Suggested ZIP File replacement for FireFly distribution

[David Warner]

Paul,

I am using WinRAR to make SFX executable installation files out of ZIP files - which include a desktop shortcut.  I converted the FF Version 1.03 ZIP file to an SFX file and there was only a 35K increase in size which included the desktop shortcut.  The price for WinRAR is only $29.  I have no affiliation with the developers but I like the program very much because it is very easy to use.

~Bob

[TechSupport]

Thanks Bob, good advice.

I need to take time to re-evaluate the method of distribution. WinRAR could definately be an option.

[Marc Giao]

... I have no affiliation with the developers but I like the program very much because it is very easy to use.

I have to agree. Been using it for over 3 years, it's solid and worth every cent.

I give it a  :!: 5 FireFly :!: Rating  

Regards,
Marc

[mwmeeks]

My 0.02 worth...

Agree.  Winrar worth every penny!

Mike

[Anonymous]

Why not use InnoSetup? That's what I use for my distribution and it works great.

I'd even be persuaded to create the InnoSetup package for FF if that's of interest.

Andrew

[TechSupport]

I have used Inno in the past... but if I remember correctly, does it add something like 400K or more to the distribution? Not sure, it has been a couple of years since I used it (for a VB project).

[David Martin]

I have used Inno in the past... but if I remember correctly, does it add something like 400K or more to the distribution? Not sure, it has been a couple of years since I used it (for a VB project).

I just built a basic install with Inno 4.2.0 for the Logon tutorial ... it came out to be 295 Kb ... 270 Kb larger than the executable alone.

But it also was able to ask for install directory ( with a default option ), create a desktop shortcut, Programs menu group with shortcut, have an item listed in the Uninstall of Add/Remove Programs, etc...

If you are already at about 1.6 Mb I guess it just depends on how much you think an additional 270 Kb is worth I guess.

I can tell you that since I started using an actual install program, instead of a self extracting zip file, my customers have many fewer install questions.

David

[TechSupport]

To be honest, I was quite happy with AGInstaller. It created shortcuts and uninstall as well and only added 35K or so to the package. However, during the release of FireFly I received two reports of the installer failing to work on some systems.

Another option may possibly be the NSIS program - you know, the one from Nullsoft that was used to distribute Winamp.

Nonetheless, I would expect that my target market, programmers, are skilled enough to handle a simple Zip file so I am not overly worried about the install program at this point.

[David Martin]

Yeah, there are more than a few good options out there now.  I have looked at a couple of others but my scripts are already written and the combination of InnoSetup & ISTool works for me so ...

David