Tarma ExpertInstall

Tarma ExpertInstall creates native and MSI software installers for Microsoft Windows platforms. Requires no scripting and includes an intuitive and comprehensive development environment with extensive preflight checking.

Pros: The application is a stand-alone and MSI-based installers for professional developers Both Tarma native and MSI installers can be created from a single project. One can use a predefined set of dialogs and actions or create one’s own. This is useful when .NET support is required and one wants to modify installer screens or create a new set. In other words the application allows complete control over installer actions and features. The installer created has a small distribution size, a straightforward and clean user interface, and smart install and uninstall behavior. Creating the installer does not require any scripting. An extensive development is provided that lets you do a comprehensive set of tests prior to release and distribution. The interface is familiar Windows like and provides facilities to fully controlling authoring of the screens and actions and easy edits. Multi lingual and localization is possible. Extensive on-line help is available.

The installer created has a footprint of less that 75 KB usually while creating either the native or the MSI installer. Install and de-install works with not only programs but also documents, images and multimedia files. They handle the True Type and Open Type fonts as well along with font libraries. .Net assemblies, ActiveX controls, COM servers, type libraries, WinHelp files, device drivers, services, registry updates, INI files, environment variables, program groups, shortcuts, and third-party tools are other items this application can handle equally well. MS Authenticode technology that certifies the source as trusted and the code package has not been tampered with is used so that users can be sure they are getting the genuine article and downloading some malware along with the advertised functionality. For distribution through other media password protection can be used.

Cons: This is obviously for specialist users and programmers need to make sure this tool fits with their work process well.

Overall: This is a very good application with most right features available. This is good for a 4 star rating without doubt.

Tarma ExpertInstall creates native and MSI software installers for Microsoft® Windows® platforms, with a small distribution size, a straightforward and clean user interface, and smart install and uninstall behavior. Requires no scripting; includes an intuitive and comprehensive development environment with extensive preflight checking to suit novices and experts alike. Major features: * Professional software installer in less than 75 KB. * MSI and native installers. * Installs and removes programs, documents, images, multi-media files, TrueType® and OpenType® fonts, .Net assemblies, ActiveX controls, COM servers, type libraries, WinHelp files, device drivers, services, registry updates, INI files, environment variables, program groups, shortcuts, and third-party tools. * Platform-dependent installations allow you to specify the exact Windows versions for each installation item. * Single-file self-extracting packages with Authenticode® signatures for secure Internet downloads, CD-ROM distribution, or any other channel, with optional password protection. * Fully multilingual and totally localizable. * Fully authorable installer screens and actions. * Powerful development environment has familiar user interface with full drag & drop support, fill-in-the-blanks editing, more than 450 different preflight checks, and extensive context-sensitive online help.