Why doesn’t this program run on my computer
This is a very common question asked by computer users. It is common simply because almost everyone is now using technology, and more specific, the personal computer.
Wrong Operating System (OS) for the program
This may seem too simple for those that have years of computer experience, but it is still a very common problem for the newbie – they don’t know what programs run on their computer. Add to this the fact that some folks assume that you are using a certain OS, and you add to the confusion. I use the Mac a lot, but I am constantly using my IBM compatible PCs for other tasks. I have ran into a problem with people who don’t specify what OS their program runs on. They are just thinking that, everyone uses my OS. This is an arrogant thought, and we should all accept that there are others out there that will not share our views.
My recommendation for this problem, is that the user looks at as much of the documentation for the program as they can. It is also beneficial to do a web search for their OS and the program together. For example TechTool Pro 5 Windows XP will still bring up search results in Google or Bing, but after clicking on a few links, you will soon discover it is a utility that is designed for the Mac. You will get similar results for RegTool Mac. After looking at a couple of sites, it is easy to note this is a PC repair utility only. In documentation related to a program, always look for what OS is supported – you can not go wrong with this.
Another way of knowing what OS a program will run on is by looking at the file name. For example, Windows filenames usually end with .exe or .com – these files won’t run on a Mac unless you are using BootCamp or Parallels and are running a Windows OS in them. By the same token, if a filename ends with .pkg or .app it is most likely for a Mac or Unix variant, such as Linux.
Not enough computing power
Another major reason for programs not running is that they require greater resources than your computer has. When downloading a program from a website, or before pulling the software out of a box, check the minimum system requirements. If your computer doesn’t have the enough memory, a powerful enough video card, enough spare hard drive space, or the right operating system, it won’t work right. If it does install, the program will most likely be very crash prone, at best. While on this topic, I would like to note that the MINIMUM is just exactly that – a MINIMUM acceptable configuration. It is advisable to have at LEAST 10-20% more memory or spare hard drive space than recommended. For example, if a program requires 512 Megabytes (MB) of RAM, it will be MUCH more stable if you put it on a system that has 768 MB of RAM. This will give you an installation that is far more stable and one that is actually usable for work.
Essential helper programs
The final area on this topic that must be addressed is that of other required software. Some programs, like web browsers, use other software as helper programs. These are very necessary for displaying some kinds of content. For example, you might need Flash Player or Quicktime installed to view video clips on a website. Always look through the documentation for this kind of information. Knowing what is needed may save you problems later.
I hope these tips help you out in your choices and use of software. With so many programs out there, it is very easy to run into problems with your installations.
Tags: bootcamp, compatible pcs, computer experience, computing power, filename ends, google, regtool, system os, unix variant, windows os