This template lists potential risks that are common with software that automates the installation of software applications.
This template lists potential risks that are common with software that automates the installation of software applications:
Capability
Installer lacks modern, expected features
no uninstall
no custom install
no partial install ("add")
no upgrade install
Wrong files installed
temporary files not cleaned up
old files not cleaned up after upgrade
unneeded file installed
needed file not installed
correct file installed in the wrong place
Wrong INI settings/registry settings
Wrong autoexec/config settings
Files clobbered
older file replaces newer file
user data file clobbered during upgrade
Reliability
Intermittent failure
Fault tolerance/recoverability
Can’t back up
Can’t abort
No clean up after abort
Mishandled read error
Mishandled disk full error
Compatibility
Installer does not function on certain platforms
Other apps clobbered
HW not properly configured
HW clobbered for other apps
HW not set for installed app
Screen saver disrupts install
No detection of incompatible apps
apps currently executing
apps currently installed
Efficiency
Excessive temporary storage required by install process
Usability
Installer silently replaces or modifies critical files or parameters
Install process is too slow
Install process requires constant user monitoring
Install process is confusing
UI is unorthodox
UI is easily misused
Messages and instructions are confusing
Mistakes during install process readily cause loss of effort
Originally published to acompany a magazine article by Chris Agruss
