Description:
So you've got an application to install on 50 desktops around your office, and you're just about down to the last straw when it comes to ini files and registries. Fear not! Wise Solutions's InstallBuilder can help you get through your conundrum without developing carpal tunnel from dealing with oodles of ODBC drivers. IntstallBuilder is a powerhouse, designed to give you thorough and efficient installs. You can use either mode--Installation Expert or Script Editor--to manage your entire install process from start to finish. And even better, you can work solely in the Installation Expert mode without ever having to use the Script Editor, and the Script Editor mode is designed to stay out of your way as you're performing more advanced tasks. If you've done any work with Visual Basic, the Installation Expert mode will have a familiar feel. The dialog screen titles are largely familiar, and with just a few clicks in various checkboxes, you can add all those extra files and preferences that every installation seems to need. Additionally, this simple checkbox system allows for an amazing amount of customization. You want to create a unique serial code for each install? InstallBuilder can do that. You want to display a series of billboards to inform the user on the virtues of Product X? InstallBuilder can do that too. When you're ready to give her a spin, simply compile and use the Test function for a no-install, play-by-play of your application. Or try out the Run function to run the install directly from the development environment. The scripting can be viewed at any time, whether you're working with the wizard or in the editor, so you can tinker at will. Even though the Installation Expert mode is quite easy to use, there will be times down the road when you'll want to tweak the code yourself or get a very specific result. Enter Script Editor, InstallBuilder's forum for adjusting, adding, or removing the English-like programming language. InstallBuilder provides the commands; you provide the preference for where they appear. Maybe you're also hoping to give details about the product, the company, or your mom during the install. The Display Billboard command will let you incorporate these messages by flashing GIFs and BMPs during the download. And using the "timed display" option will give equal time to each display over the course of the entire download. And if you're heavy on the billboards, the "control installation speed" option can ensure that your user gets enough time to read each message. Some other powerful features of the InstallBuilder include: - Easy-to-use commands, such as the Edit INI File and Edit Registry commands, allow you to specify keys or update key values
- You can set variables to be used elsewhere in the script for total efficiency
- You can choose not to install certain unneeded components with the Component Manager
- The "watch" feature sniffs out each file an install needs to run, making a potentially heinous application smooth out into easiness
--Emilie Dirks
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