Lab 11.4: Installing and Launching Applications

There are several ways to install an application in a Windows system. Most users have one method they use to install applications. However, sometimes an attempt to install an application fails, and the solution is to attempt the installation by a different method.

Upon completion of this lab, you will be able to:

Install an application in a Windows system
Launch an application in a Windows system

Set Up

For this lab, you will need:

A working PC with Windows installed
The application software you want to install

Exercises

In this lab, you will use several methods to install and launch programs in Windows. Installations are usually easier if you close all application programs before you begin the installation process.

Installing a Program in Windows

To install a program under Windows, follow the instructions supplied with the software. The instructions are often found in a Readme file on the software disk or in an instruction manual accompanying the software. Use one of the following procedures to install application software. Sometimes, a particular piece of software will install when one procedure is used, but it will not install when a different procedure is used.

Using Autorun to Install Applications

If the software is supplied on a CD-ROM, insert the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. Most CD-ROMs automatically run and display an installation screen. You should be able to select Install from a displayed menu. Follow any on-screen instructions that are provided.

Using Add/Remove Programs to Install Applications

Windows provides an Add/Remove Programs utility to help you manage the installed software on a PC. This utility is found in Control Panel. Add/Remove Programs helps you to install, upgrade, and remove software:

In Control Panel, double-click Add/Remove Programs and click Install.
Insert the CD-ROM or disk containing the software you want to install. When the drive activity light goes out, click Next.
Follow the on-screen instructions provided.

Using Run to Install Applications

Another way to begin the installation process is via the Run command. This method requires that you know or be able to browse for the path of the installation or setup command:

Choose Start Run from the Windows Desktop.
Put the CD from this book into the CD-ROM.
In the Open text box, enter the pathname and filename of the installation file. For example, enter the following to run the clickme.exe program located in the root directory of the D: drive or the drive letter of the CD-ROM:
```
 D:\clickme.exe 
```
Click OK, and then follow any on-screen instructions provided.

Using My Computer to Install Applications

You can also install files directly from an executable file residing in a directory (My Computer, for instance):

In the My Computer window, double-click the drive icon of the drive containing the program you want to install.
Look for files that may install the software (such as install.exe or setup.exe).
Double-click on the setup utility icon to execute the installation program. Follow any on-screen instructions provided.

Launching an Application Program in a Windows System

Once you have a program installed, you need to launch it in order to use it. There are four methods of launching a program under Windows:

Double-click its icon on the Desktop.
Double-click the program in Windows Explorer.
Select the program in the Start menu.
Enter the pathname and filename in the Run dialog box.

For this lab, you will use these methods to launch the Notepad program.

Launching a Program Using My Computer

Users frequently place shortcuts to their favorite programs on the Desktop. To execute a program using its shortcut, double-click the program’s shortcut icon. If the program does not have a shortcut on the Desktop, you must locate the program before you launch it:

Open the My Computer window.
Double-click the drive containing the program to be launched. The Windows directory should be on drive C:, so double-click the drive C: icon.
Double-click the folder containing the program to be launched. In some cases, you may need to open more than one folder (or drill down) to reach the desired file, if it is several layers deep. For example, in Windows 98 and Windows XP, the Notepad application is in the Windows folder. In Windows 2000, Notepad can be found in the System32 folder.
Locate the program in its folder, using the scroll bars, if necessary, to view all the files. Double- click the Notepad file to launch Notepad. You may also right-click the program and select Open from the pop-up menu; however, most users find it easier to double-click.
Close the Notepad utility. Always be sure to look at your Taskbar (the bar at the bottom of your Desktop) to make sure none of the windows or programs is minimized. Click any minimized program to maximize it so you can close it properly. Remember that even when a program or window is minimized, it is still using system resources!

Launching a Program from the Start Menu

Not all programs have entries on the Start menu. Most new programs add entries at the time of installation. You can manually add a shortcut for any program that didn’t automatically add one to the Start menu.

Choose Start Programs. In Windows XP, select Start All Programs.
An icon for the program you want to launch may be visible on the Start menu, or an icon may be in one of the folders displayed in the Start menu. If you select a folder that has an arrow, its contents are displayed. In this case, the Notepad utility is in the Accessories folder. Select the Accessories folder and click Notepad to launch the application.
Close Notepad.

Launching a Program Using the Run Command

This method is generally used only when you know the path and full MS-DOS name of the file to be executed. For example, you can use C:\Windows\Notepad.exe as your path and filename. If you do not know the path for the program, you can browse and find it.

Choose Start Run.
In the Open text box, type the path and filename of the program you want to launch, or browse to the directory containing the file.

In Windows 98, type
```
 C:\WINDOWS\NOTEPAD.EXE 
```
Click OK.

In Windows 2000/XP, type
```
 C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\NOTEPAD.EXE 
```
Click OK.
Close all of the open windows.