Installing a software from the internet

The following software will be installed in this section.

1. Google Chrome (Browser)
2. VLC Player (Video Player)
3. Avast Anti-virus

To install a software available on the internet, visit the software website and click on the download button.

The download will start automatically. If not you will be asked to click on a link if the download doesn't start.

You can search the software you wish to download on Google (google.com)

All windows machine come with Internet Explorer and Microsoft edge. That's the default browsers for windows until you install your own browser(s).

Installing Google Chrome

1. Connect to the internet
2. Start your default browser (Internet Explorer). Internet explorer can be found at the desktop toolbar
3. Enter google.com in the address bar
4. Type google chrome download in the search field
5. Click on the first option that shows
6. Download the installer (executable file) by clicking on the download button
7.  When download is completed, double click on the installer. Most download files can be found in the Downloads folder of the This PC
8. Follow the instructions to the end

NOTE

If you don't know how to connect to the internet, please see week 4 tutorials.

For Internet explorer, a popup box will be shown after clicking on the download button to either run or save the download file. If you wish to run directly, click on run to start the installation directly.

If you wish to save the executable file first before starting the installation click on save. The file will be saved in the Download folder of the This PC so you can locate it and double click on it to start the installation.

Figure: Internet Explorer

Figure: Address bar

Figure: Search field

Figure: Downloads folder 

Installing VLC Player

1. Connect to the internet
2. Start your browser (Internet Explorer or Google Chrome).
3. Enter google.com in the address bar
4. Type VLC player download in the search field
5. Click on the second option that shows
6. Download the installer (executable file)
7. When download is completed, double click on the installer.
8. Follow the instructions to the end

Installing Avast Anti-Virus

Avast Anti-Virus is a free anti-virus. You don't have to pay anything to install. You can later pay for other additional features if you wish.

To install, follow the same steps for downloading the google chrome or VLC player

1. Connect to the internet
2. Start your browser (Internet Explorer or Google Chrome).
3. Enter google.com in the address bar
4. Type avast anti-virus download in the search field
5. Click on the first option that shows
6. Download the installer (executable file)
7. When download is completed, double click on the installer.
8. Follow the instructions to the end

Installing a software from a CD

1. Connect the CD
2. Double click on the drive for the CD in the File Explorer to  start the installation 
3. Follow the instructions to complete

NOTE

If the CD is not executable and has folders, open the folders and locate the executable file (file with extension .exe). Some executable files may be named setup. 

Installing a software from a folder on computer or external storage device

1. Connect the external storage device or open the folder containing the installation files
2. Locate the installable file
3. Double click on the installable file
4. Follow the instructions to complete

NOTE

Some executable files may be named setup. 

Starting a software

To start a software, click on the software icon on the desktop or the desktop toolbar/taskbar

NOTE

If you can't find the software in any of these locations, you have to search for the software in the windows search. To do that follow the steps below:

1. Click on the windows icon on the desktop toolbar or press the windows key
2. Click on the search icon at the top right
3. Type the name of the software you wish to start
4. Click on the result that appears to start the software. If nothing shows up then is either you typed wrongly or the software is not installed yet.

Figure: Windows search

Figure: Searching for control panel

Minimizing an opened software

When you minimize a running program or application it usually go down to the taskbar as an icon and disappears from the screen. You can then click on the icon of the application on the taskbar to show on the screen again.

To minimize an opened application, you can click on the minimize icon at the top right of the application.

Figure: Minimize icon

Maximizing the window of an opened application

You can maximize the window by clicking on the square (maximize) icon  in the upper-right corner. 

Figure: Maximize icon

Closing a software

To close a software click on the close/exit icon at the top right of the software to close the software.

Figure: Close/Exit  icon

NOTE

Some software application will show a confirmation dialog box to confirm if you want to exit the software. If that's the case, confirm to exit the software.

Uninstalling a software

Control Panel is used for uninstalling a software

If the control panel icon is on the desktop, click on it but if not search for the control panel in the windows search.

1. Once the control panel application is started choose, choose Uninstall a program beneath Programs 
2. Scroll to the software you wish to uninstall
3. Double click (click twice) on the software you wish to uninstall
4. Confirm uninstallation

Figure: Control Panel

Figure: Uninstall a program

NOTE:

Additional features of the control panel will be taught in the tutorial video so you can watch the tutorial video for this week to see those additional features.