best way of installing software

[stemar965]

Hi all, looking for some info as to the best way to install software on my new pc.

I have a 256Gb SSD and a 1TB HDD installed, I've noticed that where the OS is installed (SSD) there are two program file folders; one normal and one x86. On previous machines I always just installed my progs to the program files folder as I thought it was necessary but would like to know what would be best so I can start properly from fresh on a new machine.

I'm intending to install origin and steam as I have accounts with both so should I install them directly on the SSD or on the HDD? Also, should I create folders on the SSD/HDD with names such as "drivers", "games", "other software" etc and then install the relevant software into those folders? If that is so, should those folders go into the program files folder or is that not a requirement.

Apologies for the noob questions but in all the years I've used PC's I've never been shown or bothered to enquire what was the best way of organising folders etc.

One last thing, I noticed that the de-facto folders for pictures;videos;downloads is on the 'C' (SSD) drive, I want to try and keep this for software like games, photoshop etc so can I change the drive letter for those and move/recreate them on the HDD drive?

thanks again.

 

[keynes]

I'm intending to install origin and steam as I have accounts with both so should I install them directly on the SSD or on the HDD? Also, should I create folders on the SSD/HDD with names such as "drivers", "games", "other software" etc and then install the relevant software into those folders? If that is so, should those folders go into the program files folder or is that not a requirement.

I would install origin and steam on your HDD. You could create folders with names if you wish, I usually keep all the programs and main drivers on the SSD and games and other things on the HDD.

 

[stemar965]

thanks, so if I install them on my HDD do I need to put them in program files or can I create a folder called whatever I choose (example "gaming hubs") directly on the HDD?

The main thing I get confused over is program files, in the past I just selected the drive it (windows) chose which was Crogram files/.../.../.. and just installed the software in there. Is installing into program files a requirement or can it just go into my own folder?

I know i'm essentially asking the same question twice but am finding it difficult to explain properly what I mean lol

thanks again.

 

[Rakk]

thanks, so if I install them on my HDD do I need to put them in program files or can I create a folder called whatever I choose (example "gaming hubs") directly on the HDD?

The main thing I get confused over is program files, in the past I just selected the drive it (windows) chose which was Crogram files/.../.../.. and just installed the software in there. Is installing into program files a requirement or can it just go into my own folder?

They can generally go anywhere you want, I don't put much into the program files(x86) folder at all if I can help it

 

[stemar965]

thanks.

 

[ubuysa]

The reason you're seeing two Program Files folders is because you're now running a 64-bit OS. Generally, 64-bit programs are installed to the Program Files folder and 32-bit programs are installed to the Program Files (x86) folder. It's up to the installation routine to decide where to put things of course and you can change it, but with 256GB of SSD to play with I'd install everything there and in the default locations (as decided by the installer).

You can move your User data (Pictures, Documents, Videos, etc.) off the C: drive very easily by following these instructions (I will use the Documents folder as an example but all the others are similar):

1. On your HDD create a folder called Users (all your user data will be stored under this folder).

2. Under HDD:\Users create a folder called Documents (this will be our new repository for documents).

3. Using Windows File Explorer navigate to C:\Users\your_name\Documents and right click on it.

4. Click the Location tab, click the Move button, navigate to the HDD:\Users\Documents folder you just created and click the OK button.

5. Answer Yes to the confirmation popup and the contents of C:\....\Documents is now in HDD:\Users\Documents and Windows will use the HDD location for all future reads and write to the My Documents folder.

 

[Androcles]

The reason you're seeing two Program Files folders is because you're now running a 64-bit OS. Generally, 64-bit programs are installed to the Program Files folder and 32-bit programs are installed to the Program Files (x86) folder. It's up to the installation routine to decide where to put things of course and you can change it, but with 256GB of SSD to play with I'd install everything there and in the default locations (as decided by the installer).

You can move your User data (Pictures, Documents, Videos, etc.) off the C: drive very easily by following these instructions (I will use the Documents folder as an example but all the others are similar):

1. On your HDD create a folder called Users (all your user data will be stored under this folder).

2. Under HDD:\Users create a folder called Documents (this will be our new repository for documents).

3. Using Windows File Explorer navigate to C:\Users\your_name\Documents and right click on it.

4. Click the Location tab, click the Move button, navigate to the HDD:\Users\Documents folder you just created and click the OK button.

5. Answer Yes to the confirmation popup and the contents of C:\....\Documents is now in HDD:\Users\Documents and Windows will use the HDD location for all future reads and write to the My Documents folder.

This is good advice, just a question though ... what location tab? where? i decided to try this myself and right clicking the my documents folder doesn't show a listing for location (win7/64).

EDIT: I found it, you missed a bit You have to right click it and select properties.

 

[ubuysa]

This is good advice, just a question though ... what location tab? where? i decided to try this myself and right clicking the my documents folder doesn't show a listing for location (win7/64).

EDIT: I found it, you missed a bit You have to right click it and select properties.

Well.....I didn't want to make it too easy! Sorry...

 

[stemar965]

cheers for all the info guys, much appreciated and very helpful.