No installation software (most bar code scanners don't need it and essentially emulate a USB keyboard), and for 1/5 the price, works as well as our $100 scanner. It might not survive the constant use of a heavy retail or industrial environment, but it works, and works well. I used it to do equipment inventory in several small offices. It read the model, serial number, and our custom asset tags flawlessly, with a decent range and fast acquisition. The model I received wasn't Neewer-branded, but is otherwise identical to the product images.