Jake's Tech Talk Software Management

How do I install my new program?

The first thing to try is to read the manual to find out the preferred method of installation.

Usually, software installs are done by one of the following methods:

Autorun - Most programs written for Windows 95 are now available on CD-ROM. One feature of Windows 95/98 is the ability to sense a new CD-ROM disk when it is inserted in the drive, and to automatically run the disk program. For example, to install WordPerfect Suite 8, we just put the disk into the drive, close it, and wait. In a few seconds, the opening screen appears with icons for a number of operations, including installation.

If Autorun is not available, you can click on My Computer or Explorer, browse to the drive with the new program, and select the installation file. This is usually named Setup or Install. Double-clicking on that icon should begin the installation process.

Some programs list instructions on the disk label to click Start, Run, and then enter a command like Setup or Install. You can also click on Browse in the Run window, and navigate to the proper file.

How do I get rid of a program?

The best way is to run the uninstall routine from the program itself. If that option is not available, the next best way is to get to the Control Panel, and click on the Add/ Remove Programs icon. If the program is listed, click on it to highlight, then click on Remove. Follow any screen prompts for specific actions related to the program's removal.

If neither of these options are available, it is likely that the program was originally written for DOS, and is probably in a single folder. For these, use My Computer or Explorer to find the folder, click once to highlight it, and hit the delete key.

In certain cases, remnants of programs may remain after automatic uninstallation. Use the Explorer to locate and delete these leftovers from your disk.

My system keeps nagging me about registering software we had installed under a site license. How do I make it quit?

This one had us wondering for a while. The best way we've found so far is to point your mouse at an open area of the Task Bar, right click once, and select Properties. Click on the Start Menu tab, and then the Advanced button. This opens an Explorer window. Click on the + sign in front of Programs, and scroll down to and highlight Startup. In the right window, pick out the Reminder icon, highlight it, and delete it. No more nagging.

What is a shortcut, and how can I make one?

A shortcut is an icon placed on the Windows 95/98 desktop that allows you to directly invoke a program, instead of going through the Start process. For example, to run the Solitaire card game, you must click Start, Programs, Accessories, Games, Solitaire. With a shortcut, you simply click on the desktop icon to start the game.

There are a number of ways to create a shortcut. You can drag a filename from a folder to the desktop. You can right click on a file name and select Create Shortcut. The method I prefer is a bit longer, but allows the most flexibility in the configuration of the shortcut. In an open area of the desktop, right click once, then point to New, and click Shortcut. If you know the precise path to the program, enter it in the command line box. Otherwise, click browse and navigate to the desired program file. Double click the file name, click Next, enter the desired name for the shortcut, and click Finish. The completed icon will appear on the desktop.

How do I change the shortcut's name?

Right click on the icon, and select Rename from the menu. Enter the desired name. Or, click once on the current name, and edit the name directly.

Is there anything special I need to do to run my old DOS programs?

Yes and no. The procedure for creating an icon involves a few more steps, but most DOS programs will run very well under Windows 95/98.

To create a shortcut to a DOS program, follow the steps for creating a Windows shortcut up to the point of entering a name. Instead of a Finish button, you'll see a Next button. Click this to select an icon for the new shortcut, then click on Finish. The new shortcut will appear on the desktop. Next, right click the new shortcut icon and select properties. You'll see a page with six tabs along the top. Select the Program tab, and be sure the Close on Exit box is checked. Next select the Screen tab, and check the Full Screen box under Usage. This allows the program to look and react like it is running in a native DOS environment. Most of the other tabs are already set to the optimal values for a DOS program, but you can adjust them if needed. Refer to your program's users manual for memory requirements if you have problems with operation. Click on OK when you have finished configuring the shortcut, and then double-click it to test your work.

What's the little arrow in the icon all about?

This is a "feature" of Windows 95/98, and simply indicates that the icon is a shortcut to a program. There is no simple way to get rid of the arrow. It is possible to remove the arrow by editing the system registry, but I cannot recommend this advanced procedure unless you are familiar with the Windows registry tables. For the most part, my suggestion is do as I have done; learn to live with the little arrows in the icons.

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