visual basic
Overview of DeltaMAX 1.0
January 30, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
DeltaMAX is an advanced binary differencing engine library for Windows. It allows you to create and apply binary difference files (”patch files”) from your applications. It is the same binary differencing engine used in Visual Patch.
Binary differencing is the process of analyzing two files and then compactly representing the differences or “delta” between them. Also known as “delta compression,” binary differencing is able to represent the data that differs between two files in the most compact way possible.
The most common application of binary differencing is in creating software patches. This involves analyzing two versions of a file in order to extract only the data that has changed from one version to the other. The results of this analysis can then be used to recreate the newer version from any file that exactly matches the original. By only containing the differences, such a patch file can be very small.
Of course, there are many other uses for binary differencing beyond deploying software updates. Because so little data needs to be transmitted, delta compression makes it possible to distribute changes to large data files as efficiently possible.
Key Features
Very fast encoding. DeltaMAX is able to perform multiple passes in less time than it takes other tools to perform a single pass.- Fast decoding. DeltaMAX uses efficient file I/O buffering in order to apply differences quickly.
- Low memory requirements for decoding. DeltaMAX requires only minimal amounts of memory for decoding, and is able to apply differences in low memory situations.
- Compact encoding format. DeltaMAX uses a custom encoding scheme that is very efficient.
- Unique multi-pass optimization. DeltaMAX can perform multiple encoding passes in order to experimentally achieve the best results. This is especially important because the optimal settings can vary according to the unique internal structure of each individual file.
- Works with all file types. DeltaMAX can create differences for all kinds of files (e.g. software executables, word documents, satellite images, medical databases, ocean maps, game data files…)
- Support for large files. DeltaMAX is exceptional in its ability to handle very large files (up to 2GB) and to encode these large files very quickly.
- Developed for Windows. DeltaMAX was developed specifically for the Windows platform, and does not sacrifice performance to achieve platform independence.
Benefits of Binary Differencing
Binary differencing is the process of analyzing two files and then compactly representing the differences or “delta” between them. Also known as “delta compression,” binary differencing is able to represent the data that differs between two files in the most compact way possible.
This technology is most commonly used in software updating and patch management applications, however it is also ideal for use in backup software, server synchronization, data transmission or wherever the environment calls for reduced storage space and lower bandwidth usage.
Having less data to transmit means that file changes can be sent and received faster, which means less time is spent waiting for updates, improving productivity and making “background” updates possible.
In addition to reduced file sizes, binary differenced files are very secure. Difference files contain only the byte level differences between the two source files. Transmitting only tiny portions of a file in a format that can’t be used without the original greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized use.
Competitive Position
Some binary differencing libraries claim to include large-file support, but they process large files so slowly that it really isn’t feasible to use them for that purpose. DeltaMAX uses a unique binary differencing algorithm that was developed to process very large files as quickly as possible. It does this while also achieving the best compression performance possible on all file sizes, large and small.
For example, in benchmark testing DeltaMAX was able to create a patch for a 1.2 GB data file in under 3 minutes, whereas the nearest competitor we tested required more than 70 minutes to process the data on the same system. Some of the competing libraries we tested were not even able to process such a large file, and either failed completely or were still processing after more than 24 hours.
Remarkably, DeltaMAX achieves its speed without sacrificing performance, creating difference files that compare favorably in size to difference files created by other tools. In fact, the speed of DeltaMAX permits additional size optimizations that are not feasible with other tools. For example, it can perform multiple passes with different settings in order to find the optimal parameters for each particular file-and still manage to do so in less time than competing tools require for a single pass!
visual basic
Overview of Autorun MAX! 2.1
January 30, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Autorun MAX! 2.1 gives you the power to create professional looking CD-ROM/DVD-ROM autorun menus and other interactive multimedia projects that are sure to impress. And you don’t have to be a software programmer to do it. With its intuitive workspace and drag-and-drop objects, it’s quick to learn and easy to use. Autorun MAX! requires no programming knowledge whatsoever! You’ll be amazed with the powerful functionality and stylish visual appeal that Autorun MAX! puts at your mouse-clicking fingertip.
Completely Visual – No programming required. Autorun MAX! features a completely visual drag and drop environment. Simply add content such as photos, videos, music, and text to your pages and position them using your mouse. If you like, you can even use the included alignment tools, including grids and rulers to help keep things straight. We’ve even included lots of extra content like backgrounds, panels, buttons, sound effects and more to get you started. Make your project completely interactive using our simple “fill-in-the-blanks” style system. From opening documents, to running programs, viewing websites and sending email, it couldn’t be easier!
Includes a Collection of Ready-to-Use Templates. One of the features which makes Autorun MAX! so quick and easy to work with is the included library of ready-to-use project templates. We’ve included templates for all of the popular autorun CD projects like basic CD menus, electronic business cards and much more. To apply a template simply select it in the new project dialog and Autorun MAX! will do the rest. All you have to do is substitute your content for the placeholder content and publish. Autorun MAX! templates guarantee professional autorun CDs for anyone, in just a few clicks!
Easy Publishing – Burn to CD, Send by Email & More. Whether you prefer to distribute your projects via email, CD-ROM, the internet, or even a CD ISO image, Autorun MAX! makes it a breeze with the handy Publishing Wizard. With just a few clicks you can generate all the files you need to get the job done quickly and correctly. Autorun MAX! can even directly burn your autorun CDs without any need for external CD burning software. The Autorun MAX! Publishing Wizard is clearly laid out and very easy to use, even if you have no prior experience creating your own autorun CDs.
Download the Free Trial and Get Started Now
The best way to experience the value of Autorun MAX! is to try it out first hand. You can download the free trial version of Autorun MAX! by clicking here. The free trial version will continue to work for a period of 30 days, so you have plenty of time to build projects and see for yourself what a great tool Autorun MAX! is. There is no other software in its class which is easier to use, or faster to work with.
visual basic
Frequently Asked Questions
January 20, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Visual Patch simplifies your product management and makes it easy to manage your software releases. There is no easier way to make professional quality, full-history patches for your software and other electronic content. Unlike other products, Visual Patch combines sophisticated binary patching with the flexibility offered by full-history patches. These patches can update any older version to the latest release with a single executable patch file.
Here are some answers to common questions about Visual Patch 3.5…
Who needs Visual Patch?
Anyone who needs to create compact and secure software patches needs Visual Patch. This includes software developers, network administrators and IT managers, among others. Regardless of the type of data being distributed – executables, documents, databases, videos, etc. – Visual Patch can figure out what files have changed, the exact changes within each file and how to update any previous version to the current version.
How easy is it to learn?
Visual Patch’s point-and-click design takes the difficulty out of building even the most sophisticated full-history patches. With the same ease of use and interface style that has made Setup Factory famous, Visual Patch makes it easier to get from “no patch” to “patch” than ever before.
How does Visual Patch affect my bottom line?
Distributing smaller files is good for both you and your customers. Visual Patch will help you save money on bandwidth, server hardware and network congestion. Your customers and clients will benefit from faster downloads, a reliable and easy to use patching process and increased satisfaction with your product and company.
Does Visual Patch support binary patching?
Yes. Visual Patch features state-of-the-art binary differencing and compression algorithms. Combined with a powerful full-history patching engine, Visual Patch offers a unique approach unequaled by any other product, making it an excellent addition to the toolbox of any software developer or IT manager.
Does Visual Patch support full history patching?
Yes. Visual Patch gives you full control over which versions of your software can be patched with a single executable. Unlike some other products, Visual Patch’s full-history patching ability can update any version of your software to the latest release. This makes patches created with Visual Patch easier to apply and friendlier to use than those created with less sophisticated patch builders.
Can I password protect my patches?
Yes. Visual Patch includes a number of features designed to help you manage access to your software. Asking for a password or serial number is no problem. Additionally, Visual Patch automatically restricts use of your patch files through the use of binary differencing, key files and sophisticated message digests calculations.
Will my patch work on all Windows platforms?
Visual Patch builds patches with 100% support for all 32-bit Windows platforms. This includes Windows 95, 98, ME, NT4, 2000, XP and Server 2003.
What languages can my patch appear in?
Visual Patch gives you everything you need to support your customers and clients around the world. Patches created with Visual Patch can automatically determine the language of the client operating system and adjust the display of screens and messages appropriately. Whether you need to support English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or any other language recognized by Windows, simply provide the text and Visual Patch takes care of the rest!
Why not just use Setup Factory to build a new installer?
When preparing a new release, you will certainly want to use Setup Factory to build an installer for new customers; however, you can save money and ensure the security of your updates by using patch files. Patch files are smaller as they only distribute the files that have changed and – more importantly – they are absolutely useless to anyone who doesn’t already have a valid version of your software installed.
What’s the difference between an Installer builder and a Patch builder?
Installer builders (such as Indigo Rose’s Setup Factory) have a different purpose than patch builders (like Visual Patch). A software installer is used to setup and configure a full software application on a computer system. Once it’s installed and working, the installation program’s job is done. In a perfect and unchanging world, that would be the end of the story. However, we all know that change is a constant. Software and data need to be updated periodically (bug fixes, features etc), but such changes seldom require the complete overhaul of a program. You need a method that synchronizes the data “in-the-field” with your current release.
Visual Patch greatly simplifies product maintenance by taking care of this for you. Whenever you have a new version ready, Visual Patch figures out what files need to be added, changed or replaced to bring any older version of your software up to date.
Visual Patch saves you time by making the design process as easy as possible. Visual Patch is also incredibly accurate; by automating much of the decision process, it eliminates opportunities for human error compared to developing patches “by hand” with other methods. Additionally, with the addition of binary differencing, Visual Patch can actually determine the areas of difference within a file and only distribute those particular changes – something that is impossible to do without sophisticated algorithms.
Will my patch be Internet ready?
Yes. Visual Patch generates a compact, single-file, self-executing patch that is easy to distribute, and easy for your users to use. It’s perfect for distribution using web, email, LAN, TrueUpdate, CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. It’s also Authenticode-ready, so you can digitally sign your patches.
What other tools do I need to use Visual Patch?
None. As a standalone product, Visual Patch can be used by anyone. It doesn’t matter what installation product you use or even whether you use one at all. If you need to get newer versions of files out to users, Visual Patch will do it. However, as part of a complete solution for software deployment, you will find that Visual Patch integrates quite nicely with tools like Setup Factory and TrueUpdate.
What kinds of files can Visual Patch update?
Visual Patch will work with any kind of files. You could even use it to update a few slides in a presentation, or individual files in a library of help documents used by your sales team. With a flexible tool like Visual Patch, the possibilities are endless.
Can I customize the runtime interface?
Yes. Visual Patch lets you easily drop in new wizard dialogs using the built-in Screen Manager and Gallery. Altering the display sequence is as simple as clicking on up and down arrows. You can edit text messages, use custom graphics and set conditional display options. A variety of screen types are available, from basic text displays, to check boxes, text input, radio buttons and more.
Can I create patches that target multiple operating systems?
Yes. You can attach conditions to any part of the patch to make them specific to the version of Windows that the user is running. For instance, your patch might install some new files only on Windows 95, or it might check different Registry locations for values if the user is running Windows 98 or Windows XP.
Can I distribute my patch on CD-ROM / DVD-ROM? Email? Web?
Yes. Visual Patch creates standalone, single-file executable patches that you can distribute using virtually any type of media you like.
Can Visual Patch handle advanced patching needs?
Absolutely. With Visual Patch, you aren’t limited to just replacing old files with new ones. We’ve also included many advanced features – you can query the Registry, modify INI files, perform file searches, interact with web scripts, explore folders, delete and rename files, and more.
How does Visual Patch benefit the software developer?
The easier it is for your users to update your software, the more likely it is that your users will be using the latest version. As a result, your technical support team will have fewer legacy issues to deal with. The easier it is for you to release updates, the more often you can release them. You won’t have to hold back releases until you have made enough changes to justify the effort required to prepare updates using traditional update methods.
How does Visual Patch impact technical support?
Timely software patches allow your users to benefit quickly from any new features and bug fixes you develop. Ensuring that users benefit from all the bug fixes you’ve released reduces the incidence of support calls. Keeping users up to date makes it easier to support them when incidents occur.
How will Visual Patch impact our customers and clients?
Today’s users are savvy; they demand responsiveness from software companies and they want tools that meet their needs and make them more productive. In order to maintain customer loyalty and maximize the user’s experience with your software, you need to make patching your software as easy as possible. Making it easy for users to patch your software shows that you’re committed to supporting it.
How does Visual Patch benefit the network administrator?
Keeping a corporate, educational or government network up-to-date with the latest security patches, applications updates and operating system fixes is a time consuming ordeal. Without tools like Visual Patch, the task is virtually impossible. Used in conjunction with Indigo Rose’s TrueUpdate, you’ll be able to quickly and effectively roll out whatever software patches you need to throughout your organization. The TrueUpdate client software can analyze the computer system, decide what is currently installed and then take action to download and install the patches you’ve made with Visual Patch to bring that system up-to-date. It’s fast, easy and automatic.
I’m not a software developer…do I still need Visual Patch?
Absolutely! You don’t need to be a software developer to benefit from Visual Patch. You can use Visual Patch to update product catalogs, databases, price lists, help files, quarterly reports, training videos or whatever else you want.
System Requirements
In order to build patches, a developer requires:
- Windows 2000, XP or Vista
- 512 MB RAM (1 GB+ RAM recommended)
- 800×600 display resolution
- 50 MB free hard drive space
In order to run the patches, an end user requires:
- Windows 95/98/ME/NT4(SP6)/2000/XP/Vista
- 32 MB RAM
- 640×480 display resolution
- 10 MB free hard drive space
visual basic
Video Tutorials for Setup Factory
January 8, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Learn all about Setup Factory. These videos were created for Setup Factory 7.0, but are fully compatible with Setup Factory 8.
Setup Factory 7 Training Chapter 1
Setup Factory 7 Training Chapter 2
Setup Factory 7 Training Chapter 3
Setup Factory 7 Training Chapter 4
Setup Factory 7 Training Chapter 5
visual basic
Online User’s Guide
January 1, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The easiest way to learn how to use MSI Factory is to start it up and use it. We recommend that you use the Project Wizard for your first project. That will help you see the available options and what a properly configured project looks like. If you have any questions about what a particular dialog box option does, just click on the Help button to get a full description.
However, if you enjoy learning everything there is to know about your software, the Help menu is your friend. That’s were you’ll find links to the full Help File/Command Reference as well as documentation on both WiX and the MSI Bootstrapper application.
We’ve made the Command Reference portion of the documentation available to you online in “webhelp” format, if you’d like to take a peek before installing the software.
