From: Jeff Cohen Date: 2006-04-05T13:03:10+09:00 Subject: Re: setup.rb problems and possible fix Coming from the Windows world, this thread really interests me. Installing software on Windows has traditionally been a challenge; in recent years Microsoft started including an installation engine (Windows Installer) in the OS. Then .NET promised "xcopy deployment" but that wasn't quite true either (except in the simplest of cases). 1. I've seen usage of setup.rb and just assumed it came with my one-click-installer distribution. Until I read this thread I didn't think twice about it, but what exactly is/was the mission of setup.rb? 2. If we're just talking about copying files, etc. I wonder if using Rake would be better than an entirely new system. Would it be possible to just use Rake tasks as a way to install files? 3. What happens in a Ruby setup other than copying files into the right folders? 4. Is there a desire/need for OS-specific setup options? For example, on Windows, "good" installers place an entry in the Control Panel's Add/Remove list, and also probably install some shortcut icons in the start menu, etc. And maybe there are similar needs on *nix and Mac? Please pardon any stupid-sounding newbie questions here... any light that could be shed would be much appreciated :-) Thanks Jeff www.softiesonrails.com -- Posted via http://www.ruby-forum.com/.