Editing Installation (computer programs) (section)

==Overview==
Some computer programs can be executed by simply copying them into a [[folder (computing)|folder]] stored on a computer and executing them. Other programs are supplied in a form unsuitable for immediate execution and therefore need an installation procedure. Once installed, the program can be executed again and again, without the need to reinstall before each execution.

Common operations performed during software installations include:
* Making sure that necessary [[system requirements]] are met
* Checking for existing versions of the software
* Creating or updating program [[computer file|file]]s and folders
* Adding configuration data such as [[configuration file]]s, [[Windows registry]] entries or [[environment variable]]s
* Making the software accessible to the user, for instance by creating [[computer shortcut|links, shortcuts]] or [[bookmark (world wide web)|bookmarks]]
* Configuring components that run automatically, such as [[Daemon (computing)|daemons]] or [[Windows service]]s
* Performing [[product activation]]
* Updating the software versions
These operations may require some charges or be free of charge. In case of payment, installation costs means the costs connected and relevant to or incurred as a result of installing the drivers or the equipment in the customers' premises.

Some installers may attempt to trick users into installing [[junkware]] such as various forms of [[adware]], [[toolbar]]s, [[trialware]] or software of partnering companies.<ref name=avoid>{{cite web|last1=Hoffman|first1=Chris|title=How to Avoid Installing Junk Programs When Downloading Free Software|url=http://www.howtogeek.com/168691/how-to-avoid-installing-junk-programs-when-downloading-free-software/|publisher=HowToGeek|access-date=6 October 2015|date=27 July 2013}}</ref> To prevent this, extra caution on what exactly is being asked to be installed is needed. The installation of additional software then can simply be skipped or unchecked (this may require the user to use the "custom", "detailed" or "expert" version of the installation procedure).<ref name=avoid/><br/>Such malicious conduct is not necessarily a decision by the software developers or their company but can also be an issue of external installers such as the [[Download.com]] installer by [[CNET]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mathews|first1=Lee|title=Download.com wraps downloads in bloatware, lies about motivations|url=http://www.extremetech.com/computing/93504-download-com-wraps-downloads-in-bloatware-lies-about-motivations|publisher=ExtremeTech|access-date=6 October 2015|date=22 August 2011}}</ref>