Re: [Visualpython-users] Re: download components

[Bruce S. <ba...@an...>]

--On Sunday, December 17, 2000 1:40 PM +0100 Ihor Rokach 
<ro...@tu...> wrote:

> I have been using free Inno Setup installer
> http://jordanr.dhs.org/isinfo.htm
> since 1998. It is very nice and powerful program especially when used
> together with accompanying tools like Scriptmaker
> http://www.tafweb.com/scriptmaker.html

Many many thanks for this recommendation. Despite of (or because of) it 
being a scripting installer maker, I found it easier to use than the Wise 
engine which I previewed, and more powerful as well. I didn't even feel a 
need to pick up the Scriptmaker tools. With the low-end $200 Wise installer 
I couldn't actually do everything that needed to be done, whereas Inno 
Setup is freeware and has all the power I need.

I've updated the VPython web site Windows download page to feature 
install.exe files rather than zip files. These installers automatically 
detect where Python 2.0 is installed and put the VPython additions into 
that folder. A desktop shortcut is produced by the full VPython installer 
that points to the right place. You can uninstall using the Add/Remove 
Programs control panel.

A disadvantage is that these exe files are bigger than the corresponding 
zip files (particularly noticeable for some unknown reason in the case of 
the documentation files). However, I was going slightly crazy and was in 
danger of making serious mistakes using WinZip. With Inno Setup (stands for 
"Innovative Setup" program), I'm able to have scripts that automatically 
produce the right stuff, with separate control over source and destination 
folders, something that WinZip doesn't provide. And when additional files 
are added to a VPython folder these scripts pick them up, thanks to wild 
cards. Ihor Rokach asked for zip files for experienced users; I'm hoping 
that it won't actually be necessary to maintain two kinds of files. Is 
there any issue here other than download time?

Now does anyone have a comparable great suggestion for the Macintosh?

Bruce Sherwood

P.S. Dave Scherer had pointed out that I had omitted some components from 
the Numeric suite, such as the FFT module. The new stuff includes those 
pieces.