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NewsArchive
09-21-2012, 05:41 AM
I have recently begun to find a huge flaw with Windows 8 brought about by
their policy - as I understand it. Maybe I have got it wrong.

As I understand it Windows 8 should really only ever have one icon
associated with an application, that being the shortcut to launch the
application.

However I am now finding myself having to write a utility application to run
various things in the software accessed from my server as that is the only
way I can see how to get round these "rules". For example, I use Armadillo
to protect and register my application. The demo runs for 30 days and if
that period runs out the user can register the software manually. Previously
I provided a shortcut for that. Now I having to do that via my utility.
Otherwise the user has to go through a convoluted process to do it via the
RUN menu which is prone to significant errors.

In short I am finding that Microsoft is forcing us to use the internet which
I prefer not to do for many reasons.

The point of this discussion is that as I understand it Friedrich recommends
us NOT to create more than one icon. I could have got that wrong. What I
think we need to be able to do is to create a group in the APP area. If you
install SB7 on Windows 8 now you see a group created (see attached). However
Friedrich has said he is moving away from this and I understand why - to
comply with the rules. Of course the installer on the version I installed as
a test was NOT Windows 8 aware hence the group appearing.

Another feature I feel we need is to be able to run FM3 (the file manager
utility) independently of the application. Hence another requirement for a
shortcut.

So my point is this ... surely the best way is to create the groups within
the APPS area. But that seems against the "rules". So how do we get around
this issue?

I absolutely love Windows 8 but I feel to comply with the rules (which I
would prefer to do) I am imposing severe limitations on how I provide basic
support for my applications.

Of course I might have misunderstood this and if these groups are allowed
then there is no problem. After all Microsoft has their own set of "groups"
such as Windows Accessories, System etc. as show attached.

Thanks

John

NewsArchive
09-21-2012, 05:41 AM
John,

I'll not provide answers to your questions yet because I have to wait for
the results of an ongoing SetupBuilder research project for Win8 app
deployment.

Friedrich

NewsArchive
09-21-2012, 05:42 AM
> I have recently begun to find a huge flaw with Windows 8 brought about by
> their policy - as I understand it. Maybe I have got it wrong.
>
> As I understand it Windows 8 should really only ever have one icon
> associated with an application, that being the shortcut to launch the
> application.

John,

Since Windows 8 is NOT officially released yet to the public (although we
do have the final, initial product in RTM build), and there is little to go
on about "rules" - and what do the "rules" imply - Windows 8 certification
or will they tighten up the OS over time over shortcuts,

I'd say think of it as a transition period - minimize the number of
shortcuts to WHAT is essential - and be ready to modify in the future for
what may be REQUIRED!

As Lee White pointed out - our apps in Windows 7 had a much better
appearance than under Windows 8 - back almost, but not quite to a W2K Flat
look, without the nice rounded edges we have in W7.

And, I'm sure Friedrich will be able to offer more about the rules shortly
after the research project.

Kinda of a "wait and see" attitude - we need to see how other - More
popular programs are handling "official" Windows 8 Setups, but I think they
may be in transition as well - or scrambling to develop "formerly known as
metro".

BTW, check out the latest Encourager Software Developer Tips with a BRAND
NEW Windows 8 Tips Section.

Encourager Software Developer Tips
MFG - Encourager Software
http://www.encouragersoftware.com/software-developers.html

Because of some hosting problems I had recently, my ANN contained a
UNINSTALL current Dev Tips, and download latest - 9-21-2012 - in the
future, use the update feature.

David

--
From David Troxell - Product Scope 7.9 - Encourager Software
EZChangeLog Reporter 2.1 Available - http://www.encouragersoftware.com/
http://www.encouragersoftware.com/software-developers.html

NewsArchive
09-21-2012, 09:59 AM
Tease! <g>

--

Russ Eggen
RADFusion International, LLC

NewsArchive
09-24-2012, 02:28 AM
Any timescales on this Friedrich?I have clients now installing to Windows 8
on a reasonably regular basis as they get geared up to it.

OK so it's only the Preview edition but even so they seem keen to try it
out.

Thanks

John

NewsArchive
09-24-2012, 02:29 AM
Hi John,

> Any timescales on this Friedrich?I have clients now installing to
> Windows 8 on a reasonably regular basis as they get geared up to it.
>
> OK so it's only the Preview edition but even so they seem keen to try
> it out.

I think I'll post a Win8 deployment "whitepaper" within the next 2-4 days.
But you definitely need the upcoming SetupBuilder 8 to support the new Win8
Start Screen / All Apps screen deployment strategy. The underlying concept
in Win8 changed between the pre-release and RTM versions.

If I were you I would not change the Shortcut strategy now and wait for SB8.

Friedrich