CHAPTER 4: SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

Introduction

This unit describes the competencies required in installing computer software. It involves
identification of software to be installed, installation of the software, configuration of the
software, software testing, user training and software maintenance.

Performance Standard

o Classified the software according to the functionality, resource requirement and use
o Established software acquisition methods as per the functionality
o Configured software as per the installation manual provided
o Performed software testing
o Prepared user-training manuals according to software functionality

Learning Outcome

List of the Learning Outcomes

These are the key learning outcomes, which make up workplace function:
o Identify software to be installed
o Install the software
o Configure the software
o Test software functionality
o Perform user training
o Perform Software Maintenance

Learning Outcome 1: Identify software to be installed

Learning Activities
The following are the performance criteria:
o Software are classified according to the functionality, resource requirement and use.
o Criteria for selection of software is identified based on user requirements and
functionality
o Appropriate software acquisition methods are established as per the functionality.

Trainees to demonstrate knowledge in relation to:

o Definition of software
o Classification of software: System and Application
o Criteria for selection
o Operating systems
o Types of operating systems: Single and multi-user, Single and multitasking, Real time,
Distributed, Batch

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o Functions of operating systems: Device management, Memory management, Storage
management, Process control, Security Management
o Types of operating system interfaces: Menu driven and Graphical user Interface

Information Sheet

Software, in its most general sense, is a set of instructions or programs instructing a

computer to do specific tasks. Software is a generic term used to describe computer
programs. Scripts, applications, programs and a set of instructions are all terms often used to
describe software.

Application Sotware
Spreadsheets
Word processors
Databases
Internet Browser

System software
Operatiing System
Utilities

Hardware
CPU, disks, mouse, printer
etc.

Source: https://courses.cs.vt.edu
Figure 53: Overview of software

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System software manages and controls the internal operations of a computer system. It is a
group of programs, which is responsible for using computer resources efficiently and
effectively. For example, an operating system is system software, which controls the
hardware, manages memory and multitasking functions, and acts as an interface between
application programs and the computer. System software is designed to provide platform for
other software.

Source: https://en.wikibooks.org
Figure 54: Interface of application software, system software and hardware

Application software is the general designation of computer programs for performing tasks.
Application software may be general purpose (word processing, web browsers, etc.)

Watch: Introduction to operating system: https://youtu.be/0ZjkUMKy6x0

Table 10: Difference between System software and Application software

System Software Application Software

 System software is used for operating  Application software is used by user to
computer hardware. perform specific task.
 System softwares are installed on the  Application softwares are installed
computer when operating system is according to user’s requirements.
installed.
 In general, the user does not interact  In general, the user interacts with
with system software because it works application software.
in the background.
 System software can run independently.  Application software can’t run
It provides platform for running independently. They can’t run without

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 application softwares. the presence of system software.
 Some examples of system softwares are  Some examples of application softwares
compiler, assembler, debugger, driver, are word processor, web browser, media
etc. player, etc.

An Operating System (OS) is a program that acts as an interface between the software and
the computer hardware.

The main difference between single user and multiuser operating system is that in a single
user operating system, only one user can access the computer system at a time while in a
multiuser operating system, multiple users can access the computer system at a time.

An operating system that allows a single user to perform two or more functions at once is a
single-user or multitasking operating system. Early versions of both Microsoft Windows
and the Macintosh operating systems were examples of this category.

Read: Categories of operating systems:

https://www.tankonyvtar.hu/en/tartalom/tamop412A/2011_0009_Herdon_Miklos-
Agroinformatics/ch03s09.html

Watch: Introduction of single or multitasking: https://youtu.be/glGlGtxwfQ4

A real-time operating system (RTOS) is a very fast and relatively small OS. Often
embedded, meaning it is built into the circuitry of a device and not normally loaded from a
disk drive, a real-time operating system runs real-time applications. It may support multiple
simultaneous tasks or it may only support single tasking.

A distributed operating system manages a group of distinct computers and makes them
appear to be a single computer. The development of networked computers that could be
linked and communicate with each other gave rise to distributed computing. Distributed
computations are carried out on more than one machine. When computers in a group work in
cooperation, they form a distributed system.

Batch processing is a technique in which an Operating System collects the programs and
data together in a batch before processing starts. An operating system does the following
activities related to batch processing. The OS defines a job, which has predefined sequence of
commands, programs and data as a single unit.

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 Single user operating system

Multi- processing Multi- tasking

Real Time System Batch Processing

Operating System

Multi- programmi ng
Time Sharing

Distributed
Data Offline Processing
Processi
ng

Figure 55: Activities of operating system

An Operating System manages device communication via their respective drivers. It does
the following activities for device management:

o Keeps tracks of all devices. Program responsible for this task is known as the I/O
controller.
o Decides which process gets the device when and for how much time.
o Allocates the device in the efficient way.
o De-allocates devices.

Memory management refers to management of Primary Memory or Main Memory. Main

memory is a large array of words or bytes where each word or byte has its own address.
Main memory provides a fast storage that can be accessed directly by the CPU. For a
program to be executed, it must in the main memory. An Operating System does the
following activities for memory management:

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o Keeps tracks of primary memory, i.e., what part of it are in use by whom, what parts are
not in use?
o In multiprogramming, the OS decides which process will get memory when and how
much.
o Allocates the memory when a process requests it to do so.
o De-allocates the memory when a process no longer needs it or has been terminated.

Since main memory is usually too small to accommodate all the data and programs
permanently, the computer system must provide secondary storage to back up
main memory. Process Control is a data structure in the operating system kernel containing
the information needed to manage the scheduling of a particular process.

Operating system security refers to specified steps or measures used to protect the OS from
threats, viruses, worms, malware or remote hacker intrusions. OS security encompasses all
preventive-control techniques, which safeguard any computer assets capable of being stolen,
edited or deleted if OS security is compromised.

Source: https://www.includehelp.com
Figure 56: Operating System interfaces

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Menu-driven is used to describe a software program that is operated using file menus instead
of using commands. Below is an example of how a user may quit a menu-driven program, as
opposed to a non menu-driven program.

Source: https://www.computerhope.com
Figure 57: Menu

Graphical User Interface (GUI) is an interface that uses icons or other visual indicators to
interact with electronic devices, rather than only text via a command line. For example, all
versions of Microsoft Windows are a GUI, whereas MS-DOS is a command line.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org
Figure 58: Approach for Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Self-Assessment
i. What are real-time systems?
ii. Describe the objective of multitasking?
iii. What is menu-driven? Give examples
iv. What is multitasking?
v. State differences: real-time operating system vs. distributed operating system
vi. What is GUI?
A. A type of virus

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 B. Good universal indicator
C. There is no such a thing
D. Graphical user interface
v. Case situation: A user is running Windows 8 and wants to upgrade to Windows 10.
Is this possible? If yes, how? If no, why?
vi. Identify the difference between: Ubuntu and VLC player
vii. is an example of menu driven software.
viii. is an example of GUI software program.
ix. Identify the application software from the image below:

Source: https://brainly.in

x. Types of software programs are

A. Application programs
B. Replicate programs
C. Logical programs
D. Both A and B
xi. Examples of system programs includes
A. Operating system of computer
B. Trace program
C. Compiler
D. All of above

Tools, Equipment, Supplies and Materials

Computer, Operating system, Utility program, external hard disk, Deploy master

References
 https://www.techopedia.com/definition/4356/software
 http://ecomputernotes.com/software-engineering/characteristics-and-classification-of-
software

8
 https://www.tankonyvtar.hu/en/tartalom/tamop412A/2011_0009_Herdon_Miklos-
Agroinformatics/ch03s09.html
 https://www.tutorialspoint.com/operating_system/os_overview.htm
 https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-graphical-user-interface-gui-definition-
components-examples.html
 Software Engineering authored by Sumit Prakash Tayal, Bharat Bhushan Agarwal,
published by Firewall 2009
 Principles of Operating Systems: Design and Applications authored by Brian Stuart
published by Cengage Learning 2008

Learning Outcome 2: Install the software

Learning Activities
The following are the performance criteria:
o Software specifications and computer resource requirements are identified
o Source of software installation files is determined
o Existing data is backed up
o User vendor agreements are identified according to the installation manual
o Software installation is done as per the installation manual provided

Trainees to demonstrate knowledge in relation to:

o Define software installation
o Acquisition of software
o Installation media
o Software installation legal requirements
o Existing data protection
o Types of software installation: Attended, Unattended, Headless, Schedule/Automated,
Clean/Updating, Network
o Software and installation and registration
o Software configuration
o Importance of registration

Information Sheet

Software installation is the process of making hardware and/or software ready for use.
Obviously, different systems require different types of installations. While certain
installations are simple and straightforward and can be performed by non-professionals,
others are more complex and time-consuming and may require the involvement of specialists.

The software acquisition is a computer-aided system that supports the improvement of an

organization's software acquisition process capability and performance.

Software installation legal requirements : Software can be provided as a single user and

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multi-user user license:

o Single user(s): Software can be activated on single PCs and notebooks.

o Multi-user network license: Software can be activated over a network for multiple
users.

Data Protection controls how your personal information is used by organizations, businesses
or the government.

Read: Data protection policy: https://www.gov.uk/data-protection

Attended installation goes through the following setup stages:

o Setup Program (text mode): prepares the hard drive for the subsequent stages of
installation and copies the files required for running the Setup Wizard. Requires reboot.
(Clean installations only.)
o Setup Wizard (graphical mode): prompts for additional information such as product
key, names, passwords, regional settings, etc.
o Install Windows Networking: detects adapter cards, installs networking components
(Client for MS Networks, File & Printer Sharing for MS Networks), and installs TCP/IP
protocol by default (other protocols can be installed later). You can choose to join a
workgroup or domain at this stage. You must be connected to network and provide
appropriate credentials to join a domain. After all choices have been made, components
are configured, additional files are copied, and the system is rebooted.
o Post installation: create user accounts and activate retail versions software. This stage is
sometimes referred to as the "Out of Box Experience" (OOBE).

Read: Attended installation: https://www.sqa.org.uk/e-learning/ClientOS01CD/page_01.htm

Unattended installation is a procedure for installing software without user

intervention.

Read: Unattended installation: http://www.thenetworkencyclopedia.com/entry/unattended-

installation/

Headless software (e.g. "headless java" or "headless Linux") is software capable of working
on a device without a graphical user interface. Such software receives inputs and provides
output through other interfaces like network or serial port and is common on servers and
embedded devices.

A clean install is a software installation in which any previous version is eradicated. The
alternative to a clean install is an upgrade, in which elements of a previous version remain.

Software license registration tools and services provide the means for presenting a software

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developer's software licenses (also known as an End-User License Agreement, or EULA) to
an end user as well as facilitating the transfer of required registration information and consent
to the license. Successfully registering a software application often activates the software for
legal use by the end user or enterprise.

Read: Software licenses: https://www.webopedia.com/TERM/L/license_registration.html

In software engineering, software configuration management (SCM or S/W CM) is the

task of tracking and controlling changes in the software, part of the larger cross-disciplinary
field of configuration management. SCM practices include revision control and the
establishment of baselines.

Self-Assessment
i. What is the importance of registering software?
ii. Differentiate attended installation and unattended installation.
iii. What is Software Acquisition?
iv. Explain headless software.
v. Case situation: Your computer application software prompts you to upgrade it and
you do not have registration keys how will fix the issue?
vi. Identify and install software for office application.
vii. Identify and install software for doing creative design.
viii. Hardness software is software capable of working on a device without a graphical
user interface
A. True
B. False
viii. is the process of making hardware and/or software ready for use?
A. Hardness software
B. Software installation
C. Clean install
ix. software can be activated on single PCs and laptops?
A. Single user
B. Attended
C. Multi user
x. Attended installation goes through the following setup stages:
A. Setup Program text mode
B. Setup Wizard graphical mode
C. Install Windows Networking
D. Post installation

Tools, Equipment, Supplies and Materials

Computer, external hard disk, deploy master, install ware

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 References
 https://resources.sei.cmu.edu/library/asset-view.cfm?assetid=13031
 http://www.thenetworkencyclopedia.com/entry/unattended-installation/
 https://www.sqa.org.uk/e-learning/ClientOS01CD/page_04.htm
 Software Engineering authored by Sumit Prakash Tayal, Bharat Bhushan Agarwal,
published by Firewall, 2009
 Principles of Operating Systems: Design and Applications authored by Brian Stuart
published by Cengage Learning, 2008

Learning Outcome 3: Configure the software

Learning Activities
The following are the performance criteria:
o Software configuration is done as per the installation manual provided
o Required software parameters are set as per the software manual
o Software configuration is done as per the set parameters

Trainees to demonstrate knowledge in relation to:

o Software configuration components: Software Configuration Identification, Software
Configuration Control, Software Configuration Status Accounting and Auditing
o Reasons for software configuration: Tracking and Controlling
o Importance of software configuration management: identification and management
o Auditing and accounting

Information Sheet

Identification, control, audit, and status accounting are the four basic requirements for a
software configuration management system. These requirements must be satisfied
regardless of the amount of automation within the SCM process. All four may be satisfied by
an SCM tool, a tool set, or a combination of automated and manual procedures.

Configuration identification is the process of identifying the attributes that define every
aspect of a configuration item. A configuration item is a product (hardware and/or software)
that has an end-user purpose.

The recording and reporting of information needed for configuration management including
the status of configuration items proposed changes and the implementation status of approved
changes. Status accounting provides the means by which the current state of the development
can be judged and the history of the development life cycle can be traced.

A typical Configuration Status Report might include:

o A list of the configuration items that comprise a baseline
o The date when each version of each configuration item was baselined
o A list of the specifications that describe each configuration item

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o The history of baseline changes including rationales for change
o A list of open change requests by configuration item
o Deficiencies identified by configuration audits
o The status of works associated with approved change requests by configuration identifier

Tracking software observes and tracks the operations and activities of users, applications and
network services on a computer or enterprise systems. This type of software provides a way
to supervise the overall processes that are performed on a computing system, and provides
reporting services to the system or network administrator.

Software control is the set of procedures used by organizations to ensure that a software
product will meet its quality goals at the best value to the customer, and to continually
improve the organization's ability to produce software products in the future.

The purpose of configuration identification is to maintain control of an evolving system by:

o Uniquely identifying the system, revisions of the system and the component parts of each
revision
o Understanding the status of configuration items as they progress through the development
process.

Self-Assessment
i. What are the requirements of software installation?
ii. Why identification configuration is important?
iii. What is software tracking?
iv. What is software controlling?
v. Prepare a configuration status report.
vi. Case situation: Download different tracking software and prepare a detailed report on
the software used.
vii. Case situation: You are asked to visit a high school hostel to check their ICT lab set
up. There key challenge has been high Internet consumption. What will be your
approach of addressing their challenges?
viii. is the set of procedures used by organizations to ensure that a software
product will meet its quality goals at the best value to the customer?
A. Microsoft
B. Operating system
C. Software control
ix. Software observes and tracks the operations and activities of users,
applications and network services on a computer or enterprise systems.
A. Sniffing
B. Tracking
C. Hacking
D. Penetration

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 Tools, Equipment, Supplies and Materials
Computer, external hard disk, Deploy master, utility program

References
 https://www.techopedia.com/definition/4313/monitoring-software
 http://www.chambers.com.au/glossary/configuration_status_accounting.php
 Software Engineering authored by Sumit Prakash Tayal, Bharat Bhushan Agarwal,
published by Firewall 2009

Learning Outcome 4: Test software functionality

Learning Activities

The following are the performance criteria:

o Software test is performed
o Software functionality is determined according to the test performed
o Test report is generated
o Corrective measures are taken based on the test report

Trainees to demonstrate knowledge in relation to:

o Define software installation testing
o Installation checklist
o Functional Testing: Mainline functions, Basic Usability, Accessibility , Error Conditions

Information Sheet

Installation testing is performed to check if the software has been correctly installed with all
the inherent features and that the product is working as per expectations. Also known as
implementation testing, it is done in the last phase of testing before the end user has his/her
first interaction with the product.

14
 Check for and updte software to latest maintainence levels

Read the readme file

Choose configuration

Check requirements

Save current configuration files (Optional)

Source: https://www.ibm.com
Figure 59: Basic program installation steps

Installation checklist: Following is the checklist for installation

o Determine the root path
o Attach the hardware keys
o Install the Software on the server
o Install the Software at every workstation
o Configure the root path at each workstation.
o Test your installation

Functional Testing is defined as a type of testing which verifies that each function of the
software application operates in conformance with the requirement specification. This testing
mainly involves black box testing and it is not concerned about the source code of the
application.

o Mainline functions: Testing the main functions of an application

o Basic Usability: It involves basic usability testing of the system. It checks whether a user
can freely navigate through the screens without any difficulties.
o Accessibility: Checks the accessibility of the system for the user
o Error Conditions: Usage of testing techniques to check for error conditions. It checks
whether suitable error messages are displayed.

15
Watch: How to resolve problems while installing software in Windows 10:
https://youtu.be/rKKatwf6dSM

Watch: How to install software and resolve issues: https://youtu.be/3D4CkPNDUf8

Self-Assessment
i. What are mainline functions?
ii. Define installation testing.
iii. Differentiate between accessibility and error conditions
iv. In which activity of the Fundamental Test Process is the test environment set up?
A. Test implementation and execution
B. Test planning and control
C. Test analysis and design
D. Evaluating exist criteria and reporting
v. Identify a productivity software and install it in a Windows computer.
vi. Identify an entertainment software and install it in a Windows laptop.
vii. checks the accessibility of the system for the user
A. Accessibility
B. Usability
C. Durability
D. None of above
viii. test the main functions of an application
A. Basic usability
B. Mainline functions
C. Accessibility

Tools, Equipment, Supplies and Materials

Computer, diagnostic tools

References
 http://www.professionalqa.com/installation-testing
 https://www.guru99.com/functional-testing.html
 Software Engineering authored by Sumit Prakash Tayal, Bharat Bhushan Agarwal,
published by Firewall 2009

16
 Learning Outcome 5: Perform user training

Learning Activities
The following are the performance criteria:
o Determine user skill set as per the instructions manual
o User training manuals are prepared according to software functionality
o User training is conducted according to system functionality

Trainees to demonstrate knowledge in relation to:

o Keys to Developing an End User Training Plan: Determine user skill set, Creating a
training program, Setting training goals, Training delivery methods, Assessing end-user
needs
o Training feedback

Information Sheet
Determine set skill your training program scalable a scalable training program is flexible
enough to accommodate both small numbers of users (for example, when new employees
join the company and need to be trained on the software) and large numbers (as is necessary
in an organization-wide rollout of a new product).

Creating a training program: End-user training is more effective and memorable if you
tailor it to your own organization's use of the software, rather than generic lessons.

Setting training goals: Your first objective in providing software training for end-users is
minimizing any productivity losses associated with the software transition. This means you
have to, as quickly as possible, get them up to the skill level required to do their jobs at least
as quickly and accurately as they were doing with the old software.

Needs Assessment Learning Objectives Learning Styles Deliverery Mode

Content Development Audience Consideration Delivery Style Budget

Timelines Communication of TrainingMeasuring Effectiveness

Source: https://saylordotorg.github.io
Figure 60: Training module development and delivery steps

17
Training delivery methods
o Individual hands-on instructor
o Hands-on classroom style instructor-led training
o Seminar style group demonstration
o Computer Based Training (CBT)
o Book-based self-paced training

Assessing end-user needs An important element in creating your training plan is to evaluate
the technical skill level(s) of those who will actually use the software on a daily basis.

Overall Considerations
Before considering specific training techniques, ask yourself these questions:

o What are your training goals for this session?

 New skills
 New techniques for old skills
 Better workplace behavior
 A safer workplace
 A fair and equal workplace free of discrimination and harassment
o Who is being trained?
 New employees
 Seasoned employees
 Upper management
o What is your training budget?
o How much time has been allocated for training within your organization?
o What training resources and materials do you have at your disposal?

A training feedback form is a tool used by training managers and human resource
professionals to collect feedback from trainers and trainees. It is used to identify skill gaps
and problems to help improve training programs and the overall experience these programs
provide.

Self-Assessment
i. Determine user-training needs?
ii. Explain training delivery methods for software training.
iii. Case situation: Prepare a checklist for assessing training requirements of a women’s
Sacco group for using social media for enhancing their business opportunities.
iv. Case situation: Prepare a basic introduction to computer course for a community
group who has never used computers.
v. Case-situation: You are asked to prepare and submit a proposal for conducting ICT
training for using various office packages that promotes productivity in a legal firm.
What will be the key training outcomes that you will focus on?

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vi. End-user training is more effective and memorable if you tailor it to your own
organization's use of the software, rather than generic lessons.
A. True
B. False
vii. Blended approach is best for non-native computer users.
A. True
B. False
viii. Blended training approach means:
A. Self-paced training
B. Instructor driven training
C. Both
D. None of the above

Tools, Equipment, Supplies and Materials

Computer, Diagnostic tools, Application software

References
 https://www.sunviewsoftware.com/blog/learn/blog/5-keys-to-end-user-training
 End-User Training (Technological Innovation And Human Resources) authored by Urs E.
Gattiker published by D Gattiker

Learning Outcome 6: Perform Software Maintenance

Learning Activities
The following are the performance criteria:
o Software maintenance schedule is established
o Software upgrades and modules patches are applied.
o Software revisions are performed to correspond with functionality changes.

Trainees to demonstrate knowledge in relation to:

o Develop software maintenance schedule
o Evaluate the software
o Perform maintenance procedures
o Software maintenance report generated

Information Sheet
Software maintenance in software engineering is the modification of a software product
after delivery to correct faults, to improve performance or other attributes.

The software evaluation is done through reviewing non-systematic checklists at regular

intervals with different users and evaluation of overall performance efficiency.

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Maintenance procedures are important. This process requires detailed knowledge
of maintenance requirements and the resources that are required in order to perform
maintenance. The resources required include labour, parts, materials, and tool costs.

Maintenance Reporting: The software developer normally generates a maintenance request

form (MRF), sometimes called software problem report that is completed by the user who
desires a maintenance activity.

Self-Assessment
i. What is software maintenance?
ii. What is maintenance evaluation?
iii. Software Maintenance includes:
A. Error corrections
B. Enhancements of capabilities
C. Deletion of obsolete capabilities
D. All of the mentioned
iv. Maintenance is classified into how many categories?
A. Two
B. three
C. four
D. five
v. Case situation: You are software developer and you have developed software for one
of your client but you didn’t mention to him that the software needs maintenance to
work perfectly. What are the steps you will consider taking to ensure that client pays
additionally for software maintenance?
vii. in software engineering is the modification of a software product after
delivery to correct faults, to improve performance or other attributes.
A. Software maintenance
B. Maintenance procedure
C. Maintenance reporting

Tools, Equipment, Supplies and Materials

Diagnostic tool, computer, processor and memory optimizers

4.3.7.5 References
 https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/software-evaluation/27677
 http://swebokwiki.org/Chapter_5:_Software_Maintenance
 https://www.tutorialspoint.com/software_engineering/software_maintenance_overview.ht
m
 Software Engineering authored by Sumit Prakash Tayal, Bharat Bhushan Agarwal,
published by Firewall, 2009

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