Windows 8.1 Bible

Chapter 28: Installing and Upgrading Legacy Programs

IN THIS CHAPTER

Playing it safe with program installations

Updating versus upgrading

Installing programs from disks

Unlike documents, which you can freely copy to your hard disk and use on the spot, most new programs you acquire need to be installed before you can use them. The installation process configures the software to work with your particular hardware and software. The process also creates an icon or program group on the Windows 8.1 Start screen so that you can start the new program as you would any other.

Note

If you're upgrading from Windows 7 or earlier, don't take it for granted that upgrading to Windows 8.1 will preserve all your legacy applications (even Microsoft Office 2010 applications are at risk). Before you upgrade, make sure that you have your installation media and registration or license keys handy, and be prepared to reinstall.

You need to install a program only once, not each time you intend to use it. Once you've installed a program from a disk, you can put the disk away for safekeeping. You'll need the original installation disk to reinstall the program only if you accidentally delete it from your hard disk or if some sort of hard disk crash damages the program.

This chapter explores the common methods and issues you'll likely experience when installing programs for Windows 8.1. Keep in mind that the installation process, although similar across different programs, can still vary from one program ...