No computer is fully functional without software. One thing you should know about Windows XP is that it does not support some of the older 16-bit softwares. Most softwares today are 32-bitand are available on CD. These CDs have an autorun feature. If the CD has an autorun feature, an installation wizard steps you through installing the software when the CD is inserted into the drive. If there is not an autorun feature on the CD or if the software is on a disk, then the Add or Remove Programs control panel is used to install or remove the software.

To access the Add or Remove Programs control panel, click on the Start button, then click on the Control Panel option and finally double-click on the Add or Remove Programs control panel. Click on the Add New Programs icon in the window's left panel. Click on the CD or Floppy button and ensure the software disk or CD is inserted in the appropriate drive. If a SETUP.EXE file cannot be found on the designated disk, the system prompts with a dialog box. Use the Browse button to locate the installation file. Click on the Finish button to complete the process.

To remove a software application, use the same Add or Remove Programs control panel; instead of clicking on Add New Programs, click on the Change or Remove Programs icon in the left panel. A list of installed applications appears. Locate the software to be removed and click on its name and then on the Remove button. When asked if you are sure you want to remove this software, click on the OK button and close the control panel window. Some applications have their own un install program. Refer to the application's help file or look in the application's folder, where the application was installed, for an uninstall icon. The Add or Remove Programs control panel can also be used to update operating system components. An exercise follows that .illustrates this concept.

Once an application is installed, launch the application by clicking on the Start button and pointing to the All Programs option. Locate the application name and click on it. If the application does not appear on the list, do not panic. The most frequently used program names appear in the left Start button panel. Let's perform an exercise to help you understand how to install a software. The goal of this exercise is to be able to install Administrative Tools to Windows XP. You will need a computer with Windows XP installed, the Administrator password and a Windows XP CD.

In this lab, if Administrative Tools is already loaded, it will be removed and reinstalled.
1. Turn the computer on and verify that the operating system loads. Log in to Windows XP using the user id and password provided by the instructor or lab assistant. Ensure that the user id is one that has Administrator rights.

2. Click on the Start button, point to All Programs and look for an Administrative Tools item. Does the Administrative Tools item appear in the All Programs list? If so, proceed with the exercise. If it does not appear, skip to step 5 below.

3. Right -click on the Start button and select the Properties option. Click on the Start Menu tab.

4. Click on the Customize button. The Customize Start Menu window opens. In the Start Menu items section, locate the System Administrative tools section and click in the Don't display this item radio button. Click on the OK button. Click on the OK button again. Verify that the Administrative Tools no longer displays in the All Programs list.

5. Right-click on the Start button and select the Properties option. Click on the Start Menu tab.

6. Click on the Customize button. The Customize Start Menu window opens. In the Start Men'u items section, locate the System Administrative tools section and click in the Display on the All Programs menu radio button. Click on the OK button. Click on the OK button again. Verify that the Administrative Tools displays in the All Programs list.