Windows, and so on.
However, performing of these tasks requires an additional application or program dedicated for each task. To let your computer know you want to use an additional application, you have to install it or add it your machine.
Important note
It is a good practice to know and understand what software you are installing. Not all programs are safe, particularly those coming from lesser known sources. It is well known Internet makes it easy for any content to spread easily across the globe, spreading of virus software or program is no exception. So you are best defense against any vulnerable viruses is you.
Installing of or adding of a program boils down to copying of the program instructions to your machine. Running (by double-clicking) of the Setup (or Install) program take cares of all the details of what files to copy and even automatically start the program after the installation is done. The installation process may also ask you to register the software after it is done installing on your machine.
Because installation wizard is specific to an application, what options and instructions you get during the installation process is difficult to predict. If you are not sure how to go about installing a program, check out the accompanying manual or README file. You can also go to the application vendor’s website for help. If you find the installation process causing errors or is simply confusing, chances are it may be doing the same for other computer users. In this case, searching online or contacting the vendor may be the best option.
When it comes to Windows, you will find there are more than ways to do the same task. Installing of a program is no exception. As mentioned earlier, one of the ways you can add application to your computer is by running the Setup file. Actually, the Setup file may start automatically when you insert the program's installation disk. Alternatively, you can use Add or Remove Programs from your Control Panel.
Add or Remove Programs option in Control Panel (Windows XP)
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Important note
You may run into compatibility problems when installing a new application. This happens when you are installing a legacy application on a newer Windows Operating System. So installing a Windows 95 program on Windows XP is not likely to work. Instead, you may need to get the application developer to give you an upgrade or some other workaround the problem.
After you have opened the Add or Remove Programs window, click on Add New Programs. Next, choose if you have a CD or Floppy disk. Choose this option if the Setup file is accessible from your computer.
Opening Run Installation Program
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It is a good practice to know the technical requirements before installing or purchasing software. If you are not sure, try using a trial version, if available, on your machine. The technical requirements would indicate:
-
Hardware requirements
- processor speed (i.e., 2 GHZ)
- minimum virtual memory requirement (i.e., 512MB RAM)
- internet connection
- CD-ROM drive
-
Software requirements
- version of Windows Operating System (XP with or without Service Pack X, Windows ME, etc.)
- minimum hard-drive storage space
Also, prior to installing an application make sure you agree with the application’s license agreement. All software applications basically state if you use the software, you have agreed with the license clause.
Removing a program
Sometimes you want to get rid of software from your computer. Perhaps it does not do what you thought it does or it is too difficult to use. Regardless of the reasons, you can remove the software with just a few clicks.
Uninstalling QuickTime
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Simply click Start and browse to Programs. Move your mouse over to the program you want to remove. Next, click on an option that says similar to Uninstall or Remove. Clicking on the Uninstall will start the un-installation process.
A quick tip
Before deleting an application, make sure you are not loosing any work that you created with that application. An appropriate choice of saving your work is outside of the folder where the program (application) instructions are saved on your computer. Likely, your program’s instructions are saved in C:\Program Files\****, where **** is the name of the application/program. So save your work outside of C:\Program Files\**** to avoid any risk of loss of your work.
Alternatively, if you don’t find the Uninstall button, use Windows Add or Remove Programs window. You can find this again by going to Control Panel and double clicking on Add or Remove Programs. Next, choose from the list the program you want to remove. You can sort the list by program name, size, frequency of use, etc to quickly find the desired software for deletion.
Removing QuickTime using Add or Remove Programs window
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Posted on: 8:33:20 PM EDT January 29 2008Laugh a little with these jokes
1. What does an English major student do after making a photocopy? He compares with the original for any spelling mistakes!
2. Husband: If you don't like it, what sort of foolish gave you the advice to marry me?
Wife: you.
3. A woman is married if she does what? She speaks 150 words a minute (or faster) about nothing.
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Random computing tips
1. Don't share your personal information (or photos, videos, etc.) online with someone or a website you don't trust. Just because a website form says enter your social security number it does not mean you have to provide that. If there is also any too invasive question or information request, it is probably a good idea to be smart and not reveal such information. Ask yourself is the information being asked relevant to the task you are performing? You should not, for instance, have to enter a social security number when buying a book.
2. When you type the URL (web address) of a website, make sure it is the correct address, particularly when you intend to exchange any financial or personal information. If it is the first time, you go to a website observe it is what you are looking for. If a website looks unfamiliar, it may be an indication of that you landed at a wrong website. Don't submit your login credentials (i.e., username and password) at wrong websites because you are risking others to use your credentials to gain access to your accounts.
