RunTime Files

Take a step back from the programing point of view and consider run time files.
From a system point of view some run times may not be such a bad thing. I think that if the "standard" microsoft runtimes were installed with windows we may have fewer problems. It is my understanding that I can distribute the VB6 runtime without microsoft royalties. So why doesn't microsoft just include it with windows and update it with the windowsupdate website?
I have written six vb programs that are in use in my department. one runtime will service all six programs. I would think that this is more efficient for the system. Why include the same code in six programs?
I don't think that runtimes would be such a problem if we did not need to include all of them in the package. Custom DLL files will still need to be included but if you wrote them then you chose to make them DLL's in the first place.
I respect others opinions and I have read the fusion article and seen their web site.
I think that this may be an example of a good idea implemented poorly.
My programs are simple and I only use/depend on a few standard microsoft DLL files. If these were all installed by windows then my distribution would not need an install program. I may want an install program to put shortcuts and create a fixed directory structure but it is possible to do without it.
In my situation all the programs are on a network server so I can update only one file to effect my whole department. Granted my case is not the software developer selling a program to the masses, but this is my point. If every windows install had all MS standard runtimes then the masses would be at a baseline level.
Done rambling. :D :D
I think that runtimes are not inherintly a bad thing they have just been implemented poorly.
thank you for your time and have a good day

Sure, but microsoft can't broadcast some kind of signal saying "Oh, here's the latest version of VB Runtime! Get it so thew user would have it!." If that could happen then virus makers could just send anyone viruses and computers would DIE instantly.

:)

I don't understand what you are talking about?
everyone that I know uses the windowsupdate website to update their systems with security patches. I think that these runtimes could be updated at this website. when you go to the update website you can choose what you download so a user could choose not to download the VB runtimes it they wanted. also I have had the same VB6 runtime now for 18 months and I don't think I will be changing anytime soon. most people here check the windows update site once a month or so. usually only the critical updates are selected.
Another idea is to take the route used by windows media player. If you try to run a video that needs a codec that you do not have the system automatically tries to download the right one. If you run a program that requires a more recent VB runtime then the system can look to the net for it and download it.
I know that this is not a simple thing but just as windows media player can get codecs when needed I think a persons system could download a needed runtime.
This is only a discussion for people wanting to download programs anyway. If you are distributing a program on a CD rom then space isn't much of an issue for most VB programs.
on a rom you could put every last runtime you need/want.
I do not think that implimenting runtimes more effectivly will cause computers to DIE instantly.
thank you for your time and have a good day

Yes, but also consider the fact that they MIGHT NOT always check the internet for updates, or it is ALWAYS available at http://www.microsoft.com.

And microsoft can include, say, 6.0 in win ME, but when 7.0 comes out, what will they do? Autoupdate those computers? And if so, through what?

And some people DON'T check the internet for updates often...

and some people don't even know how to install programs at all. How do we get our program on the computers of those who do not know how to install anything?

If they REALLY don't know how to install progs, just make the setup program have NO gui and autocopy.

Otherwise, some people REALLY don't check for updates, for example, I've seen somebody who is STILL using Netscape 1.0 and ask them.