PackageBuilder - Making life easy for Zeta users

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PackageBuilder - Making life easy for Zeta users

PackageBuilder is a development tool that allows developers to build packages that users can install with SoftwareValet. If you have developed a more complex application, the .pkg format lets you ensure that settings files and libraries are placed in the right locations during application installation. Using the .pkg installation procedure under Zeta, lets the user uninstall the application and all of it's files at any given time with the Uninstaller.

Developers can insert customized splash screens, simply by choosing Installation -> Splash Screen. A drag & Drop will then appear that lets you add the image you want as a splash screen. Package Builder will keep track of the location of the files.

In the Installation Settings the first thing you can enable is Create Install Folder and give it a propriate name. This will become the folder /boot/apps/<Install Folder>. You can enable Display Folder Selection Menu which lets the user navigate to the folder where he/she wants to install the application file (documentation and more). PackageBuilder lets you choose to add an Install Description or Display Text at Installer Open (well you can actually do both!).

In the Package Settings you can enter information that will be displayed the user from within SoftwareValet: Package Name, Version, Developer, Release Date (set automatically by the system) and Software Type. This information is important as it makes it easier for the user to keep track of what version of the software that is installed.

From the Items menu you can Add files... (one or more), Add Folders... (one or more, with all the files they contain), Add Patch... and Add Shell Script... . From this menu you can also add New Folder (used to create subfolder in the installation folder) or Rename Item.

When you have added all the files and their locations after installation, go back again to the Installation menu and choose Build -> SoftwareValet Package... or Self-Extracting Installer... .

PackageBuilder was developed by StarCode Software, Inc. A company founded by Carlin Wiegner and Michael Klingbeil in 1996 to create new tools for software distribution and management. In addition to running the BeDepot Internet software mall, StarCode Software also built the two products: Package Builder and Software Valet.

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