Written by Steven Brough on March 7th, 2009

Software Installers: A Core Factor in Your Software

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When outsourcing software development projects a key feature that the service provider must pay particular attention is the user interface. Potential users will seek life and apps elsewhere if your finished product is not absolutely easy to install and be as small in scale as possible so that it does not monopolize your memory and other hardware and software resources.

When distributing your software, you want to compact/ compress all your files into a smaller size in order for it to fit inside a CD or DVD. Some people who buy your software do not know how to uncompress and put the files in their proper places in order for the software to run which is why your software developer must be particularly attentive to the size of the application. This is why an installation program should be created by an experienced provider of outsource software development projects. Moreover, extensive knowledge and experience as programmers are absolute necessities if your project expects to realize success and generate revenues via sales. An installation program or more commonly known as “installer” is a small, automated and interactive software program that places the files of the software being installed in the right places in the computer.

It makes important configuration and setting changes in the operating system in order for your program to run. An Installer may also decompress the new files, remove obsolete files, place extensions and control panels in their proper folders, and/or create new folders. Without an installer, your customer may lose interest in your software because of the difficulty of installing it.

Installation can also be done manually by placing each file on the specified folder and making the changes in the registry but if you want your developed software to be usable by everyone (non-programmers), including an installer is always preferred.

Installers speed up the time required to install your software. Your files are usually transferred automatically to your desired folder in a couple of minutes whereas manual installation would take longer. Installers can also be used as your backup for the program. If ever you crash your computer and lose your files in a drive, having an installer in another drive would be reassuring. Almost all commercially distributed programs are using installers. Hiring a programmer to create an installation program is easy due to the sprouting of many freelancing sites. Just remember, Google is your best net buddy. Searching for freelance programmers through the internet is relatively easy these days.