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vb.netpackagingcabsmart-device

Why device applications should be packaged?


Why should be device applications packaged like described here :

Packaging Device Solutions Overview

I could copy the exe file in to the file system of my mdt and start it from there. Everything works. So why the packeging into the cab files???

Regards


Solution

  • CAB (device) is essentially the same as MSI (windows), they are both used for the installation of software (applications).

    I think the real question here is:

    What is an installer?

    To quote wikipedia:

    Common operations performed during software installations include

    • Making sure that necessary system requirements are met
    • Checking for existing versions of the software
    • Creating or updating program files and folders
    • Adding configuration data such as configuration files, Windows registry entries or environment variables
    • Making the software accessible to the user, for instance by creating links, shortcuts or bookmarks
    • Configuring components that run automatically, such as daemons or Windows services
    • Performing product activation
    • Updating the software versions

    Read more about installation (computer programs) at wikipedia:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Installation_(computer_programs)