So you have just bought a new printer and you’re raring to go and print just about anything you can find in your computer. Before you amass all available pieces of paper, though, you should first install the printer software. This way, the printing process becomes smooth and easy. The good news is, most software these days will facilitate the installation on its own with just a few clicks from your end.

Here are a few quick steps in order to install your printer software on your computer:

Step 1: Read the installation manual
Before anything else, read the installation manual carefully. This is important. Take note of special instructions like if you need to uninstall a previous version of the software already in your computer or if you need to tweak some settings like turn your virus scanner off.

Step 2: Insert disk
Insert the disk or any media where the printer software is stored to the corresponding drive. You can hear faint whirring and buzzing sounds --- this means the drive is reading the disk. Usually, a new window will pop up, displaying all the files read in the disk. Do you see a “readme.txt” or “readme.doc” file? Open that and read the contents of the file. There are usually important pieces of data or reminders in that file pertaining to your printer software. When you’re done, look for a certain file that has a icon different from others and a “.exe” extension. This is the executable file. Click on it.

On the other hand, in case the window doesn’t pop up, go to My Computer, click on the appropriate drive where your printer software CD is and look for the “.exe” file. Run that file by clicking on it.

Step 3: Installation proper
Once the executable file is run, the installation process will automatically begin. Get the box which came with your printer software CD and take note of the registration code or key. You might need to enter this data later during the installation process or when you need to reinstall the software all over again!

In the course of installation, you will be asked as to which folder you want to save all information related to the printer software, what type of installation (typical, custom or minimum) and which icon to use. It is highly suggested that you stick with defaults. Tweak the settings later based on your preference. What’s important is that you install the software properly first.

Step 4: Reboot
More often than not, before you can fully use a newly installed program, you need to reboot your computer first. After rebooting, run your printer software and check if everything’s working as they should.

So there. These are the steps that you need to do in order for you to install printer software on your computer. Just remember to do the necessary precautions like scan the software every now and then to make sure that things don’t go haywire. Happy printing!