.EXE Program Version or the Zipped !?!?

[gonwk]

Hi folks,

I am sure you have seen that some Programs provide ".EXE" Installable version and also a ".ZIP" that can be operated from WITHIN the Folder.

For example here is what I mean ... "VLC Media Player" ... either you can install it using the .EXE file OR you can UnZip the files into a Folder called VLC-0.8.6 (VLC Version 0.8.6) ... and then you can run the program from within that Folder.

QUESTION: Which program is better to run? Install it on your laptop with .EXE? Or Operate it out of the Folder as a Portable Version?

My reason for asking this Q is ... I am assuming I would be BETTER off running a program in Portabelish mode rather install it on my laptop and have Registry and things changed.

But also, I am suspecting if some programs might not run as efficient if not installed as .exe.

So are my assumption correct? Or should I just go and install the program using .EXE?

Thanks,

G!

[admin]

Some people prefer the ZIP because it's easier to remove (no installer/uninstaller), but if the program stores files elsewhere (and modify the registry), then there's no way to undo the changes unlike with an installer.

But in most cases, if the software is available without an installer, then it usually means no additional changes (outside of the folder) will occur.

As a download website operator, I prefer installers as it's easier for people and they usually run into less problems.

[gonwk]

Some people prefer the ZIP because it's easier to remove (no installer/uninstaller), but ...

As a download website operator, I prefer installers as it's easier for people and they usually run into less problems.

Hi Admin ... Thanks for your reply.

I was hoping other Old Timers like Chewy, Blu, Cindy and others would chime in ... to see what their experiences have been ...

But here are few more Q's for Calrification

Q1: So with .EXE type file ...when Un-installing then ALL the Registries are corrected automatically?

Q2: .EXE also provides a Cleaner association of files?

Q3: .EXE also provides "Open With" association over ZIPPED folder Operation? Right?

Thanks,

G!

[Wombler]

All of that depends on what way the exe operates.

An exe file is just a container for program code so its functionality is down to the programmer.

They're all completely different so you can't assume one exe will behave like another.

Some exe's are install files and place multiple files in a separate install directory and create multiple registry entries on your computer.

These sorts normally have uninstall routines to remove everything when you want rid of them.

Some exe's are standalone files that create files within the directory they're run from. So if you want to remove the program you just delete the folder.

Others are entirely self contained and run without altering any settings or creating any other files.

In my mind though Zip files are just a means to an end and are usually used to reduce the size of files for download and/or group multiple files together.

In general IMO you're better extracting the files and running the exe directly which is what most authors intend.


Wombler

[gonwk]

Hi Wombler,

THANKS for your answer.

Wombler I am strictly thinking of let's say a program like "VLC Media Player" ... I have a choice of running it from

A) Folder named "VLC 0.8.6" whcih has everything in it. This would be the Stand-alone version. Which I can keep the Folder in any directory. OR

B) Use the .EXE Installer version which will install the program under Windows "Program Files".

Now my question is ... IS there ANY PROs or CONs to using the .EXE installed version. You know would the installable version load up stuff onto my laptop that when I uninstall it ... stuff will still linger under let say System32 and so forth!?!?

THANKS,

G!

[Wombler]

Off the top of my head the only difference I can see is that installers normally set everything up for you including icons etc.

The only way to test the uninstall routine is to uninstall the program and see what's left behind.

TBH I wouldn't get hung up on it.

With the majority of programs you don't even have the choice and you just accept what the author has provided.

My personal preference would alter anyway depending on the circumstances (do I want to run from USB etc etc) so I might even use both methods for certain programs.

It's not the end of the world one way or the other though and if you're really concerned about any junk being left behind you can always remove it manually later if required.

In short just use the program and enjoy it.


Wombler

[drfsupercenter]

Yeah, I like the installers since I'm all about shortcuts and I hate having to locate a folder of EXEs somewhere if I can just get a Quick Lauch or desktop shortcut.

[gonwk]

... It's not the end of the world one way or the other though and if you're really concerned about any junk being left behind you can always remove it manually later if required.

In short just use the program and enjoy it.
Wombler

Hi Wombler & DrF ...

OK Wombler ... your last 2 paragraphs has given me the "Ease of Mind" not to Sweat this Issue.

THANKS for taking the time and responding guys!

G!

[MilesAhead]

Some programs lend themselves more to running without having to save the state of the program. If you write a bunch of stuff to the Registry or App Settings folders, or both then it's good manners to provide clean up with an uninstaller. If you can get by with just the .exe or maybe using an .ini file inside the install folder then the user can safely delete the folder without leaving baggage behind.

Depends on the type of app.

[gonwk]

... If you can get by with just the .exe or maybe using an .ini file inside the install folder then the user can safely delete the folder without leaving baggage behind. ...

Hi Miles,

How goes it ... few Q's for you ...

Q1: Are you or were you a Lawyer in your other life!?!?
After reading your post ... I am going like ... so is he for it or against it ... you know the Self-Contained FOLDER type operation?

Q2: Miles ... I was trying to figure out when a Program gives you 2 Options ... either
A) INSTALLABLE version OR
B) the SELF-CONTAINED FOLDER type

Which one is BETTER? And which one MOST people OPT FOR? And WHY?

Examples of such programs are "VLC Media Player" or "FAVC" or few other Freewares.

Thanks,

G!

[MilesAhead]

so is he for it or against it?

I get that all the time. Having an engineer's attitude I look at trade-offs. Most things aren't all plus or all minus. Sometimes trial and error is the only way to find out what you like.