Apparatus and method for implementation of an install system that provides for typical and custom installation and configuration of third party applications. The install system allows the user to choose between a typical or custom installation of third party applications. In typical installation, the install system creates a list of components to be installed. In the case of a custom installation, the install system collects and displays to the user all the parameters for the installation of the third party application. This allows the user to select those components from the component listing and creates a list of components to be installed. The install system also provides information to the user about each component available to be installed during the third party application installation process. This information provides the user with the ability to make an important decision as to whether or not to include particular components in a custom installation process.