system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Why do some computer programs need to be "installed" whereas others will run from an .exe file?

Basically what the title says, sometimes I can run programs as a standalone .exe file, but sometimes the program needs to be installed instead. What is the difference between the two?
gpt
Some programs are like an individual hot wheels car that you get when you behave on a shopping trip. You can play with it just all on its own. These programs are usually smaller, and don't need to rely on much else or make any special changes to your computer.

Others are like hot wheels cars that come one of those boxed sets you get for your birthday. They come with tracks that have to be put together; you have to ask your dad for batteries, or you have to grab a chair and clamp the track to it; you have to put some ice water in the little container so the cars can change colors. These programs try to do a lot more, or work together with other bits of code, but they require more setup as a result.