Description:
This software is for developers who would like to deploy their software over-the-air, from the Internet (or LAN) directly to Pocket PCs.
dnInstaller, simply combines CAB files genearated by CabWiz, HTML introductory page, text Readme and EULA and generates an executable for target CPU.
There were 3 major reasons that I began this project:
First, CAB files are not compressed. Second, If you need to install more than one software, you have to build another .inf file and combine each software's .inf into one. And the last, CABs do not display Readme and EULA.
Some advantages of dnInstaller over Cabinet files:
- Cabinet files are not compressed, whereas dnInstaller compresses files, which decreases the bandwidth used. (for a GPRS user this is very important)
- dnInstaller displays HTML introduction, ReadMe (text) and End-User Licence Agreement (text) - All could be HTML in later versions, which will be decided later, according to requests and comments.
- With dnInstaller you can manage installation of 1024 CABs in order. (For example, if you have developed a streaming client which uses Media Player API and you would like to distribute Media Player files with your own software).
- The user interface is similar to the installers people use everyday on their desktop PCs.
How to use:
Install package to your desktop PC and run the wizard. First create a new project. In the next screen, locate your introduction HTML, write readme and EULA. Readme and EULA are displayed (more or less) the same as seen on the wizard. Later on, add your CABs (hope this won't be needed in later versions). CABs will be installed in the order listed.
About compression:
The ration changes with the file types in your CABs. For example, in a test, dnInstaller created a 1267 Kbytes setup file (including extractor and user interface) from a 3346 Kbytes CAB file, over 60% compression. I tried dnInstaller on Kylie Minogue slide show, the installer was 7% less in size compared to raw CAB.
