Installer

Most applications and plug-in bundles today come on a disc, often in a compressed form. Most come with a specialized software utility called an installer, which does exactly what the name suggests: It helps walk the user through the installation process and often the process of registration and authorization, as well. All the relevant data is uncompressed (if required) and then placed exactly where it needs to be in order for the program or plug-in to operate properly. Often, after installation and registration, the computer must be restarted in order for the operating system to read and recognize the new software.