Product reviewed:
Setup Factory 9 Version 9.0.2.0
Testing Environment:
Windows 7 64-bit
Setup Factory 9 Review:
Setup Factory 9 by IndigoRose is a powerful, yet easy to use software installer builder for Windows. It allows you to create software installers by simply dragging and dropping files into the user interface and clicking the build button. You can also use advanced features such as using scripting language for the ultimate in flexibility.
First, I’d like to talk about the easy to use interface. A lot of software installer programs have quite a learning curve, and can take a while to learn or even require training courses to understand and utilize the software. With Setup Factory 9, it is simple to create professional looking installers with a few clicks of a button.
For the beginner user, Setup factory has a Wizard to help guide the user through the building process. It makes building an installer for Windows quick and amazingly easy. The wizard will guide you through the process step-by-step and all users need to do is fill in the fields as they see fit for their installer.
One of my favorite features of the program is the drag and drop user interface. Once you open Setup Factory 9, you’ll see a GUI that looks like this: (See the picture below)
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From here, simply drag and drop your files into the program on the right-hand side to the Task List pane (Project window). Once you have all the files you intend to use in the Task list pane, you can edit individual parameters by using the Task Pane on the left-hand side. Once you are satisfied with your files and their parameters, it is time to build your installer. Click the build button in the toolbar and Setup Factory 9 will do the rest. You now have a professional-looking Windows installer for your project.
There is much more to Setup Factory 9 than this though. This program is full-featured and allows you to edit nearly every aspect of the installer you wish to create. I will now talk about creating an installer without the use of the built-in Wizard.
First, drag and drop the files you wish to use into the Task List pane (you can also use the add files button in the toolbar). Once you have all the files you wish to use in the Task Pane, it is time to start editing.
On the left-hand side of the user interface you will see the Task List Pane. From here you can edit nearly every aspect of your installer. Users can edit settings such as session variables, screens, actions, resources, and uninstall parameters. For advanced users, you can also use Installer Scripting Language for total control and flexibility over the installation process. (See pictures below)
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Once you are done editing the parameters for your installer it is time to build. Again, simply click the build button on the toolbar for Setup Factory 9 to build your installer. From here you can choose your Build Configuration. You simply select your Output Folder, the filename for your installer, size (for example if your file is a single size, you can select web). You can also select CD, DVD, 1.44 MB Floppy, CD, and custom.
Additional features here include the type of Compression you wish to use as well as which platform your installer will be used for (32 or 64-bit Windows).
These are basic uses of the program, but the program is extremely easy and powerful to use. Some additional features include:
Compact Single-File Setups:
Smaller and faster means a better experience for you or your customers and Setup Factory 9 does the job. With no "unpacking" step required. The Publishing Wizard walks you through the build process with a few easy steps. The single-file setup.exe is ready for distribution by web, email, LAN, CD, DVD and even floppy disk.
Enhanced Build Configurations:
Build multiple installs from one project with the addition of Dependency Modules and Plugins to build configurations. This helps to make developing 32-bit and 64-bit installations within the same project file a simple task.
Latest Technologies Runtime Dependency Modules:
In addition to the classic modules like Visual Basic 5.0/6.0, – Setup Factory 9 includes easy-to-use runtime dependency modules in both 32-bit and 64-bit for the newest and most popular technologies like .NET 4, Visual C++ 2010 and Windows Installer 4.5.
Powerful Scripting Engine:
Setup Factory 9 incorporates an incredibly powerful free-form scripting engine. Based on the popular LUA language, this easy to understand scripting language features everything from "for, repeat and while" loops, to "if/else" conditions, functions, variables and tables (associative arrays). Pair this with the built-in action library, full mathematical evaluation and Boolean expression.
Dependency Modules & Runtime Support:
Instantly add runtime support for many popular third-party technologies, including Visual Basic 5.0, Visual Basic 6.0, .NET 3.0, .NET 3.5, .NET 3.5 SP1, .NET 4, SQL Express 2005, Visual C++ 2008, Visual C++ 2008 SP1, Visual C++ 2010, Windows Installer 3.1 v2, Windows Installer 4.5, and more. Additional dependency modules are easy to create and integrate seamlessly into the development environment. Setup Factory 9 gives you complete control over the detection and installation of each module, so you can easily adjust the behavior to suite your particular requirements.
Color Syntax Highlighting Action Editor:
The Setup Factory 9 freeform action editor features all of the professional features you'd expect. There's color syntax highlighting, code completion, function highlighting, as-you-type action prototypes, Ctrl+Space function listings and even context-sensitive help. If you're used to programming in Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft Visual C++ or any other modern development language, you'll be right at home.
Flexible Uninstaller:
Setup Factory 9 features a powerful uninstall feature. Simply turn it on and let Setup Factory 9 worry about removing your files. Anything that is installed during the setup will be marked for removal by the uninstaller. You can take full control of what files are removed, what shortcut icons are deleted, what registry changes are made and anything else you require. Even the dialog screens and sequence can be adjusted.
Setup Factory 9 also includes a host of other features:
- Native 64-Bit Runtime
- LZMA2 Data Compression
- Powerful Lua 5.1 Scripting Engine
- Plugin SDK v2
- Billboard Screen Control
- Setup Styles / Skinning
- Set File / Folder Permissions
- Extensive Action Library
- Expandable with Action Plugins
- System Requirements Checking
- Packages, Categories and Install Types
- Built-in Spelling Checker
- Reports and Logs
- Visual Basic Project Scanner
- Unattended Builds
- 100% Installer Compatibility: 32 Bit and 64 Bit
You can visit IndigoRose’s official website for more information.
Please visit Software Development Tools for Windows | Indigo Rose Software Design Corporation
They offer a free trial of the program. Those who wish to purchase Setup Factory 9 will be pleased with its affordable price point.
