i’ve been evaluating installer programs at work to take the place of an old version of InstallShield. InstallShield is very powerful but it’s complex, a bit bloating, and more than what we need (plus it’s expensive)
i want something drop dead simple and fast to use and i came across Install Simple which is freeware. what takes me an hour with IntallShield took me under 10 minutes with Install Simple. it is not as robust (no serial number authentification) but for our needs, it’s nearly perfect
in messing with it last night, i made an installer for Sim-on-a-Stick and wanted your learned advice as to whether this would help more people try OpenSim as SoaS (the gateway drug of OpenSim?). currently, SoaS is just a zip that you download that does not need admin rights to set up. a zip is easy but it still needs a way to unzip it and some people simply are not comfortable working with zipped archives
i would still have zipped files (108 mb) on Sim-on-a-Stick but might also offer an installer as an option (104 mb)
it works like most installers (screens below) and creates shortcuts to the user’s desktop for the start instructions, MoWeS.exe, and OpenSim.exe. if it’s installed as i have it, it creates an SoaS0731 folder on the C drive and the shortcuts will work. if you install it to a flash drive, the shortcuts will work as long as the drive always has the same drive letter when it’s plugged in
it creates an uninstall file in the SoaS folder (and an entry in your Windows remove programs dealio) which deletes most of the 1568 files and 121 folders (it did leave 2 files and 10 folders and i have no idea why). it won’t mess with viewer files, only the SoaS files it installs)
if you want to try it out, here it is – SoaS0731-Setup.exe
creating an installer for future updates will add 10 to 20 minutes to my updating time but is worth it if you think it will help more people try it
share your thoughts and thanks! =)
a fancy splash screen
My god….. something in Chrome said ‘Sim on stick is not commonly downloaded and could be dangerous’…
Thanks for doing this.
*off to find that setting and change it*
John Sheppard
12 Jul 12 at 9:33 am
Familiarity is a big factor in adoption, Ener, and the average person is familiar with installing software. I suggest changing the default path to C:Program FilesSoaS0731. Again, its a familiar location with the added benefit of keeping software on a person’s system organized.
Just to add, this is a good idea. Shoulda said that first, but I’m always a bit backward until I’ve had my morning coffee
Sarge Misfit
12 Jul 12 at 9:34 am
oh oh, you found my HeinousHDReformatterCPUFryer virus! snap! =p
good idea Sarge, why didn’t you tell me that last night! now i need to repackage it (very good suggestion!)
here’s some coffee –> [_]D
Ener Hax
12 Jul 12 at 10:22 am
Hey Ener!
Great Idea!
With InstallSimple would it be possible to have some config options, like User creation/password?
I was looking at using the Nullsoft install system to create a distro of Aurora-Sim, I’ll have to investigate InstallSimple too!
Thanks,
Techplex
Techplex Engineer
12 Jul 12 at 11:20 am
great question Techplex but unfortunately InstallSimple is a closed box. InstallShield would allow a person to add code for that
if you want to go down a more robust route, Nullsoft is highly regarded as you know but so is WiX
http://wix.sourceforge.net/
the thing with sim-on-a-stick is that it is simply a zipped up package of an already installed “live stick” version of OpenSim and that’s why there is a default avatar
you may want to use Roger’s tutorial and video and build your own package – it’s pretty easy and if you are not daunted by Nullsoft you will find it easy to do (about 15 minutes)
http://vw-standards.wikispaces.com/Research+-+USB+OpenSim
let me know what you develop, i’d love to post about it, especially Aurora-Sim which is an awesome avenue and needs more info online like what you are working on
good luck!
Ener Hax
12 Jul 12 at 12:15 pm
Excellent Idea Ener !! Well Done and simplifies all things in general, for most folks it’s the ideal simple solution to get up & running.
Regarding the install path. Please DO NOT put it into “Program files” or other. That will cause more issues than needed, and would circumvent the usage for easy Sim on a USB stick. Because you “Bundle” MoWeS (Apache & MySql), Diva Distro OpenSim and place all that into an independent directory structure for portability it is more appropriate & correct form to place it in your previous configuration as :\soas0731\… as this is a “Portable Suite”.
I would suggest another slight change as well, as you are making the “Upgrader” from Diva available as it is her distro your using. Change the :\soas0731\Diva-r##### to simply :\soas0731\Diva-OS
Then when the upgrader is run the paths will remain consistent and not change the way everything is connected together. Just a thought.
Good Luck & Have Fun
WS
WhiteStar
12 Jul 12 at 12:45 pm
wow WhiteStar! as always your wisdom shines brightly onto my path! i was just looking at Program Files versus Program Files(x86) versus Programmes for french computers and a few other OS variations
for the Diva folder name change, can i simply F2 and rename the folder in the compiled stick bundle? (i am at work so can’t easily test it to see if it breaks anything)
if so, that would be brilliant because of her update function as you mention which is really handy to use (i blogged on that last year and should mention it again)
thanks WhiteStar! XOXO =)
Ener Hax
12 Jul 12 at 12:56 pm
hey WhiteStar, is there a benefit for the installer to check for .NET framework?
it doesn’t specify which one but there is a simple dialogue where i can ask it to do that and also check the Win version (all the way back to Win98!)
thanks! =)
Ener hax
12 Jul 12 at 2:30 pm
:) Ener
If the installer is capable of checking for dependencies, then absolutely, without a doubt, have it check for Net Framework 3.51 and install it as that is the minimum Framework version required for OpenSim.
You should be able to rename the directory name without issues as it stands. The only thing you did not mention, is if you are still using the SOAS_Start.bat with the installer. If you are, then make sure that you adjust the path in that batch file to “.\diva\bin”
As for Windows Version, well, as far as I know XP+ works fine, anything prior to XP like Win2000 are a no go and not likely to be encountered on any persons system in 2012.
May your Poutine’s curds squeak till the very last bite. :)
WS
WhiteStar
12 Jul 12 at 4:11 pm
thanks WhiteStar, i’ll test the .NET and set the Win check to XP and later
i just did a quick test with diva-os and it started up fine (i did not log in via viewer yet)
i ditched the BAT file in the latest version until i can dedicate more time (and ask your advice). i figure 0.7.4 or later might be a good time to bring it back
those are really nice suggestions and i will roll them in the installer is very fast to use)
thanks!
Ener Hax
12 Jul 12 at 7:05 pm
Will you be keeping a ZIPped, non-installer version available, Ener?
Sarge Misfit
12 Jul 12 at 7:10 pm
most certainly Sarge! that’s my favourite way for people to use it
the installer really is just a result of my day job and being curious if it worked for SoaS
personally, i think building it via Roger’s tutorial is the most ideal since you can then name your “God” avatar anything you want
then the zip would be second best and finally, the installer
but if the installer means more people will try it out, then it’s worthwhile making it (it really is a very easy installer program to use)
so, short answer – absolutely! =)
Ener Hax
12 Jul 12 at 8:29 pm
Awesome, will certainly be great for people who have trouble figuring out “zip” downloads!
Nice that it includes an “uninstall” feature, in case future installs are problematic :)
Thanks for all you do, Ener!
DreamWalker
13 Jul 12 at 5:32 am
*cough & sneeze* McDreamie! you are sooo dusty – haven’t heard from you in forever! =P
yes, it makes an entry in your add/remove programs thing and an uninstall.exe file in the root of the SoaS folder
of the 1568 files/121 folders it removes all except for 10 folders and two files
Ener Hax
13 Jul 12 at 7:43 am
Hi Ener,
I have been doing a crash course on OpenSim over the summer. I am a middle school technology teacher and want to setup a virtual world in my classroom. I would have my students run their own worlds on their jump drives, so your new installer will be fantastic. Thank you so much… I would also like my students to teleport to my world for introductions to new lessons at OpenVCE. I am not quite sure how to do that. I also want to know the best way to change the skin on the default avatar Ruth. I know my principal will want me to make sure my students don’t run around in the buff in their own regions and mine. I thought I read that the settings were hard coded. I know I can add my own inventory of skins. Any suggestions on how or where to make changes before I have them download the files from our LAN?
dritch
5 Aug 12 at 7:27 pm
hello dritch! lots to learn for sure and Erik N. of Open Blackboard is a similar user like you and has written up a mod on how to network SoaS:
http://iliveisl.com/multi-user-sim-on-a-stick/
and skins are easy:
http://iliveisl.com/lindas-kids-child-avatars-for-educators/
Ener Hax
6 Aug 12 at 8:04 am