What Is an Installation?

Summary

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Answer

An installation, also called a setup, is a program that contains the complete collection of the files required to install an application on a computer system. The primary task of an installaion is to transfer the application files from the source medium (for example, a CD) to your computer. An installation includes all of the application files, as well as setup engines, that can place the application on the system and configure it to operate on a particular operating system and with other devices, such as a printer or monitor. Typically, a setup performs some or all of the following tasks:

• Obtains information from the system.
• Obtains information from the user.
• Sets up shortcuts and folders.
• Updates the Windows registry.
• Sets up the application for future modification or uninstallation.
• Displays a product information file.
• Displays a status bar to show the progress of the file transfer process.
• Registers the user.
• Terminates the setup and restarts the computer.