How to express install software like IT tech people do it. Single click installs for xp, firefox, antivirus..

Question

I want to set up single click installs for things like windows xp with service packs, microsoft office, firefox, spyware scan, antivirus, and firewalls. How can I get these done so I can install the stuff quickly?

1 click installs mean you dont have to go through all the install options. You click the exe and it does a silent install so you dont have to do the work.

Answer 1

The problem here is that all those different programs are different installer packages built with different installer software. Most open source installer packages aren't built with commercial installer software like InstallSheild and vice versa. In addition to that the installer packages only support the options the original package builder elected to include.

One thing that you can do is 'slipstream' your XP and Office installation points (either CD or network) so that they already include service packs and hotfixes. To do it manually here is a good tutorial:

http://www.petri.co.il/windows_2000_xp_sp_slipstreaming.htm

To have software do it for you there is autostreamer and autopatcher:

http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=223562
http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showforum=89

There's also XP Lite, a commercial offering, and nLite, another free package:

http://www.short-media.com/review.php?r=284

With these packages you can also pre-install drivers and script the Windows install to make it 'Unattended' or silent so there's little or no user intervention required.


Doing all the other software packages is a different process and the way I did it may not be what your after but it works for me.

First download AutoIt:

http://www.autoitscript.com/autoit3/

AutoIt is a BASIC-like scripting language designed for automating Windows. It was originally designed for computer roll-outs making software installation and system configuration automatic. Just what we need right? Basically with it you would collect all the stuff you want to install in one folder like C:\Apps, then start the recorder function. Go through all the installations and configurations as you normally would. When you're done stop the recorder and AutoIt will generate a script that will perform ALL the operations done since the recorder was started. Now you have a single script that will do everything for you.


At this point you could technically even include this stuff in your Windows installation point and using the unattended install script process have the Windows installer copy your Apps folder to the hard drive and start your custom AutoIt script the first time Windows boots after installation. In my opinion the scripts are easier to troubleshoot and perfect if you keep the two processes (ie Windows and Apps) seperate.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

I dont understand the question.

However, if you want to single click on an exe program or setup program in windows, then just go any folder. Go to TOOLS , then Folder Options and under the general tab, there is an option to single click to open files.

Ahhh I understand. Yea we use a program for that but its a business software that costs a lot of money. You can get a trial version here:
http://www.macrovision.com/products/flexnet_installshield/installshield/features/One-Click_Install_Technology.html

You can also try:
http://www.cyberpatrol.com/cponline/maDownload.aspx

Its a software that you need to install to allow that process. Its not something you can just do on Windows XP settings.