Farbrook Software
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What is a FASI?
 

A FASI (Farbrook Access-Solution Installation) is a complete installation package for applications and solutions designed using Visual Basic or Microsoft Office/Access Developer Tools. It will be very welcome to those developers who are struggling with the Microsoft 'Package and Deployment Wizard', targeting customer's systems with the Microsoft Access Runtime and the many dependencies required by different Operating Systems, or wishing to reduce the size of their final package in order to deploy via the internet.

   
  The FASI employs the InstallShield installation engine to install all necessary files - including the Access Runtime - to the target computer. No input is required from the customer.
 
What do I get with my FASI?
   

Your installation is professionally engineered using the industry-leading installation engine from InstallShield. The interface seen by your customers will be one they have seen many times before and associate with high-end professional software. This not only provides you with bulletproof installations but also lends credibility to your program. Your FASI includes three packages.
 

1. CD Pack. As the name implies this is the package you will send or give your customers when a CD is appropriate. It includes your full installation (mdb files, dependency files, help files, etc., and the Access Runtime), 'autorun' information for the CD, and the latest version of Internet Explorer.

2. Web Pack. A single executable (.exe) file suitable for downloading from your web site. It includes your full installation (mdb files, dependency files, help files, etc., and the Access Runtime).

3. Upgrade Pack. A single executable (.exe) file suitable for downloading from your web site. It includes the minimum files and dependencies required when you issue an upgrade. Typically this will include a single .mdb file and help file.
 
What size are these packages?
       
 

The size of the Web Pack and the Upgrade Pack are kept to an absolute minimum to facilitate rapid download from your web site by your customers.

The size of the Web Pack will be approximately 40MB plus the compressed size of your mdb and extra file/s. (Typically 40-45MB)

The size of the Upgrade Pack will be approximately 0.5MB plus the compressed size of your mdb and extra file/s. (Typically 2-5MB)

The size of the CD Pack is immaterial as it will invariably be less than the capacity of the CD.
       
These packages are much smaller than my current package, how does the FASI achieve this?
   
By default, the full Microsoft Access Runtime installs not only the files required by an Access solution but also a full installation of Microsoft Internet Explorer and it is this that provides the great bulk of the runtime. Your FASI ignores this component of the runtime files and installs only those files actually required by Access.
       
Does this mean that Internet Explorer is not required?
   
  In the vast majority of cases Internet Explorer does not need to be installed. Virtually all end users will be running at least version 3 of Internet Explorer, and most will already have version 5 installed. For those who do need to upgrade, your FASI CD Pack includes the installation files for the latest Internet Explorer version. If you wish to include an installation of Internet Explorer version 3 or 5 you may do so but this will increase the size of your Web Pack.
       
I currently deploy my application by CD, should I consider deploying via the Web?
   
Your FASI Web Pack reduces the size of your deployed package to such an extent that anyone can download it from the internet - even without a broadband connection. Unless you have less than a handful of customers web-deployment is almost certainly the cheapest and most effective deployment option: customers respond well to the ability to download a programme or upgrade immediately. We will upload your package to your web site free as part of your initial or upgrade service.
       
I don't have a web site.
   
  We can build one for you, click here for more details.
       
I have a web site but am unfamiliar with the process of maintaining a download page.
   
  Maintaining download integrity on a web site is a straightforward process and doesn't take long to learn. If you wish, however, we are happy to manage it for you.
       
Does the FASI install the Access Runtime in a separate process - as the package and deployment wizard does?
   
No. If the Access Runtime needs to be installed the FASI installs it automatically and seamlessly, the user is not aware that it is being installed.
       
What version of the Microsoft Access runtime is supported?
       
  Your FASI supports the 2000 (SR-1) runtime.
       
My Access solution requires a number of dependency files (for example Microsoft Common Controls) can these be incorporated into my FASI?
       
  Yes. All required dependency files will be installed, and if necessary registered, by your FASI. Your FASI recognises the target operating system and will only install files appropriate to that system.
       
Will my FASI ask the user complicated questions regarding file transfer during the installation?
       
No, not unless you want it to. Your FASI will always choose the safest and most secure option during installation, no input from the user is necessary.
       
I have had problems in the past when my customers have either uninstalled or moved an installation of Microsoft Office on their systems, this has meant that my application would no longer run. Is it possible to avoid this occurring?
       
  Yes. By default your FASI will install the Access Runtime regardless of the current Microsoft Office installation state on the target system. Even if the user uninstalls his version of Microsoft Office your application will still operate correctly.
       
Will my FASI be able to tell whether a version of my application already exists on the target system?
       
  Yes. Your FASI is aware of the version number for each installation or upgrade. You can stipulate different actions to be taken (e.g. add, delete, or amend files, dependencies, registry entries, shortcuts, etc.) depending on the installed version.
       
Can I interact with the user during the installation?
       
Yes. Many forms of interaction are available but the most common are to ask the user questions about how he wishes to proceed, to gather information, or to offer options. You may want to insist that the user accepts a licence agreement before the installation proceeds, ask where the application should be installed, offer a choice of full or limited application installation, gather information about the user, or just provide hints and tips as the installation proceeds. There is no limit to this process and you can choose between a genuinely 'single-click' install which runs invisibly and with no user input, to a highly interactive installation which customises your application prior to its running.
       
Can I access the Windows registry during the installation?
       
All accessible registry keys and values are available for manipulation during your installation. The registry can be very useful for determining how your application will run when launched.
       
I'm fed up with my customers seeing the Microsoft Access 'splash screen' every time my application starts, is there any way I can avoid this?
       
Certainly there is. Construct your own bitmap splash screen, your FASI will replace the Access splash screen with yours.
       
What shortcuts will my FASI include?
       
You can include any shortcuts you like. You will probably want a desktop icon to launch your application directly and perhaps give the user the option of adding a shortcut to the start menu. It can be useful to include in your program group hyperlinks to your web site or other internet resources, or a shortcut to your help file. If your solution is a split database your FASI can include a program group shortcut to compact and repair the backend database if you wish. You will probably want to make your own icon for these shortcuts, this will add a distinctive feel to your application and is much preferable to using Access's generic 'red key' icon.
       
I would like my installation to finish by opening the application and introducing the user in some way, can my FASI do this?
       
  Yes of course. Common options include launching the application, suggesting the user view a 'readme' file containing late-breaking information, or opening your help file and guiding the user either through an introductory tutorial if he is new to the programme, or an explanation of new features if he is upgrading.
       
Can I customise my FASI in any other way?
       
  From customising the look of the user interface by selecting from various 'skins', to making API calls to the operating system, the range of tools available to you through your FASI is virtually limitless. We will work with you to build an installation ideally suited to your application.
       
Can I see a sample of a FASI?
       
  Yes, you can download sample FASIs from here.
       
OK, I can see my FASI will do what I want it to do, but will it be cost-effective?
       
  Very much so. Installations are becoming highly complicated as operating systems, dependencies, conflicting applications, and users' systems become ever more varied. Installation building is now a specialised business: time spent tinkering with installations is a waste of revenue-enhancing development resources, and getting it wrong means expensive support response. Not only does your FASI provide professional looking and bulletproof installations that inspire customer confidence and reduce support time, but as time moves on your upgrades keep pace with the industry leaders ensuring your application remains 'gold standard'.
       
How much does a FASI cost?
$ click here for details
       
What do I do now?
  Send us an email with brief details of your application, we will send you the neccessary forms.