These instructions are geared toward the single-click method of using your mouse. If you use double-clicking, you should compensate accordingly. Additionally, if any terms used in these instructions are unfamiliar to you, refer to the Glossary for their definitions. Menus and items you click on are shown in yellow.
Click on any of the questions below for the answers. To retract an answer for easier viewing of the questions, click on the question again, not the answer.
Q: How do I add a Windows component that isn't on my computer?
A: Click Start, then choose Settings, then Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, click the Add/Remove Programs icon. On the Windows Setup tab in the Add/Remove Programs Properties dialog box, select the category of the item you want to install from the Components list. The Description box briefly describes the category you've selected. Click the Details button to install specific components from this category. When a new window opens showing the items available in that category, check each option you want to install, then click OK once, and OK again in the Add/Remove Programs window. Windows will prompt you to insert the Windows98 disk. Do so and click OK.
Q: How do I install new programs on my computer that I have on a CD-Rom?
A: Click Start, then choose Settings, then Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, click the Add/Remove Programs icon. On the Install/Uninstall tab of the Add/Remove Programs Properties dialog box, click the Install button to install your new software. When the Install Program from Floppy disk or CD-ROM message appears, insert the disk and click Next. Follow the onscreen instructions. When the installation is complete, click Finish.
Q: I know I can buy programs at my local computer store. But is there anywhere else for me to get new programs?
A: There are a lot of good software programs on the Web for you to download, many of which are totally free. See Our Download Picks for some good ideas.
Q: What's the difference between freeware, demos and shareware programs?
A: Freeware is software distributed at no charge on the Web. Demo is a working copy of a program that gives you a taste of it, but with limitations set, such as limited functions and an expiration date. It's a good way to try a program before you buy it. Shareware is software for you to try with the understanding that if you decide to keep the program you will pay for it and send the requested amount to the shareware provider specified in the program.
Q: Why can't I just get shareware and not pay for it?
A: Shareware is intended for trial usage. Some have expirations and no longer run after the expiration dates, most have "nag screens", and some will prevent the programs from running properly. The people that design these shareware programs rely on the shareware contributions to enable them to continue creating them. You should use shareware after the expiration dates at your own risk.
Q: What's a beta version of a program?
A: Beta is a term given to a product that isn't ready for public consumption, but is good enough for a wider testing scope. Many companies publicly release their beta software to a fraction of their users to let them get experience with the new software, while they get feedback on bugs and features.
Q: What does the term "download" mean?
A: Download is simply bringing software from a remote computer "down" to your computer.
Q: How do I download a program from the Web?
A: Most download sites have instructions as to how to download there, and you should read them carefully. If not, they will all have a link or button that says Download Now or something to that effect. When you click on it, the Save As dialog box appears. Navigate to the folder to which you wish to download the program. Then click Save. Be sure to remember where you've chosen to download the program to so you can install it from that location. Alternatively, you can right-click on the link, then choose Save Target As to get the Save As dialog box. Then simply follow the above instructions from there. Another common way to download is to use a download manager like Gozilla. Gozilla offers you a number of ways to download a program, including the ability to resume downloads after a broken connection, and they will all make your downloading much easier and quicker.
Helpful Hint: We find it easier to download a program to the Desktop for easy access, then install it to the correct location.
Q: Some of the programs I downloaded from the Web come with a .zip extension. What does that mean?
A: It means the file or files have been compressed together to save space and need to be unzipped to use.
Q: When I'm downloading programs from the Web, sometimes they ask if I want a self-extracting file or a zipped file. What's the difference?
A: A zipped file generally needs a program like Winzip to unzip it, while a self-extracting file contains the unzipping program right in it.
Q: How do I unzip a program?
A: You will need to use a unzipping utility, like Winzip. Winzip is a very popular shareware program, but there are others you can try. To unzip a file using Winzip, click on the zipped program to bring up the Winzip window (nag screen) automatically. Read the terms of their Licensing Agreement and click I Agree. If the next window that appears is the Winzip Wizard window, it will have a Winzip Classic button in the lower left corner of the window and you should click on it. If the window is titled Winzip, you are already in classic mode. Click the Extract button on the toolbar. The Extract dialog box appears. Select the destination folder by either accepting the default or typing a new destination into the text box. Click Extract and the folders will be unzipped to the specified location. Click the "X" in the upper right corner of the window to close Winzip.
Q: How do I install a program I've downloaded from the Web?
A: The biggest trick is figuring out which file is the installation file. Usually, it's called Setup.exe or Intall.exe, but it can be called something else. The readme file is a great place to start. It may tell you the name of the installation file and give you other instructions on installating and running the program. Once you've located the installation file, left-click on it to open the Installation screen. Follow the instructions on the screen. Be sure to read each instruction thoroughly before moving on the next one. When the installation is complete, a shortcut icon to the program is usually placed on your desktop. If not, locate the folder to which you installed the program, and click the .exe file to open it.
Helpful Hint: Before you install a program, shut down all running programs, as they can and do interfere with the installation process.
Q: What does it mean when a program tells me to shut down all Windows programs before installing? I'm running Windows, how can I shut down Windows programs?
A: It doesn't mean to shut down Windows, it means to shut down any programs within Windows that may be running. Open programs can conflict with the installation process. Generally, you should shut down the open programs on your taskbar and the programs on the systray area of your taskbar that you know can be shut down, as well as any other programs that you know are running at the time.
Q: What is the best way to Uninstall software?
A: To remove an existing program from your computer, click Start, then choose Settings, then Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, click the Add/Remove Programs icon. On the Install/Uninstall tab of the Add/Remove Programs Properties dialog box, select a name from the list of removable components in the lower half of the window. Click the Add/Remove button, then follow the onscreen instructions.
