- I use the 'compact', so-called 'USB-stick' install (though it is on my hard drive) - which gives me all files in one parent folder, with sub-folders too... Absolutely everything is in there.
So it is always instantly ready to copy for: backup, duplication to another computer, or to give a copy of what I myself use to a friend, so I can easily talk them through what I have learned - etc.
I have no experience of any other type of setup/install - and this may influence what I ask in relation to putting updates into the same parent folder -
as follows: ]
Hey Costas -
Beta updates/filename
I see it would not be possible to put a version number onto the rar name for the beta download, or there could not be a permanent link to it as it would change each time.
(Anyone wanting to find Beta it is downloadable here: http://theword.gr/files/beta/theword.rar )
However - could we have permission to also access the beta download page? - http://theword.gr/files/beta/ -
if so, the version time/date would be there even if the name were unchanged.
And possibly older versions also (though without filename differnces, they could not exist side by side).
So - this looks not fully workable and maybe there are security risks for you, for a page access? (I do not know).
Instead, could the update itself have the number in the filename, within the rar packing?
- eg.
--- - theword_1106.exe,
or - theword_b1106.exe
or - theword_beta1106.exe
or - whatever!
With this option, unpacking the update into the same folder with the Official Release would give a ready-named, clickable or linkable file that will:
a) not upset already setup links for 'Official' program start (because new download would not have the same filename)
b) allow the version that is current in that folder to continue without being overwritten, and without having to rename it to avoid that (which would also break its shortcut links).
This would also allow beta's to stack up in the folder and not interfere either with each other, nor with the official release.
Finally - if none of these options work for you for whatever reason - could you add a text file within the rar packing with the beta version name on it?
So it is quickly apparent what is there, without having to first install to get the version number.
- - This could be an empty .txt or .nfo file (as used in so many packed downloads) - though a .txt is clear for all 'customers' I imagine, and some may not suss the .nfo format. The filename alone would give the version number of the update.
- Or make a standard .txt entry - eg.
'The filename of this text is the version number of the beta update in this package ' (for example...)
- and rename it each time with the version number, to include in the rar package.
What do you think? And does anyone else out there fancy this?
Or maybe you have reasons 'why NOT to do so!' that I have not seen?
Mike