Unit Three: Install or Upgrade Software

This unit to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content coverage
and topics:
 Installing new or upgrading software
 Complete installation process with minimal disruption
 Verify client requirements and client satisfaction
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Install new or upgraded software in accordance with appropriate person
 Complete installation process efficiently and effectively with minimal disruption
 Carry out testing and acceptance in line with corporate guidelines
 Ensure client requirements are satisfied
3.1 Installing New or Upgrading Software
3.1.1. Upgrading software

The term upgrade refers to the replacement of a product with a newer version of the same
product. Generally meaning a replacement of hardware, software or firmware with a newer or
better version, in order to bring the system up to date.
Common software upgrades include changing the version of an operating system, of an office
suite, of an anti-virus program, or of various other tools.
A. Risks of Upgrading
Although developers produce upgrades in order to improve a product, there are risks
involved—including the possibility that the upgrade will worsen the product.
Upgrades of hardware involve a risk that new hardware will not be compatible with other
pieces of hardware in a system.
For example, an upgrade of RAM may not be compatible with existing RAM in a
computer. Other hardware components may not be compatible after either an upgrade or
downgrade, due to the non-availability of compatible drivers for the hardware with a
specific operating system.
Conversely, there is the same risk of non-compatibility when software is upgraded or
downgraded for previously functioning hardware to no longer function.
Upgrades of software introduce the risk that the new version (or patch) will contain
a bug, causing the program to malfunction in some way or not to function at all Upgrades
can also worsen a product subjectively. A user may prefer an older version even if a
newer version functions perfectly as designed.
B. When Should You Upgrade Your PC Software?
With new versions of the software being released regularly; one of the questions we get
often is how someone should decide whether they should upgrade their software to the
current version. In addition to the cost of the upgrade, which seems to be rising steadily,
there is the hassle/trouble factor in using new software - learning the new features or
interface, the bugs that inevitably there and the resulting temporary loss of productivity.
When we are talking about software, we are referring to both the software drivers that
 guide the operation of the computer components as well as the application software, such
as a word processor or spreadsheet.
We generally separate software upgrades into two categories:
 Service releases or bug fixes and
 New software versions.
For service releases or bug fixes, we tend to upgrade as soon as they are released since they
usually make the software more stable and reliable.
For new software versions, we should use four criteria to determine whether we want to upgrade:
C. Is our current version no longer supported?
As software manufacturers release new software, they no longer support the older
versions. Most software companies support the most recent old version and perhaps one
more past version, but rarely more than two old versions. To check if your version is
supported, you can go to the software maker's website and check the support area.
D. Does the new version have some features that will make my work more efficient?
Almost every software release includes new features designed to make work more
efficient or easier. We should examine the list of new or changed features to see if any
will really benefit me.
E. Has the software been out long enough to detect any significant problems?
We will usually wait 6-12 months after a major new software version is released before
upgrading. In the first few months, the software company finds bugs that they didn't find
when testing it and they prepare a service release or minor upgrade to fix those problems.
Usually wait until that first service release is available until you upgrade. This reduces
the risk of upgrading and running into significant problems.
F. Will I run into file format compatibility issues?
If a software application has changed the file format that the information is saved in, the
new files may not be compatible with the old version of the software. This can cause
problems when sharing files with colleagues or partners. If the file format has changed, I
will wait longer to upgrade in order to ensure that most of the people I will share files
with have upgraded and we will reduce the risk of running into file compatibility
problems.
 3.1.2. Installing Software

Some software can be executed by simply copying it to a computer and executing it with no
further argument; no installation procedure as such is required. Other programs are supplied in a
form not suitable for immediate execution, and require an installation procedure. Installation may
include unpacking of files supplied in a compressed form, copying them to suitable locations,
tailoring the software to suit the hardware and the user's preferences, providing information
about the program to the operating system, and so on. The installer may test for system
suitability and available mass storage space.
Some software is designed to be installed simply by copying their files to the desired location,
and there is no formal installation process. This was once usual for many programs running
under MS-DOS, Mac OS, Atari TOS, and Amiga OS. This is the "de facto" standard in Mac OS
X applications and is also used for many Windows applications. Windows applications that do
not require installation are often times called "portable," as they do not require an installation to
run, and may be run for many different computers with only the executable. There are versions
of some operating systems which do not require installation and can be run directly from
a bootable CD, DVD, or USB drive. This allows one to test out the operating system without
altering the existing setup.
Installation usually implies that once installed, the program can be executed again and again,
without the need to reinstall before each execution. Some software does not need installation at
all. There is server-based software that mimics locally-installed software, and can be run inside
of a web browser, using only the local system's cache. This allows portability among computers
with access to the server. This technique is often referred to as cloud computing.
Common operations performed during software installations include creation or modification of:
 Shared and non-shared program files
 Folders/directories
 Windows registry entries
 Configuration file entries
 Environment variables
 Links or shortcuts
The operating system of your computer is an important factor to be considered when you install
any software. The operating system is the program that is contrived /composed to run the
computer software on your computer. The operating system is responsible for managing the
computer software and hardware. Before you install computer software, the first important step
is to check the configuration of your computer. Also, check the hardware and software
requirement of the software you are installing. The configuration of your computer must match
the requirements of the software to be installed. Sometimes, the software to be installed is
compressed in a .RAR or .ZIP file. In these cases, before you install the software you have to
uncompressed all the installation files and folders. To uncompress the files and folders, ensure
that you have a decompression software application installed on your computer.
Every computer software comes with a 'Read me' file. This 'Read me' file contains all the
instructions that are required to install the software on your computer. Sometimes, when you
install a software, the software may ask you to install another program that is required for the
proper execution of the software to be installed. The computer may even prompt you to install
the supporting software after you complete the installation. When you install any software
program on the computer, it is advisable to close all other programs and utilities. Some antivirus
software applications may require you to turn off the firewall and disable the antivirus in order to
install the software. When installing software applications related to computer networking or
web browsing, it is recommended to disable the antivirus and the firewall. Finally, to complete
the installation, restart your computer system.
Types of Installations
A. Custom installation

A custom installation allows the installer to choose to select components or parts that are
required to be installed.
B. Silent Installation
Installation that does not display messages or windows during its progress. "Silent
installation" is not the same as "unattended installation", all silent installations are
unattended but not all unattended installations are silent.
Malware and viruses can be installed silently when a person clicks on a link while
working at a business they think is real but is a hacker's program download. For normal
users silent installation is not of much use.
 C. Unattended Installation
Installation that is performed without user interaction during its progress or with no user
present at all, except eventually for the initial launch of the process.
One of the reasons to use this approach is to automate the installation of a large number
of systems. An unattended installation either does not require the user to supply anything
or has received all necessary input prior to the start of installation.

D. Attended installation
On window’s systems, this is the most common form of installation. An installation process
usually needs a user who attend it to make choices, such as accepting or declining an end user
license agreement (EULA), specifying preferences such as the installation location, supplying
passwords or assisting in product activation.

E. Self-Installation
Unattended installation, without the need of initial launch of the process (i.e. Vodafone
Mobile Connect USB Modem or Huawei E220's Mobile Partner software that self-installs
from the USB port).
F. Clean Installation
A clean installation is one that is done in the absence of any interfering elements such as
old versions of the computer program being installed or leftovers from a previous
installation.
In particular, the clean installation of an operating system is an installation in which the
target disk partition is erased before installation.
G. Flat Installation
An installation of a program performed from a copy (called a flat copy) of its original
media contents (mostly CDs or DVDs) to a hard drive, rather than directly from the
media.
This may help in some situations where the target machine isn't able to cope with random
access reads from CD/DVD at the same time as performing the CPU-intensive tasks often
required by an installation, or where the target machine does not have an appropriate
physical drive.
 H. Network Installation
An installation of program from a shared network drive or resource that may be done by
installing a minimal system before proceeding to download further packages over the
network.
This may simply be a copy of the original media (as in a Flat Installation), but software
publishers which offer site licenses for institutional customers provide a version intended
for installation over a network.
3.2 Complete installation process with minimal disruption
3.2.1. Minimal Disruption to the client

Just like when installing hardware, one important consideration when installing or upgrading
software is to try and install the software with minimal disruption to the client.
You could consider the same installation schedule as of hardware maintenance such as:
 quiet periods (for example, during holiday periods)
 before or after normal office hours
 while the client/user is out of the office
 when the client will not be needing their computer
Installation would vary depends on the software to be installed and the hardware speed. You can
check your manuals or documented procedures on how much time it would take to install
specific software for a specific hardware. You can also check the web on how much time your
software installation would take given your hardware.
Once you have known how much time it would take for the software installation, you can now
arranged a suitable time, make sure you adhere/follow to it or give advanced notice if you will be
delayed. Remember that clients may have scheduled their daily workload around the installation.
The use of cloning software would be another option when installing the same software’s to
several computers that needs to obtain the same software’s. Just make a clean installation of all
software’s on one computer then you can clone the other computers to obtain the same
software’s at a minimum time. It would be advisable for new computers having the same
hardware specifications.
After completing essential verification of suitability of hardware and software according to
supervisor's instructions, you have to work out when will be the most suitable time to install the
software. The major point which you need to consider is to ensure that the installation process
will minimize client disruption.
To achieve that, it is recommended you approach the software installation process in a structured
way. That is:
 Establish the approximate time for the installation (include time to resolve problems
which may arise during installation)
 Discuss with your client when the projected time for installation will cause minimal
disruption to the organization’s operation
 Organize resources required to record:
 any problems which may arise during installation
 a specific options or customized configurations implemented during installation
 Organize resources required during installation process e.g. troubleshooting disks, startup
disks, backup disks, license number and registration number
Once the software installation or upgrade has been done, make necessary update on the software
inventory for that particular hardware. Update also the operational procedures on how to install
the new version of the software being installed.
3.2.2. Test Procedures

Computer Support Officer – The person who receives a technology-free statement of the user
requirements and transforms it into a computer system.
 Installs and tests the software.
Once the software has been installed you need to check out its correct operation. Testing
procedures used will depend on the type of software being installed. However, for each type of
software there are three basic functions which should be tested:
 Starting software
 Software operation
 Closing software
Starting software may involve provision of instructions on how to start the software. It may also
involve creation of shortcuts to simplify access to the software.
Testing software operation will require testing data. Data selected for testing purpose should
involve use of fundamental features of the software to demonstrate their correct operations.
Closing software will demonstrate the conclusion of the full cycle software operation. Testing all
three stages will confirm that there are no side effects in operation of any part of the software.
Such are usually the responsibilities of the Computer Support Officer.
3.3 Verify client requirements and client satisfaction
The last step which you have to do to complete the software installation process is to verify
client requirements.
Your client has invested in the software you installed, so you have to demonstrate/showing to
your client that the program indeed does what it is supposed to do. Such a demonstration will
strongly depend on the type of software you install.
You also have to consider the level of customer's skills in operating the software. For a beginner,
you will demonstrate the very basic steps, such as how to get started and close the software. It is
also recommended that you provide some information about the appropriate training for
beginners. Some companies may provide staff trainer.
Staff Trainer
 Responsible for training all staff in the use of the new software.
 Provides documentation for users and ongoing support.
For more advanced users, your demonstration should display the use of features matching the
client's initial requirements.
Any demonstration which you wish to do should be planned, prepared and tested in advance,
prior to installation of the software. Performing an unplanned demonstration may lead to basic
errors which may make your customer question the quality of your work.
You should also be aware that some software programs are very complex or may contain many
components (e.g. integrated software). In such cases, conducting a demonstration covering every
element of the client's requirement would not be practical because it may take very long time. If
such programs contain some kind of built-in demonstration, you should make your customer
aware of this feature.
Sometimes problems with software may arise due to hardware malfunction/error, and
occasionally problems can be generated by incorrectly written software (software bugs).
Self-check-3
Directions: Answer all the questions listed below.
_____ 1. Common software upgrades include changing the version of
A. Operating System B. Office Suite C. Anti-Virus Program D. All
_____ 2. ____________ refers to the replacement of a product with a newer version of the
same product.
A. Install B. Uninstall C. Upgrade D. None
_____ 3. For _____________, we tend to upgrade as soon as they are released since they
usually make the software more stable and reliable.
A. New software versions
B. Service releases or bug fixes
C. Old software versions
D. All
_____ 4. Which of the following is not software Upgrading Risks?
A. Upgrade will improve the product
B. The risk of incompatibility
C. The new version will contain a bug
D. All
_____ 5. Windows applications that do not require installation are often called____.
A. Portable application C. Server-based software
B. Installable application D. None
_____ 6. Software installation may include:
A. Unpacking of files supplied in a compressed form
B. Providing information about the program to the operating system
C. Copying them to suitable locations
D. All
_____ 7. The use of __________ software would be another option when installing the same
Software’s to several computers that needs to obtain the same software’s.
 A. cloning B. Installing C. Copping D. All

Operation sheet 3.1: Download and Install office 2016

Equipment, Tools & materials: Computer with its accessories & Microsoft Office 2016
software
Procedure:
1. Download and install Microsoft Office 2016 on your Windows
Continue.
Installing on Windows

Go to your account's Office page. Go to [Link] This will

open a page with your Office purchase.
2. .Click on Install office
656

3. Click on Save file

4a. Open download folder and double click on the office setup files
Click the Installation Options tab, left-click the first drop down box and click Run all from My
Computer Click Install Now.
4b. Click yes on the dialog box

4. Wait for Microsoft Office to finish installing

5. Click on close and finished installation
Operation sheet 3.2: Install application Program
Install a Program
How you add a program depends on where the installation files for the program are located.
Typically, programs are installed from a CD or DVD, from the Internet, or from a network.

To Install a Program from a CD or DVD

1. Insert the disc into your computer and follow the instructions on your screen. If you are
prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide
confirmation.
2. Many programs installed from CDs or DVDs launch an installation wizard for the program
automatically. In these cases, the AutoPlay dialog box will appear and you can choose to run
the wizard.
3. If a program doesn't begin to install, check the information that came with the program. This
information will likely provide instructions for installing the program manually. If you
cannot access the information, you can also browse through the disc and open the program
setup file, usually called [Link] or [Link].

To Install a Program from the Internet

1. In your Web Browser, click the Link to the program.

2. Do one of the following:

 To install the program immediately, click Open or Run and follow the instructions
on your screen. If you are prompted for an administrator password or
confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

 To install the program later, click Save and download the installation file to your
computer. When you are ready to install the program, double-click the file and
follow the instructions on your screen. This is a safer option because you can scan
the installation file for viruses before you proceed.
Uninstall or Change a Program
1. Click on Start, then click on Control Panel
2. Select a Programs, and then click Uninstall a program
Some programs include the option to change or repair the program in addition to
uninstalling it, but many simply offer the option to uninstall.

 To change a program, click Change or Repair. If you are prompted for an

administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Notes
 If the program you want to uninstall is not listed, it might not have been written for
this version of Windows. To uninstall the program, check the information that came
with the program.
Lap Test
Instructions: Given necessary templates, tools and materials you are required to perform the
following tasks
1. You need to successfully Install the following application software’s.
A. Adobe Acrobat Reader
B. Antivirus (Avast/Avira/MacAfee/Norton)
C. Microsoft Office 2016
D. Power Geez 2017
2. You need to successfully Uninstall the following application software’s.
A. Adobe Acrobat Reader
B. Antivirus (Avast/Avira/MacAfee/Norton)
C. Microsoft Office 2016
D. Power Geez 2017