posted 08-14- 07:13 PM               

This is why, all of a sudden, you're seeing posts about everything being changed to self extracting zips. This is something I'm doing for the upadted CD and came out as a result of our discussion on revamping the way the on-line std update is handled.

I have some friends that just got the game testing out my update CD idea on a few files first.

For those not in the US: MY plan is to mail them for a small price in the US AND post the .iso images so somenone with a CD burner in Australia or Europe can do the same thing. Heck, I even encourage people with HTML expertise to translate the words into other languages and create one of their own. (Something I learned from the Linux community).

This has taken a while as the interface took longer than I expected, I didn't like the process needed to install files, and I got too overambitious at first (I was actually trying to include all of the available skins- think that makes me a candidate for a funny farm )

posted 08-15- 09:30 AM               

I'm trying to find a way to get the self extracting zips back to the creators so they can test them and post them for download. I'm not holding on to them at all. The process to convert them to self extracting zips is so difficult - takes about 90 seconds if the file structure is already set up. Otherwise it takes about 3 minutes. You just have to have the utility (which I do).

BF- I've already talked to 2 places and may have a spot to post the iso's already.

posted 08-15- 12:53 PM               

If I do that. I might as well dump the html interface and let people dig around using windows explorer. This would just discourage new users.

I have one friend that likes the game, but is uncomfortable with zip utilities, therefore he hasn't installed anything that doesn't have an installer.

The self extracting zips aren't only for the CD, they're to make life easy for everyone- new users that have no idea of the file structure most of all.

Things become popular when they are made EASY for the general user.

Here's how this works. Click on table of contents from the main page, click on terrain in the TOC, it takes you to a page with a short description of each terrain. Included on the page is how to install them (Same process for ALL files not having an installer.) Each terain has a file link. You click on it and the window you get when you go to download comes up. Click on the "run from current location" and the self extracting zip runs. You browse in the SEzip window to your fighter squadron directory and it extracts and installs the files. You are done. NO COPYING FILES, NO MOVING FOLDERS NO MESSING AROUND. If you have multiple installs, just click on the link a second time and point it to the directory where your alternate install is located- you're done.

On files with installers that extract the files to the same directory they are in before installing them, you add a self extracting zip. The SEzip throws the installer in your temp directory and LAUNCHES the installer for you.

Again- you're done. No fuss no muss, and no rough stuff.

How much easier would it be to get new users in this game if that's all they have to do to install a file, whether it's on the CD or the download it?