SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Some computer programs can be executed by simply copying them into a folder stored on a computer and executing them[cite: 12]. Other programs are supplied in a form unsuitable for immediate execution and therefore need an installation procedure[cite: 12]. Once installed, the program can be executed again and again, without the need to reinstall before each execution[cite: 12].
Computer hardware is any physical device used in or with your machine, whereas software is a collection of code installed onto your computer's hard drive[cite: 12]. For example, the computer monitor you are using to read this text and the mouse you are using to navigate this web page are computer hardware[cite: 12].
Installation Methods
Attended Installation
On Windows systems, this is the most common form of installation[cite: 12]. An installation process usually needs a user who attends it to make choices, such as accepting or declining an end-user license agreement (EULA), specifying preferences such as the installation location, supplying passwords or assisting in product activation[cite: 12].
- Interactive wizard-based setup interfaces[cite: 12].
- EULA agreement and installation path configuration[cite: 12].
- Product key activation and user authentication support[cite: 12].
- Built-in error mitigation and target disk space management[cite: 12].
Network Installation
Network installation, shortened netinstall, is an installation of a program from a shared network resource that may be done by installing a minimal system before proceeding to download further packages over the network[cite: 12].
- Remote deployment via shared network drives[cite: 12].
- Minimal base system setup with automated package downloads[cite: 12].
- Site licensing support for enterprise and institutional clients[cite: 12].
- Centralized software updates and multi-system deployment.