Is it ok to supply .NET framework with downloadable programs?

[techwizz]

Is it ok to supply .NET framework with downloadable programs, or must the person always be directed to the download location on microsofts website.

Am i correct in thinking this is the only way that you can run a .NET program or is there an exception i am un-aware of?

Thanks Ahead Of Time

[RobDog888]

Your apps will always require the Framework. Now if you distribute it or provide the DL link, I think its ok.

Which packager are you using? The VS.NET comes with one and I know the link is already in it. So if it detects no framework then it can prompt
you for the ok to download.

[techwizz]

So i cannot add it (the framework exe) to an installer?

I've not chosen an installer. I've really only done php & mysql programs untill recently. Which do you recomend.

I dont have the VS installer i believe. I just have the standard version of VB.NET that i got from class last semester. Only been in .NET for about 5 months or so.

Thanks Robb

[RobDog888]

Yes, I think you can but I have only just started on packaging .NET apps today using the VS installer. Its quite straight forward. You can
add entries to the registry, desktop shortcut icons, start menu items, custom actions, etc.

If you have it you will find it in the dialog window when you start a New solution.

[techwizz]

Wow Thanks. That does it Resolved T.Y. Mr Robb Dogg

[RobDog888]

Under the Launch conditions URL section you have a property for the link to download the .NET Framework.

[techwizz]

Instead of the including of the file itself. Cool Cool.. ok

[RobDog888]

The only time you may want to distribute it (if its ok which I think it us) is when you dont have an internet conection. I havent been
able to test the download detection yet since I only did one test install and the system already had the framework on it.

Usually Windows Update picks up the Framework for you too.

[techwizz]

Yeah i know windows update does it.. but most everyone i know outside us computer geeks dont do regular updates. Not a big issue. Just something i need to spend a little time on.. to figure out the setup features.

I totally forgot about the instaler in VB.NET or i never took it for what it was...an ibnstaller. lol Either way.. im headed in a "better" direction than before.

[RobDog888]

Did you get my PM?

[kleinma]

windows update does get the framework, but as an optional, not a critial.

My installer is INNO because I found the one with VS was sort of a pain. On my download page I offer the FW version which is like 27MB and the non FW version which is just my app and files which is about 2.5MB. I also put on the page that it is recommended to get the framework from windows update. Using the USER_AGENT server variable in my asp page, I can detect if the PC they are on has the framework or not if they are browsing using IE. Most of my customers are. This way I can alter the download page to give them better options as to what they need to download. This can save people from downloading the version with the framework everytime.

[RobDog888]

kleinma, do you know for certain if it legit to distribute the FW?

[techwizz]

kleinma Thank you very much for the "advanced" reply.

That is deffinitely out of my league for the moment.

And mr RobbDogg im chekin my pm.. gotta get off soon as its 1:20 am east coast.

Thanks Everyone

[kleinma]

http://msdn.microsoft.com/netframewo...k1_1/#section4

If you are developing applications using the .NET Framework 1.1 Software Development Kit (SDK) you can provide the .NET Framework 1.1 to your customers using the .NET Framework 1.1 Redistributable, subject to the conditions you agreed to in the .NET Framework 1.1 SDK End User License Agreement.

The .NET Framework 1.1 Redistributable contains the run-time elements required to run applications based on the .NET Framework 1.1, packaged for developers to distribute with their applications.

The file is dotnetfx.exe

they have a .NET framework package exactly for that very reason.. to distribute it to customers. MS WANTS the framework on everyones PC.. that would make .net a lot more popular. This link simply talks about the .NET framework SDK and not the IDE, because the redist comes with the IDE anyway.. although i imagine the redist you can download now is the most patched version of 1.1 where as the one that came installed with VS isn't? (unless that file too was updated when SP1 came out)

[zaza]

Hi,

There is also this link:

MSDN

and, similarly, this link, which seems mostly identical apart from the fact that in the "you are authorised to redistribute" sentence, it includes "or if you have VS.Net 2003".


zaza