Installs

Installs refer to the process of placing software or firmware onto a target system, or to the number of successful installations of a product. In software engineering and IT operations, an install typically involves copying files, configuring settings, and registering components so that the program can run. The term is often used alongside related concepts such as deployment, updates, and uninstalls. Install counts are a common metric for gauging adoption and reach, but they do not always indicate that the software is actively in use; other metrics such as activations, launches, or daily active users may be reported separately.

There are several installation methods. Manual installs require user action and often involve interactive prompts. Automated installs use scripts or configuration management tools to deploy across many systems, and may be performed with package managers (such as Debian, RPM, or Python packages), or with enterprise deployment systems. Silent or unattended installs run without user interaction, which is common in corporate environments. Install types can also be considered in the context of delivery: online installations download components from a network, while offline installations rely on physical media or pre-packaged bundles. Containerized or image-based approaches bundle software within a contained environment, abstracting some installation steps.

Key steps in an install typically include pre-install checks, dependency resolution, the actual file copy or deployment, configuration, and post-install verification. Safe practices emphasize integrity and security, such as verifying digital signatures or checksums, ensuring proper permissions, and implementing rollback or uninstall capabilities in case of failure. In analytics, distinguishing installs from activations or retainment helps provide a clearer picture of product adoption and long-term usage.