PURPOSE Installing software safely reduces malware, licensing, and compatibility risks. BEFORE INSTALLING Confirm the software is needed, trusted, allowed for your work, and downloaded from an official or approved source. STEPS Download from a trusted source, run the installer, review prompts carefully, and avoid extra bundled software. WATCH FOR Unexpected browser extensions, toolbars, permission requests, or installers asking to disable security settings. WHEN UNSURE Ask support before installing. Mystery software is how computers get haunted.