Running Visual c# windows application over LAN

Question

This is my first windows application. I have published my project and here are few questions.

1. Now I have two files - a Setup.exe file and a ClickOnce Application Deployment Manifest file. However both install my application in the machine. What is the right file I should be relying on while installing at the client's place? What is the difference between these two?

2. Should my application be installed at each client machine? Or would it work if I install my application in the server and try to access the shortcut from a client machine (through LAN)? Would it work? If it is running over LAN, should the client machine have .NET framework installed?

Any input is highly appreciated.

Answer 1

See your question contains some answers.

Ans 1. Setup.exe and ClickOnce Application Deployment Manifest file both will install your application but when u run setup.exe it will install all requirements that your app require.

Lets say your app uses .Net Framework 4.0 and Crystal Reports. Then in the setup project(i hope u r using Setup and deployment project of Visual Studio) rightclick on project and click on properties

Then click on prerequisites... It will show u list of prerequisites available. Check on .Net Framework 4.0 and Crystal Reports and compile your project.

Now when u run setup.exe it will first search for .Net 4.0 Framework and crystal report. If not found it will install them and then proceed for your software installation

OR

if already installed then will directly jump for your software installation.

This will not happen if you directly install your software from ClickOnce Application Deployment Manifest file.

Ans 2. U have to install your software on each client for if there is not framework. it will not run your app.