On Fri, 26 May 2000, burtonator wrote:
> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> I checked out xenonsoft stuff. It looked pretty light with regard to
> functionality. I would check out the installer we have been using for
> Apache JServ. I don't have NT so I don't know what software it is
> from.
>
Alright, I agree with you on the light functionality. ESPECIALLY, when
compared to commercial vendor installation apps, but I would like to
keep it open as a possibility... SEE BELOW
> I don't think OSS is critical here. Just as long as we can get someone
> that is willing to do the build and the distribution LICENSE on the
> resulting binary is OK. Also, check out InstallShield Java edition.
> Maybe we can get a multi-OS installation going. :)
>
BUT, IMHO OSS is preferred, so we should not rule out FreeInstaller.
Why?
1. We control our destiny - If it doesnt do what we want we can change it.
2. Eat our own dogfood - It is open source, and open source benefits from
having users. If no one uses the software it does not progress.
3. Its java. No need to learn a TOTALLY proprietary API to program it.
What is needed is a set of APIS to define to give it more functionality.
4. OSS needs a platform independent installer program - OSS needs an OSS
installer program. This is because ease of use is one of the biggest
things keeping people from using OSS.
I could get one a soapbox here with ease of use, but I wont because after
working with the calendar code I understand that you can become TOTALLY
consumed with getting the most functionality.
As much of a soapbox as I will say is that I have literally fixed bugs in
OS code in less time than I spent on hold with closed source vendors in my
previous life. Many people fail to realize this benefit because the
initial learning curve is so high.
This is unfortunate but true. Anyway, an OSS installer program could serve
as a bridge for new users to learn the software if...
1. It got them up and running in less than 1 hour.
2. We had documentation to show them how to install things by hand if they
ever got that ambitious.
These are lofty goals, but ones we should strive for.
We should start with number 2... and work towards number 1.
With that being said I will be outlining a new INSTALL doc in the next few
days.
Jeff Prickett
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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