Ever pondered over the fact about the complex processes and system configurations changes that happen because of installation or downloading of new software. In cases 9 out of 10, users do not even have slightest of an idea about this. Although the installation of software’s is a back end process with the users not having detailed knowledge about the exact nitty gritty’s of the processes involved, it is usually a very complex and multiple task process on the completion of which a particular installation takes place.
A normal installation process involves creation of multiple new registry files by the installing program. There are certain situations, where the installing program has to browse and download certain additional software accompaniments for effective installation to happen. It is always advisable to keep track of the installation details and the commensurate changes that have happened in the systems configuration. There are certain effective tools available, which can help the users in keeping track of all the system before and after new installations.Regshot is a tool that generates a report identifying the changes made in the systems configurations after new installation. A user is required to take a snapshot of the registry before and after the installation process is used. The tool compares the changes made in these two situations and generates a report for the same.Procmon, or simply called the process monitor, gives a real time display of all the files accessed by the installing software during the installation process. With the help of this, the users are able to know what all files have been accessed and are not available post the installation process is complete.
Another effective tool is the URL snooper. It keeps a track of all the url’s accessed during the installation process. The user can easily gauge the identity and authenticity of the URL being surfed for possible software updates by the installing program.Effective use of these tools can help the users in keeping a check on the back end activity that happens during the software installation processes, thus ensuring a far better security of the machine.
