The present invention comprises systems and methods, and computer readable media comprising the methods, for installing software components. A user's need for a software component may be determined prior to installation. The systems and methods of the present invention provide automation and flexibility to the installation process. In an embodiment, processor usage and network usage are monitored and software installation are initiated and/or continued during periods where processor and/or network usage are low. The installation process may be halted when the processor and/or network connection are called upon for other uses. Processor and/or network usage may also be throttled, for example limiting the bandwidth available for the installation to maintain sufficient processor share and/or bandwidth for other tasks. Adverse impact on a computer user is minimized.