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Julie Nelson wondered: <<Another task I have is to develop
hardware/software requirements needed to run the CD. We plan on
including this on the CD jacket. For example, we plan on stating that
PCs must have Windows XP or Windows 2000 on it. Another requirement is
to mention what software is needed to view the CD.>>
A couple brief notes before answering your other questions: First, I
believe it's possible to disable the autorun feature in most modern
operating systems, usually via a system-level preference setting, so
make sure to make it obvious how to run your software if it doesn't run
automatically. At a minimum there should be an icon labeled "Click to
run the presentation" or something equally obvious when someone
double-clicks the CD icon; "autorun.exe" makes no sense whatsoever to
naive users (most of them? <g>).
Second, make sure to provide "here's where to go to obtain the
necessary software" information if you're not sure the software is
available on every user's computer. Because Web links often change, it
may be worthwhile providing these links (and perhaps even the software
itself if licensing requirements permit) via your company's Web site.
This lets you ensure that the software can be found--provided, of
course, that you keep your own Web site up to date.
Better still: Licensing restrictions permitting, include this software
on the installation CD, because then you're sure that all the necessary
software (in a version tested by your software developers) is present
on the installation disk. That's a double boon to travellers or people
with slow dial-up connections. Just don't overwrite new software with
older software. Users _hate_ that.
<<Isn't Windows Media Player automatically included on Windows XP &
2000?>>
I believe so, and that it's part of the Windows update service. I know
it's part of the optional downloads when I update my Win2000 system.
But because it's an optional download, and because many people don't
update their Windows software, you may want to consider my previous
suggestion of having an appropriate version included on your installer
CD.
<<Is there a Mac equivalent?>>
WMP is also available for the Mac
(http://www.microsoft.com/mac/otherproducts/otherproducts.aspx?
pid=windowsmedia), but is no longer being developed, and isn't
particularly well liked in the Mac community. QuickTime may be a better
solution since it's being actively developed for both Mac and Windows.
<<What are other applications (Windows & Mac) can be used to view an
autorun/autostart CD?>>
Have you considered simply using vanilla HTML? That way, anyone with a
reasonably modern Web browser can run the presentation successfully.
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