[ms4w-users] New Installer type available

[Jeff McKenna]

Some may be interested to know that an 'ms4w-setup.exe' installer is now 
available, compiled using NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System).  An 
initial build is posted on the downloads page 
(http://www.maptools.org/ms4w/index.phtml?page=downloads.html).

There are many problems with this initial version, but it's a start. 
The goal is to post it and get feedback from users and other NSIS 
developers.  Many other FOSS4G installers use NSIS, so it will be good 
to use their existing scripts and experience.  The NSIS script used is 
currently and will always be available on the download page to view, so 
other NSIS knowledgeable people can give feedback/suggestions/code.

It's far from being "production/release ready", but I hope that people 
still try it and give lots of feedback/recommendations.  Please do use 
MS4W's Bugzilla to enter bugs and requests for enhancements 
(http://bugzilla.maptools.org/enter_bug.cgi?product=MS4W, choose 
Component: "Nullsoft Installer").

Current Features
================

- allows choice of root directory for installation
- creates DOS shell window shortcut on desktop (no more need to run 
setenv.bat)
- creates start menu and desktop links
- uninstall from 'Add/Remove Programs'
- localhost browser desktop shortcut (firefox only, IE code exists but 
is commented out)

Known Problems
==============

- removal of some desktop/start menu shortcuts on uninstall
- no option to install ms4w packages (chameleon, fist,..)

Future Enhancements
===================

- include option for ms4w package installations (chameleon, etc.)
- allow install in any directory
- localhost shortcut for default browser
- ability to specify desired apache port

History
=======

This installer has existed for some time in some form.  It has been used 
for several FOSS4G conferences for workshop installations.  Credit must 
go to Yewondwossen Assefa who a few years ago created the initial 
version of this.  It's finally available for the public, so we can all 
enhance it together.


jeff



-- 
Jeff McKenna
DM Solutions Group Inc.
http://www.dmsolutions.ca