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Creating Professional-Looking Setup Files from WinRAR


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We all know about WinRAR as one of the best compression utility.
Easier to use, Clean interface, Good Compression rate… but most of us still don’t know about its  Special Feature of making [SFX] Self-Extracting Archives ( setup or  .exe File).


Taken from the help file of WinRAR:

An SFX (SelF-eXtracting) archive is an archive, merged with an executable module, which is used to extract files from the archive when executed. Thus no external program is necessary to extract the contents of an SFX archive, it is enough to execute it. Nevertheless WinRAR can work with SFX archives as with any other archives, so if you do not want to run a received SFX archive (for example, because of possible viruses), you may use WinRAR to view or extract its contents.

SFX archives usually have .exe extension as any other executable file.

SFX archives are convenient if you want to give an archive to somebody, but do not know, if they have an appropriate archiver to extract files from it. You may also use SFX archives to distribute your own software.







So here we go…


Here I am making an SFX of some flash games.


 
First Open WinRAR.
Browse to folder where your files are placed of which you want to make SFX.




 
You can also simply right click the folder, and click “Add to Archive”.





Remember if you are making a SFX, best practice is to put all your files in a folder first, and then make the SFX of that folder. Don’t try to add to add the files directly to SFX.


  
So, I’m going up one folder, and adding that folder into archive.






Now From Command Menu, Select> “Add Files to Archive” or Press “Ctrl+A”.




A New Window appears;



Here you have to tick the Checkbox “Create SFX Archive”
You’ll notice that Archive name will change from “Games.rar “to “Games.exe”.
Choose “Best” from Compression Method Combo box to assure maximum compression.







For Advance Options, Go to “Advance” tab.





(If you set the password, you can set it by clicking “Set password” button.)




Now, click “SFX options” button.

 

On the “Advance SFX Options” Window, You’ll find these tabs.

Each of them is explained one by one.


  • General 

>>Path to extract

   Set the default destination path for unpacked files.

This option allows SFX to store the destination path entered by user to Registry and then restore it when SFX archive with the same Path to extract contents executed the next time. The original path value is placed to the list associated with the destination path input field, so a user may choose between previously entered and original paths.
This feature may be convenient when installing new versions or upgrades of some software in the same folder. It allows to change the proposed path to desired only once instead of retyping it every time.

Or you may choose to create it in the user’s “Program Files” folder, in the current folder or specify an absolute path here.
Setup program/Run after extraction
SFX will try to execute the specified program (here) after successful extraction.
>>Save current settings as default
     Save settings entered in all sections of “Advanced SFX options” dialog including the current section and use them later as default every time when creating a self-extracting archive.



  • Advanced 

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>>Files to delete in the destination folder
     SFX will try to delete the specified file or files in the destination folder before extraction. You may enter more than one file here; in this case file names have to be separated with spaces.
If a file specified here is locked and cannot be deleted, SFX module will try to rename it to temporary name before extraction and delete after Windows reboot. Success of this operation depends on Windows version.

>>Shortcuts Allows creating shortcuts to archived files after unpacking. Press “Add shortcut” button to describe a new shortcut.

>>Request administrative access
      Set this option if you wish to create SFX archive, which will request the administrative access when started in Windows Vista only. This function does not work in older versions of Windows.
  
  •  Modes 

>>Temporary mode/Unpack to temporary folder
    This option forces SFX to create a temporary folder, extract all files to it, start the program specified in Setup program/Run after extraction field and remove the temporary folder including all its contents after completing the Setup program. The SFX automatically sets the silent mode (described below) when performing these operations. If “Unpack to temporary folder” option is set, you should also specify Setup program and not use Path to extract field. You may also set two optional string parameters, which define a question and question title displayed before extraction. In such case extraction is started only if a user selects “Yes” button.

>>Silent mode      
     By default SFX asks for confirmation to start extraction and allows to user to change the destination folder. If you set “Silent mode” to “Hide start dialog” this confirmation will be skipped. Select “Hide all” if you also wish to hide whole extraction progress.
>>Overwrite mode    
     Here you may choose how SFX will handle already existing files: ask before overwrite (default), always overwrite or always skip.
  •  Text and Icon

>>Title of SFX window
Set the specified text as a title of the SFX window.
>>Text to display in SFX window
Add the specified plain text or HTML strings to the text output window of SFX module.
In case of plain text contents SFX module merges and reformats the specified text strings to fit them optimally into the dialog. So if you wish to start a new paragraph, you need to put the empty string before it.
Using HTML you may control colors, fonts and formatting of displayed text.
>>Load text from file
Load contents of selected file as SFX window text.
>>Load SFX logo from the file
Specify a bitmap image (*.bmp) file to display as logo in the created or updated SFX archive. Size of default SFX logo is 93×302 pixels. It is recommended to use bitmaps of same size or smaller.
>>Load SFX icon from the file
Replace the standard SFX icon by contained in the proposed .ico file. This file must include at least one 32×32 icon, 16 or 256 colors (or both).




  • License

>>Title of license window

Set the specified text as a title of the license window.
>>License text
Display the specified text as software license when starting SFX. User may either accept it and continue extraction or decline and quit.
License may be either in HTML or plain text format.
>>Load text from file
Load contents of selected file as license text.
  

The Next Tab “Module” is not that much important. Leave the default settings in there.


Click OK.
 
Other Tabs (marked in Red area) according to me are not that much important to create a SFX archive. They are just for additional options. So I’m not discussing those tabs. But if you want to explore them, you can. Settings changed in these tabs, will not effect the settings you have applied earlier, as I have already said they are just additional and optional.
 



After all these steps, simply Press “OK”.
 ….WinRAR will start archiving…












And After successful completion of above steps, you’ll have your SFX, an .exe file that you give to anybody, who can extract without installing any Archiving software not even WinRAR !!
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Windows

How Important It Is To Allow Windows Updates To Install Automatically

windows updates

Surely there isn’t a computer user around the globe who hasn’t encountered a windows update pop-up. We’ve all come across it unless you’ve always been a Mac user. Mostly people ignore these updates and think of them as something not too important. Eventually after having denied an update request for the umpteenth time, users resolve is to disable the automatic updates feature and instead handle updates manually.

But, these updates aren’t unimportant, one major reason is the security issue that it can cause if ignored, and surely no one  would like their computer to be an easy target for hackers; that’s not all and there is more to it than security.

windows updates

Therefore, we’ll discuss the factors which will enlighten you regarding how important it is to allow windows updates to install automatically?

Following are the factors which explain the importance of automatic updates:

1. Security Updates

Microsoft keeps improving any bugs and issues reported in its operating system. Therefore, patches are routinely released to fix these issues. After a patch is publicly released it becomes apparent where the loophole is; in such a circumstance quick action must be taken before hackers can make their move to unfairly benefit from the problem. If during this time you keep your updates on manual installation, then you’re providing hackers a golden chance to create a huge issue for yourself. Thence, automatic updates are important and essential, so that hackers can be prevented from harming your computer. Also, Microsoft adds malware definitions to Windows defender and Microsoft essentials; so if a virus hits your system, you’d surely want it to be detected before it infects and corrupt your system.

2. General Updates and Bug fixes

Whilst the most important part of Windows updates is related to security, there are also general issues of Windows operating system which are required to be fixed. Updates are also made to resolve bugs, windows has a complex coding and possibility of several bugs is always there. Therefore, these bug fixes can help in removing annoying issues and aid in stabilizing the operating system; as speed can also be affected by bugs and not necessarily by a virus or malicious file.

3. New Feature updates

Windows updates also introduce new features at times alongside the bug fixes and security patches. For instance, Internet Explorer is updated. However, we know that users rarely prefer using Internet Explorer, still these updates can come handy in times of dire need. Also, when support and patches for an older version are ceased, then the unfixed loopholes can pose a threat to your computer; just as it was mentioned earlier, security problems are identified on the regular basis in various parts of the Windows operating system, including ActiveX and .NET Framework, alongside the main platform.

Final Verdict

All in all, I’d conclude this by suggesting to enable auto updates. Previously people had faced issues with auto updates, like blue screen error or simply disliked it because by the time one came back from a short break, the windows update auto rebooted a computer within ten minutes and therefore, all important work on one’s PC used to vanish into thin air unsaved; this made them stop it altogether, but well gone are the days when that happened, and now that you are aware of its importance, you shan’t delay updates to refrain from being reminded by the continuous pop-ups. How important it is to allow automatic updates can also be defined by the fact that auto updates can no longer be disabled now; in windows 8 and above, windows updates may be delayed for almost 3 days before they finally install, but disabling them isn’t a choice.

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Send Text Messages from Windows 10 Through Cortana

Send Text Messages from Windows 10 Through Cortana

Microsoft has a cool feature up its sleeves! A feature that will allow users to send text messages from Windows 10 through Cortana, will be released soon by Microsoft. This is a good news for Windows users who find it inconvenient to switch between their mobile phone and desktop while at work. But this new feature integrated in Cortana will make it easier for users to tackle their calls and texts from their desktop.

Those who aren’t using Windows 10 on their desktop or mobile phone device, might not be familiar with the name. Cortana is a virtual assistant, similar to Siri which was introduced by Apple. Now with Windows 10, Microsoft has introduced Cortana as a personal assistant for their users. And alongside the several tasks that “she” performs for you, one of it is this new feature of text messaging from Windows 10.

Send Text Messages from Windows 10 Through Cortana

How to send text messages from windows 10 through Cortana?

Well, there are two ways to send text messages from Windows 10; whenever you receive a message from someone or wish to send a new message, you can either type your message or simply use voice input to reply back from Cortana’s desktop app. The message will be then transferred to your mobile phone where it will be saved as part of the conversation. Alongside this Cortana also informs you of a missed call, which you can either ignore or reply to by a text message. This works by using your Microsoft account on Desktop and mobile, and syncs them both. If you have multiple computers then the missed call alerts feature can be disabled as well.

Windows 10 Text Messaging

When Cortana Windows Text Messaging will be available?

Cortana windows text messaging feature currently works on Desktop with build 10565. However, two of the new Windows 10 mobile phones which were recently launched running build 10549 do not support windows text messaging through Cortana.  For this, users who are currently using Windows mobile build 10549 will need to wait until Windows 10 mobile build 10565 is released, so it is expected that by December this feature will be available for Windows users. Another question is, whether this feature will work solely with Windows 10 mobile phones, or will it also work on Cortana for Android and iOS? However, that only time will tell!

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Windows

How Windows 10 Helps Increase Your Business Productivity

Windows 10

The launch of Windows 10 was marked with pomp, online and in the media, especially on the implications it had for home users. However, the new operating system does have a suite of unique tools to offer businesses looking to increase their productivity. In this post, we see what upgrading from your current Windows version (Windows 7 or Windows 8) to Windows 10 means for you, your business and employees.

windows10-for-business

Increased Security

A user with a Microsoft Windows 10 device enrolls in your business system as a factor, such as a smartphone. So long as the user is close to your system, they can sign into it without requiring your password. A second security factor is a pin number or a biometric scanner for fingerprint or retina scanning. This multi-factored system allows your user to log into the system from any device or computer safely and securely.

The Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Windows 10 solution separates your business data from personal data. Business and sensitive corporate materials are automatically encrypted using BitLocker. This encryption happens as soon as you create or receive files concerning your business. You have the option of defining what you consider business and what is personal, and Window 10 automatically protects and secures these vital data on your company network.

Increased Efficiency

mproved-efficiency.

For starters, Windows 10 does not require a learning curve. The operating system is firmly based on the familiar Start menu and Desktop of Windows 7. Also, the enhanced Start menu offers single click access to some of the most used files and functions on your computer. You can also setup virtual desktops easily and quickly, and switch between them depending on what aspect of your business you are working on. With separate desktops, you can enter the necessary workspace and quickly access the relevant files and programs without closing and opening numerous applications, folders and files.

Work Anywhere

virtual-work-anywhere

Microsoft’s Universal Apps model means that you can now use the same application to keep track of your office inventory from home, on the road or anywhere in the world. You can do all these without downloading different systems and integrating numerous applications of various platforms. Your database software is available to you on any device that runs Windows 10. You can now use your corporate email program, word processor or any other program from the same page on whichever Windows 10 device. This capability offers you functionality without downloading different versions for each platform of the same software. The result is fewer overhead costs and easier fixes and updates.

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