How to make self extractor or self installable?

Question

I have some set of class files and some folders. I need to distribute that software to all the users. I feel to make an self extractor and distribute the software. when the user groups double click on the self extractor it will get extract to a specified folder.

I know I can do this in win zip, but after extracting I need a short cut on the desktop to run the main class. any idea how to add a desktop short to the self extractor or is there any way in the self extractor to execute a batch file or small command immediately after extracting the files?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Well, there are 2 ways to do it inexpensively:
1.) Write a small program that will copy the files you need where they need to be when a zip file is opened (by naming it install.exe).
2.) Get a freeware installer and script editor from the URL below's links.

Answer 2

Alright, check out Inno Setup. It's a free setup compiler with no ads. Get it @ http://www.jrsoftware.org/download.php/is.exe or go to http://www.innosetup.com . You can customize the setup to show pics, and stuff like that.

*Note: When you make the setup, when you right click and click Version, under "Comments", it says,"This installation was built with Inno Setup: http://www.innosetup.com". You change get that off with ResHacker, at http://rpi.net.au/~ajohnson/resourcehacker .