Task 2
Before we install a software package or a single application we first need to look at various possible risks that linked to the software installation. They could do damage to the whole computer if not dealt with. Many of the risks are involved in software failure and hardware failure. When upgrading software in a computer system there are many risks. Few of many are compatibility issues which will prevent the software from working on a computer or even damage the system which could be unrecoverable. There is of course a risk that an upgrade of a software package will worsen the previous version or cause compatibility issues with other software pieces. The advantages are the target of a user. They could vary from improving the computer's performance like speed and quality to giving a set of new abilities to a computer system. Useful programs make using a computer much easier and pleasant for the user. There are various tasks that can be done on a computer and a good software package could enhance performing them. There is plenty of software to choose from and only the right applications will help. There are many disadvantages when upgrading or installing software. Disadvantage of installing a software package is of course taking up more and more hard disk space and slowing the computer a little bit by writing more entries into the registry. There are also performance issues when installing an upgrade such as using more processor and RAM. A disadvantage could be compatibility with older versions of another piece of software already installed on the computer.
Task 3
Here is a plan of upgrading a software piece on a computer:
First a user needs to find what they want to upgrade and if it is necessary. Different software is for different kinds of purposes so they have to choose the appropriate one.
In this case I will write about installing an office software package “OpenOffice.org”. The whole content of the software package is available for download. Just go to the site and there it is:
After that the requirements need to be checked. The requirements for the newest version of OpenOffice.org are:
Windows 2000 (Service Pack 2 or higher), Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7
- 256 Mbytes RAM (512 MB RAM recommended)
- At least 650 Mbytes available disk space for a default install (including a JRE) via download. After installation and deletion of temporary installation files, OpenOffice.org will use approximately 440 Mbytes disk space.
- 1024 x 768 or higher resolution with at least 256 colors
If the requirements are met then the installation can be started. If the file is downloaded the user needs to click on the icon to start the installation process.
In the window that will come up as an introduction click next to start.
In this window choose the directory (destination folder) and click Unpack or Next
Wait until the unpacking process finishes and click next
And now wait for the installation process to reach 100% and click finish to finalize the installation. After that go check if the software package was installed successfully in control panel.
If it is there then the installation finished successfully and the software is installed on the computer.
Task 4
It can also be uninstalled in the same window of control panel.
Click on the image showing the installed program and the uninstallation process will start. After it finishes the program should be removed from the computer.
Task 5
I chose to install the OpenOffice.org software package as I did not have any other office related software and I need it to do all sorts of paperwork needed for my assignments. These applications are fully compatible with my computer and the requirements are exceeded. The reason for installing it is that it is fast to install, easy to use and useful, does not decrease the performance of my computer and overall it is essential in what I do. There are plenty applications to choose from and I chose the one that is right for me and my computer.
Task 6
The risk that could occur during an upgrade can be minimized to prevent any damage to the computer system. For example if the files are corrupted there is an option of reversing the process of installation in control panel. If the software package user is installing is not compatible with the system and the installation causes software failure then there is an option to recover the operating system. If the upgrade does cause some bad effects on computer system then there is an option of downgrading it to the lower version which works properly and does not cause any problems. There are many other risks and they can all be prevented with a professional knowledge of software and/or an antivirus which will most likely detect the corrupted or broken files