Don’t Touch That CD!
SHA Newsletter: Vol 2. No. 4
When you buy a new computer, in most cases everything is preinstalled
for you. Just connect all the cables and turn things on. You don’t
have to install any programs or tweak any settings.
That’s not the case when you buy new accessories -- keyboards, mice,
cameras, scanners, etc. – after you have the computer at home. You
often get an installation CD with the gadget, and instructions to load
the CD before you attach the new hardware. In the past, that CD contained
device drivers – programs you need to make things work. Nowadays,
though, you might not have to use that CD. Indeed, installing the vendor’s
software might do more harm than good.
What’s the Problem?
The CDs still include device drivers and they are still vital to make
the new gadget work. Unfortunately, they often include additional programs
that you don’t need: utilities, trial versions of software packages,
“update” programs, offers for dial-up Internet service, and
search toolbars. One printer installation disk I’ve come across would
install a Web server and other programs on the user’s PC. These promptly
began to make connections on the network. That’s a drain on the PC’s
resources, and potentially a serious security risk for the user.
Some automatic update programs send information about your computer back
to a vendor’s Internet site. This might be located in a foreign country
where familiar privacy laws don’t apply. If several of these update
programs are running at once, it can slow down your PC considerably. Add-on
search toolbars might track what’s on your hard disk if they are
set up incorrectly.
Here’s another example I’ve seen. A program used to set up
a wireless network card would permanently disable the Windows Welcome
screen and make logins take about twice as long.
Why Don’t I Need It?
If you are running a modern version of Windows, such as Windows XP, it’s
very likely that Windows already supports your new device. You don’t
need to install any new programs in order to make it work. The Windows
Add Hardware Wizard can, in many cases, detect and install your hardware
using tested drivers. And Windows Update can find updated drivers for
you via the Internet.
Even if these alternatives don’t provide the driver you need, you
can usually take the driver from the CD without running its setup program.
Just use the Have Disk button that Windows gives you when you add
new hardware.
Some makers of accessories are clear about this. They’ll tell you
to plug in the hardware and let Windows configure it for you. Others don’t
do this, for reasons given below.
If you are running Linux, then the CD usually can’t help you, because
it’s usually intended for Macintosh or Windows computers. Even if
the CD includes a Linux driver, you might install a better driver via
apt-get, up2date, yum, or your favorite Linux update utility. Linux users
can sometimes build their own drivers from source code, so they can always
have the latest versions.
Why Does the Vendor Include a CD?
- Users of older computers might not be able to use these alternatives, so they need to take the device driver from the CD. This often applies if you are running Windows ‘98 or ‘95.
- By providing a known-good driver, and perhaps a program to manage the device, the vendor can save money on support calls. The first step in troubleshooting will be to run the setup CD. If the problem remains, then you’ll have the software on which the technician trained.
- Providing a setup program might allow the vendor to forgo printed instructions and manuals. “Insert CD in Drive” can be printed right on the disk instead. That saves the company more money.
- The vendor can earn extra profit by using the CD to deliver ads or programs for others. For example, an ISP or a search-engine company might pay money to have its icon installed on your Desktop.
What Should I Do?
- Before you install, try browsing the CD contents. The file and folder names might give you clues to programs you don’t want. Scanning the CD for viruses is also a good idea.
- Try plugging in the device straight away, particularly if it connects via USB, is marked with a “Designed For . . .” label, or is a “Plug-and-Play” device. If it doesn’t install correctly, you’ll have to remove it using Device Manager and set it up again. But if it works right, you’re done.
- Pay attention to the steps in the setup. If you see extra programs being installed, take them off when setup is done.
Are There any Caveats?
Yes. Here are some cases where the vendor’s CD is helpful:
- If you know that you want the extra programs. For instance, scanners often come with nice tools for capturing documents and text.
- If the add on programs have special features. I’ve encountered printer programs that actually talk you through print jobs using a recorded voice. If you have low vision, this feature might be very important.
- If you aren’t comfortable with adding accessories using the Add Hardware Wizard (or by hand), then let the vendor’s install program do it for you.
- If setting up the hardware is complicated, then using the CD can be convenient. For example, the installer for a network printer might set the network parameters for you.
More and more, installation CDs do much more than install new devices for you. They can deliver programs and services you don’t want. It’s up to you to make sure you get what you want and stop what you don’t.
Please note: Any trademarks and trade names of others mentioned in this message are the property of their owners, and not Stoney Hill Associates, LLC. We respect the intellectual property of others. The information provided is believed to be reliable, but we cannot guarantee that the procedures and information given here will work correctly for your specific situation.
If you would like help with a computer or software problem you face, contact us. Send an email to request@stoneyhillassociates.com.
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