Data processing: software development – installation – and managem – Software program development tool – Translation of code
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-13
2001-08-21
Chaki, Kakali (Department: 2122)
Data processing: software development, installation, and managem
Software program development tool
Translation of code
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279154
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for allowing a user to choose between typical and custom installation of third party application software packages on a computer system
2. Description of Related Art
Currently, most software packages for use in computer systems include an installation program, with the function to install specific vendor programs either on a storage medium or in memory. The installation program might be used to guide a user through the complex procedure of setting up an application for a particular combination of machine and accessories. Installation programs are necessary for copy protected applications which cannot be copied by normal system commands.
Typically, each third party software application has its own install system or process for installing the application software. This creates a problem of requiring users to install third party software applications individually on the user's computer system. When installing all third party applications individually via different installation processes, the user can be confused as to what third party software has been installed and what third party software has not been installed. Utilization of the third party application installation process generally requires the users to know something about each of the applications that they are installing without any indication of the nature of the application's function other than the title.
Heretofore, install systems have lacked the ability to allow user's to install all third party applications utilizing a single install system. The single install system would provide a common interface for use for the installation of third party software and would allow the users to customize their configuration of third party applications being installed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus and method for implementation of an install system that provides for typical and custom installation and configuration of third party applications.
In the preferred embodiment, the install system allows the user to choose whether or not an installation to be performed is a typical or custom installation. If a typical installation is selected, the install system first opens the configuration file of the third party application to be installed. Next, the install system creates a list of components to be installed and proceeds with the installation of the components on the component list. This provides a common interface for use for the installation of third party software and would allow the users to customize their configuration of third party applications being installed.
In an alternative embodiment, the install system also makes it possible to determine if there is enough available disk space for installation, prior to starting the actual installation of the components on the component list. This allows the user to save time if there is not enough space for installing the third party applications before starting the actual installation system. This also increases the ability to successfully install the third party application.
In another alternative embodiment, the install system also allows custom installations of third party software to be selected. In the case of a custom installation, the install system first collects all the parameters for the installation of the third party application and displays the component list to the user. This allows the user to select only those components from the component list that are to be installed. From the components selected from the configuration file, the install system creates a list of components to be installed in the custom installation procedure, and proceeds with the installation.
In yet another alternative embodiment, the install system also makes it possible to provide information to the user about each component available to be installed during the third party application installation process. The install system can provide information for each component including the component title, description of the component, the amount of space required for the component, application space i.e., memory space required, and the like. This information provides to the user the capability to make an important decision as to whether or not to include particular components in a custom installation process.
In both the typical/custom installations and component description display, the install system works in conjunction with the component list to identify which components are to be installed in the installation process or displayed.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5671420 (1997-09-01), Bell et al.
patent: 5950010 (1999-09-01), Hesse et al.
patent: 5953532 (1999-09-01), Lochbaum
patent: 6006035 (1999-12-01), Nabahi
Ellerin, “The wonders and wizards of Windows instalation utilities”, E-Media Professional, Oct. 1997, pp. 78-90.*
Muckian, “Windows: Calling it awkward would be kind”, Computerworld, Feb. 1993, p. 33.*
Ruley, “Upgrading to CE 2.0”, Windows Magazine, Dec. 1997, pp. 309-312.*
O'Brien, “Installations go smoothly with pricey tool”, Infoworld, May 1997, p. 68C.*
Levi, “Make Win95 even more powerful”, Accounting Technology, Jul. 1996, pp. 47-52.*
No Author, “IBM Suite for Windows NT : Getting started”, International Business MAchines Corporation, Apr. 1998, pp. 1-17.
Chaki Kakali
Hewlett--Packard Company
LandOfFree
Apparatus and method for an install system for third party... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Apparatus and method for an install system for third party..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apparatus and method for an install system for third party... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2454220