Setup programs/scripts

[stevemelaaron]

So now I've completed coding my killer app in VB, and I'm ready to distribute it. Should I use the MS Package & Deployment Wizard that came with VB6, should I design my own setup utility for it, or should I invest in a third-party package (like InstallShield)? I can see advantages and disadvantages to all three - what I really need are the opinions and guidance of somebody with a little more experience with this than I. Any help would be sincerely appreciated!

--Steve

 

[bigfoot]

I've used Package and Deployment wizard, and if it's a straight install with no parameter screens this is pretty good.
I needed to collect information from the user, so I invested in WISE InstallMaster. It was a few hundred dollars, but it's a killer scripting language too. I've not used install shield so I can't say.

I hope this helps...
Gary The door to life is never locked, but few have the knowledge to open it.

 

[stevemelaaron]

Thanks for the info, Gary. And yes, it does help.

Are you aware of any other "basic" third-party setup wizards that might have a little bit less of an initial investment than WISE or InstallShield?

Steve

 

[bigfoot]

What do you want it to do? Just install? Or ask the user a bunch of special questions. The door to life is never locked, but few have the knowledge to open it.

 

[stevemelaaron]

Just install. My goal would be to make the install something that could be done in as few steps with as little intervention from the user as possible. Ideally, I'd even like to have a static directory and start menu location for my program, though I know that this can be somewhat hazardous (even inadvisable?), especially if the user has heavily customized their Windows enviroment.

--Steve

 

[bigfoot]

Then Package and Deployment wizard is your best bet. It will register all your ocx's and put shortcuts on your clients desktops.

- Gary The door to life is never locked, but few have the knowledge to open it.