Windows Vista Security: Praxisorientierte Sicherheit für Profis

Installing and Running Your Software

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In both examples, the compatibility issues were the direct result of technological inno-

vation. In the first example, graphics cards implementing new 3D graphics features

caused an unforeseen incompatibility with the computer’s firmware. In the second

example, computers increasingly began shipping with mirrored hard disks, a feature

that was previously used primarily on servers, and the license-validation feature was

unable to recognize and validate the software applications across the mirrored disks.

Installing and Running Your Software

Whether you are using your computer to create Word documents, view photos, or

send email, you are running software that handles these tasks for you. Windows Vista’s

job is to provide a framework for you to install, configure, and run your software.

Installing Software

Unlike earlier releases of Windows, Windows Vista doesn’t provide a tool for add-

ing, reconfiguring, or removing software. Instead, it relies on the software itself to

provide these features through a Setup program.

Most of the time installing and running your software using its Setup program is

easy, and you can install your software from a CD or DVD by following these steps:

1. Insert the media disk into your computer’s CD or DVD drive.

2. If Windows Vista displays the AutoPlay dialog box, click Run Setup.exe or a

similar option under Install or Run Program. When Setup starts, follow the

prompts to install the software, and skip the remaining steps.

3. If Windows Vista doesn’t display the AutoPlay dialog box, click Start

➝ Com-

puter. In the Computer window, double-click the CD or DVD drive.

4. If Windows Vista detected the software’s Setup program (using Autorun.inf),

you are then prompted for permission or consent to run the Setup program.

5. If Windows Vista doesn’t detect the software’s Setup program, the contents of

the disc are displayed in Windows Explorer. Double-click Setup.exe.

6. When Setup starts, follow the prompts to install the software.

7. Most software applications have a setup program that uses Windows Installer,

InstallShield, or Wise Install. If the installation fails and the software has an

installer, follow the prompts to allow the installer to restore your computer to its

original state. Otherwise, exit Setup and then try rerunning Setup to either com-

plete the installation or uninstall the program.

You can run installed software by selecting the software’s menu option or double-

clicking its desktop shortcut. If you run into problems installing or running the soft-

ware, be sure to read the sections of this chapter titled “Configuring Software Availabil-

ity,” “Configuring Compatibility for MS-DOS or 16-Bit Software,” and “Configuring

Compatibility for Other Software.”