How do I Install Adobe Photoshop CS4 on a Desktop & Laptop?

One copy of Photoshop CS4 can install on two computers.

Photoshop CS4 is a program for creating and editing graphics that can be used by either novices or photo editing experts. It is the fourth iteration of Photoshop software. According to Adobe, Photoshop CS4 can be installed on two separate computers using the same product key, making putting a copy on your desktop and laptop very simple. Be aware, though, that two is the limit, so if you want to install CS4 on any additional computers, you'll need to purchase a new product activation key from Adobe.

Things You'll Need

• Photoshop CS4 serial key
• Installation disc or file provided by Adobe
• Desktop and laptop capable of running Adobe CS4
• Active Internet connection

Instructions

Installing Photoshop CS4 on the First System

1. Decide the first computer you want to install Photoshop CS4. Insert your Photoshop CS4 disc or locate the installer downloaded from Adobe at purchase after the operating system loads. Wait for the installer to automatically start.

2. Insert the administrative password, if required. Enter the serial key when prompted. If you have a physical disc version of the software, the key will be on the back of the DVD case that holds the disc. Of you downloaded Photoshop CS4 directly from Adobe, they've emailed you a serial key.

3. Decide what components of Photoshop CS4 you want installed on the screen after entering your serial key. OReilly.com suggest sticking with the "Easy Install" option if you're a computer novice, this will likely give you everything you need to use Photoshop CS4 to your satisfaction. After choosing the components, click "Install."

4. Wait while Photoshop CS4 installs. After installation, the installer will ask you to register your product. If you have an active Internet connection, register now to avoid having to register later or running down the 30-day trial. After registration is complete, click "Exit" to leave the installer and finish installing Photoshop CS4.

5. Repeat steps one through four on the second computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to check the minimum system requirements included with the software. These requirements are absolutely crucial to running Photoshop, if one of your computers doesn't meet the minimum requirements, you can't run Photoshop CS4 on it.

• While the minimum requirements are helpful, to truly run Photoshop CS4 smoothly, OReilly.com suggests having well above the minimum requirements, in most cases. For example, while Photoshop CS4 requires only 512MB of memory, OReilly recommends 2GB.

References

• Adobe: Activation and registration
• OReilly: Installing Photoshop