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Build 200401271900-ismp5: Missing these information in preview panel: - file associations (none/which one) - creating desktop icon (even it can't be changed) - creating menu items (even it can't be changed) Notice: it's good to tell the user (developer) what will be done, not to surprise him.
The actions done behind the scenes are to generate a desktop icon and 3 start menu items. I'm inclined not to add this information to the preview panel for three reasons. First is cluttering the panel, second is that it's done behind the scenes and third is that I think most installers don't tell you they are doing this. So you don't really know that the actions take place unless they fail. Maybe the solution is not to show the warning messages? What do you think? However, the associations are shown to the user, so I would agree that they should be shown and will start impementing that section and await your comments on the other things.
OK, I understand though I don't agree in full, let me explain: 1) Our Installer's users are developers (me, you) or administrators (e.g. in schools) who are at least advanced Windows users -- they know how to install a program, how to add icons to desktop and how to manage menu items. 2) These users like to know what's happening with their system when they install a program But anyway 3) Look at other install programs of common products like Winamp, Winzip, Winrar, CuteFTP, CloneCD etc. - they ask user if they want to a) add desktop icon (using checkbox) b) add menu items (using checkbox) c) where create menu items (All users vs. personal user profile) d) menu item name with possibility of choose the submenu by typing "Development Tools\Java\NetBeans" (this behavior have the newest and best installers I know) e) file associations (we have them too) f) shell integration (we don't need it) CONCLUSION: This describtion is a ENHANCEMENT - I'm planning to add it already for a week (no time yet). BUT I think, that the first step is to say the users which actions will be done -- I don't agree with your argument to have the smallest information in the panel -- RIGHT solution (in my opinion) is to have a good information structure. I can look at other installers to take some ideas next week -- but I'd prefer to write it there now and later discuss the changes of information order etc. (do you agree?). I think that solution of adding two more lines with text about menu items and descktop icons additions doesn't take too much time and it awakes confidence in the users to NB installer. Well, now it's on you to have arguments against this.
I've implemented the file association information in the preview panel. I'll also add the following line in the preview panel if we all (HIE, DOCS, QA, Eng) agree that it is the right thing to do. "The installer will also attempt to create a desktop icon, Start Menu items and a Product/Version registry key for NetBeans IDE 3.6." I will place this information at the end of the panel. However, I would like to get HIE and docs to look at this wording. One other thing the installer tries to do is to update the add/remove uninstall info with an icon and the product name. I don't think this is important for the user to know since the uninstall item will be added no matter what but the updates I try to add may fail.
The wording looks good. I'd suggest a few tiny changes: "The installer will also attempt to create a desktop icon, Start Menu items, and a product/version registry key for NetBeans IDE 3.6." One question: It's just one registry key (combining product and version)?
The product/version registry key is: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\NetBeans IDE\3.6
Great, the text is OK then.
The file association information has been implemented in the installers. The additional info has yet to be implemented but since the additional info is behind the scenes information that the user has no control over, I think I can downgrade this to a P3. If you disagree, please readjust the priority.
I didn't get the time to fully implement this so it will need to wait till the next version. The install preview message should be: "The installer will also attempt to create a desktop icon, Start Menu items, and a product/version registry key for NetBeans IDE x.x." (where x.x is the version number)
It is more like RFE. We do not have file association panel in installer anymore. Do we want this? Or do we want to make Desktop icon and Programs menu item selectable? It would probably mean additional panel or put it to some existing panel eg. Preview Panel (I would have to check other installers where they put it.) Something like (in Preview Panel): [check box] Create desktop icon [check box] Create programs menu item By default it could be checked.
Please evaluate.
Jano, could you please comment on this? IIRC you objected against implementing this, thus I'm curious what to do with the issue. Given its age it should be P-10 by now... ;)
*** Issue 39354 has been marked as a duplicate of this issue. ***
*** Issue 174118 has been marked as a duplicate of this issue. ***
Assigned to new owner.