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Installation (computer programs)
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<p>Installation (or setup) of a <a href="/facts/Computer_program/e38jH9N9">computer program</a> (including <a href="/facts/Device_driver/rDYnHU1G">device drivers</a> and <a href="/facts/Plug-in_(computing)/351Du3Wu">plugins</a>), is the act of making the program ready for <a href="/facts/Execution_(computing)/1fyfGMFm">execution</a>. Installation refers to the particular configuration of software or hardware with a view to making it usable with the computer. A soft or digital copy of the piece of software (program) is needed to install it. There are different processes of installing a piece of software (program). Because the process varies for each program and each computer, programs (including <a href="/facts/Operating_system/8XTuvMh2">operating systems</a>) often come with an <i>installer</i>, a specialised program responsible for doing whatever is needed (see below) for the installation. Installation may be part of a larger <a href="/facts/Software_deployment/9yMpwGTu">software deployment</a> process. </p><p>Installation typically involves files containing program code and data being copied/generated from the installation to new files on the local computer for easier access by the operating system, creating necessary directories, registering <a href="/facts/Environment_variable/WxkrJQpP">environment variables</a>, providing a separate program for un-installation etc. Because program files are generally copied/generated in multiple locations, uninstallation usually involves more than just erasing the program folder. For example, registry files and other system code may need to be modified or deleted for a complete uninstallation. </p>