Installation (computer programs)
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Installation is the process of putting a program in a computer system such that the program works as desired. It includes configuration. However, further configuration changes may be made once a program is installed. Ideally, such changes are made only if the demands on that program change.
Some operating systems are pre-installed. This means that computers are supplied with the installation already completed. Other ones don't need to be installed on a hard disk, for example Knoppix Linux, and can be run from a bootable CD without affecting existing installed operating systems.
The installation of a program generally adds the following components to the computer's file system
- shared program files
- standard program files
- folder items
- folders/directories
- program registry entries.
An installer is a program that installs another one. Either such a program or a person can carry out an installation. The latter is known as a manual installation. There is also unattended installation (or silent installation).
Mac OS X applications generally use one of three methods of installation:
- drag-and-drop installation: Mac OS X has no registry and thus an installer is not strictly necessary. When applications do not require additional system files to be installed in order to function, they can be installed simply by moving the application from the install disk or download location to the location where the user wants it to be installed.
- package installation: see Installer (Mac OS X)
- custom installation
See also
de:Installation (Computer) ja:インストール pl:Instalacja (informatyka)