A Setup program (or Install) copies a set of files to the user's computer and configures it to run an application.
What is InstallShield? InstallShield is the generic term for the products offered by the InstallShield company for the authoring of setup programs. The most comprehensive of these products are their flagship product InstallShield Professional, InstallShield Developer, which supports the authoring of MSI installs, and InstallShield Multi-Platform, which supports Java-based setups to be run on operating systems other than Windows. The InstallShield company also provides other products that serve more specific setup authoring needs.
What is an MSI (Windows Installer) install? The Windows Installer is a Microsoft standard for setups driven by an engine that is built-in to Windows 98 SE and later operating systems.
What is a Web-Based Install? Traditional setups deployed via the Web are packaged into a single file, which is then downloaded, unpackaged, and run on the client machine. A Web-based install runs while connected to the Web, and only downloads the files that the user selects.
What are Setup Best Practices? These are a setup of guidelines developed over the years by InstallShield and Windows Installer programmers. They provide a stable and predictable outline for the project, ensuring that the install will properly handle system components, upgrades, uninstalls, advertising, etc.
What does my setup need to do to deploy on Vista? Vista imposes security restrictions that are missing with other Windows platforms. A setup running on Vista must handle folder and file permissions, group policies, and the like explicitly.
Can my setup install 64-bit files? The InstallShield and Windows Installer engines are 32-bit programs, but they are capable of running on 64-bit operating systems and installing 64-bit files.
What is an automated build procedure? Although InstallShield does a reasonable job at perfoming all the actions necessary to build an install package, often there are actions that must be performed before or after InstallShield creates the package. Such actions could include compiling and linking custom DLL's, incrementing the version of all the files, and changing the included features based on alternate configurations. When these actions are performed by hand, even following a written checklist, there is a great possibility for error. An automated build procedure guarantees that an install package is created the same way every time, reducing ownership risks.
What special resources does RE Technologies have? We have developed an extensive library of fully-tested functions that can be easily transported from one project to another. Many of these functions perform complicated install tasks that are common to many setups, such as the control of NT services or the configuration of RAS connections. RE Technologies does not charge any additional fees for the use of its libraries. In addition, most Windows components, such as MDAC or MFC, are available as Merge Modules, and can be included in a project quite easily.
How can the look of my install be customized? The basic appearance of a Setup Wizard, built-in to InstallShield, is professional and understandable. However, it is possible to add custom images in order to brand the setup. Many setups also include a front-end launcher that offers a highly-graphical interface, with animations and sound effects, from which the user can launch the install.
How does RE Technologies charge? We charge an hourly fee. We do our best to supply our clients with a realistic estimate of the time their projects will require to develop. Sometimes, on smaller and more well-defined projects, we offer a flat fee. To determine what we can do for your own project, contact us.
Can I get a consultant on-site? For most projects, the entire development can be handled off-site. This arrangement saves our clients money, and makes it easy for us to provide low-cost incremental support for future needs. Sometimes a project requires on-site consulting, and we provide this service also.
Who owns the source code? You do. After the development of the product, you do not need to depend on us for minor changes. Of course, we are always available for continued support.
Can I get on-going support? Our ability to service most of our clients' requirements remotely allow us to provide for continuing support as long as it's needed.
How can I contact RE Technologies? You can contact us by phone, by mail, by fax, or by EMail. Click here for more information...
How soon can you start? Usually we can start on your project within days. We take pride in being quickly responsive to our clients' needs.
More questions? Please contact us. We'll be happy to assist you in any way that we can.
