RFB mod installation poll for "final" public releases
 

Well, here's the thought.

We can make the RFB mod a self extracting zip that will point to the default SH4 installation directory and let you browse to a different directory if you need to.

All individual mod folders would be placed in the MODS folder for JSGME to use. You'd still have to use JSGME to delete them as this would not be an installer.

Advantages
Ease of installation
Noobie friendly

Disadvantages
Larger file size than rar or 7z

Using an installer is another idea, but they can wind up leaving your registry cluttered if you don't use the uninstall feature (and most registry's are pretty cluttered to begin with). Also deleting only one mod folder to replace it can sometimes break the uninstaller.

swdw, I think one issue you might run across is 'versioning'... If the project stays a moving target for any length of time, which is likely considering it's nature, and unless you were releasing major 'milestone' releases, I'm not sure how you'd manage content. Changing single modules in the project shouldn't necessitate downloading the whole enchilada...

I think packaging the "final" or major releases into self-installing .zips or .exes would be beneficial as an end product, but I would advise using holding off until then. The other issue, as you point out, is cluttering the registry with entries, many of which would remain after an un-install. I use a Registry cleaner after every program un-install and it always finds entries left behind.

Another option is use a versioning system, and track individual "modules". I've used CVS and SVN on projects in the past to great success but that process might be total overkill for RFB...

Ok, just thinking out loud here... I assume you have web storage or access to a public server somewhere? Perhaps organizing the project into folders representing each "module" and the getting a thread stickied at the top would suffice. You could announce any version changes to individual modules in the thread (similar to what Excalibur Bane is doing), but keep the link pointing to only one file name. This way, you only have to upload the changed files and not change the filename constantly. Not perfect, but an idea...

Once the project is debugged sufficiently, making a .zip or .exe would be cool...

Should have been clearer with my questions, this is in regards to a "final" or public release that's been tested and has version number assigned to it.

For testers, it'll simply be a zip with dates for the testing release as part of the folder name (like the current one)

Am looking at some different cvs systems that would be at an appropriate level for modding. sent you a PM with my e-mail- send me a suggestion if you have one.

Also, for development, the hosting service I use is 120GB space and 120gb tranfer per month (1and1) being split between 3 domains. At that, I can conservatively use 50- 60 GB cuz the other sites won't use much HD space. I'm guessing there will probably be even more available. Should be plenty considerng the size of most mods.

Limited ftp users though, so people will have to use a common ftp login as the service at this time does not allow anonymous users.

Should have the BB for the devs and testers up tomorrow or saturday (phpBB). Will also make the forum available to other modders to communicate with other devs and testers for their mods. Public feedback on releases is still via subsim. Have no intention of going away from this forum, but allows communication between devs and testers other than e-mail so each tester can see other testers reports/complaints.

I thought you might... LOL... Shoulda asked... ;)

I'd suggest Subversion: http://subversion.tigris.org/ as you can run it as a client or as a server process on your home box, for tinkering and local copy, on both M$ and Linux servers... Does your hosting service offer this or would they install it for you?

Personnaly, i woudlnt use a self extracting exe unless its your FINAL version. That, and i think there would be some confusion as to installation path. If someone installs id directly onto the main games files (either by accident or design), they have a higher likelyhood of the need to reinstall the game later on for whatever reason.

well the only problem with a final version is it is never the final version. :-?


i would like to ask you to give thought to those of us with older computers struggling to play the game as it is and who cant afford to use "extras" but would love to be able to have any "fixes" that correct elements already contained in the stock game that work incorrectly.

if it is possible can you share anything that could be a stand alone fix to repair things that you fixed in RFB?

keep up the good work and thank you for your contributions to the community. :rock: