An
installation software (sometimes also referred to as an installer software or
setup tool) is a tool that install files and configures settings in computer’s
operating systems. The installation process in an operating system can sometimes
be very complicated because different operating systems (OS), different bitness
(32 or 64 bit), client or server computers must be handled by same setup
program.
A good installation software must also handle the following (if needed):
– Check that the system requirements for the software to install are met
– Ask for a license key and verify that it is correct
– Update files if the software already has been installed once
– Add shortcuts to programs and documents in the user interface of the OS
– Add data folders to the system
– Register a user or activate a product
An easy-to-use user interface is important
The computer skills of the end-user can vary a lot. That’s why it is so
important that the user interface of the setup program is easy-to-use. Although
the installation process itself can be quite complicated, the end-user should
never notice this. Ideally, the end-user should only specify a destination
folder and a program group (shortcut group) for his/her installation. And in
some circumstances, enter a license key during the setup.
Distribution via CD, DVD, USB flash drive or the Internet
Nowadays software can be distributed in different ways. It can be distributed
psychically via a CD, DVD or USB flash drive, or electronically via the
Internet. In the past distribution via a CD or DVD were very common, but
nowadays many software developers (and their customers) prefer distribution via
the Internet. A good installation software should always handle this in a proper
way.
Multiple languages support
The world has come more international. Companies sell software to other
countries, but not everybody masters English. So many software developers create
localized version of their applications, so for example a Spanish-speaking
person can get the software in Spanish. For this reason also the installation
software must be able to create a setup interface in Spanish, or other language.
An intelligent setup tool can change language automatically, so the same
language is used in the setup program as in the operating system.
Code
signed setup packages
Security is getting more and more important. To prevent that somebody manipulate
an installation after distribution, the setup package should always be code
signed. By code signing a setup package, it is almost impossible to make changes
in the setup file without it is discovered by the operating system. An advanced
checksum system is used to detect unwanted changes. Most setup tools can code
sign a setup package automatically, although there are separate tools available
that can code sign the package afterwards.
Installation software on the market
There exists lot of installation software on the market that can create a setup
package for different operating systems and hardware system. One example of such
installation software is Visual Installer from SamLogic . Visual Installer is
a versatile setup tool that can create setup packages for the Windows operating
system.
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