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by OpenAmazing 5301 days ago
You would be surprised.

If you distribute software to non-programmers, check your stats for # of downloads started vs. # of applications started (or new users). My guess is that they are way off:

Most computer users do not know what a "Downloads" folder is.
3 comments
kogir 5301 days ago
On Windows the solution for this is ClickOnce[1]. It's actually really well done, but I've only ever seen one program use it - Chrome[2].

[1] http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/t71a733d(v=VS.100).a... [2] https://www.google.com/chrome

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motowilliams 5300 days ago
I don't think Google Chromium (Chrome) uses the .NET ClickOnce installer but Google's own Omaha software installer
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ComputerGuru 5299 days ago
He's referring to a special launcher for the installer that's used on Windows.
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ComputerGuru 5300 days ago
The only problem is that ClickOnce has a .NET dependency, but if you can get around that, you're home free.
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Peaker 5301 days ago
Incidentally, I think downloading or saving any kind of file, and then having to "find" it from the entire set of accessible files is one of the worst UI offenses still remaining in modern machines.

I just downloaded/saved something, why do I have to spend time "re-finding it" if I want to access it in another context?

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outworlder 5300 days ago
OSX makes this process less painful, as it has the downloads folder in the dock by default, and the icon changes to match the most recent addition.

It is still not optimal, but at least my mom is able to do it now...

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rabidsnail 5301 days ago
Has nobody written an installer for windows apps that runs from java web start?
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OpenAmazing 5301 days ago
Adobe Air.
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robmcm 5301 days ago
Yes AIR has a fantastic install process, even installing AIR it's self.

With the install badge you could also detect if it was already installed, and launch rather than download.

It would shock you how many people would download and install an app every time they wanted to run it.

There is no wonder why something like the app store on iOS is used by so many non techy people and so popular. Especially when you think you could install apps on phones before this...

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