How long does installation take?
Depends on your computer but it takes about 30 minutes.

Should I download Spore or buy a boxed copy?
Downloading works, but if you buy a boxed copy, you will always have a backup CD of the game in case anything happens. Spore is selling a Galactic version as well for $20 more, but there doesn't appear to be much reason to buy it other than the 100 page guide (which you can buy for about $17 anyways - thought it doesn't look to be that helpful since Spore is a game of evolution based off your game play).

Will Spore delete my Spore Creature Creator?
Yes, but it will prompt you first. It lets you know that it is now part of the game and asks you if you'd like to uninstall it. To keep your previous creations, look for the question about User Generated Content and tell it to keep it. This way you'll save your previously created creatures, plus be able to use them in the game if you like.

What Are the system requirements for Spore?

• Spore PC requirements
• Spore Mac requirements
• Video card requirements
  

What are the known issues or bugs?
There a few known issues/compatibility issues that have been documented: Spore Bugs