Free install wizard software [closed]
Is there something like InstallShield that I can use for free?
Solution 1:
WiX
- Very powerful and flexible.
- Can produce MSI packages (Microsoft deployment format of choice)
- Almost no documentation
- Very steep learning curve.
- XML-based.
- Recommended for very complex installators.
Inno Setup
- Cannot produce MSI packages.
- Its scripting part looks like INI files structure.
- Uses Pascal Script based language for extra flexibility.
NSIS
- Cannot produce MSI packages.
- Fully scripted, very powerful but at cost of high learning curve.
- Recommened if WiX is too much and Inno Setup not enough.
AdvancedInstaller
- Basic version is free.
- Can produce MSI packages.
- Very good user-interface, almost no learning curve to get things done.
- XML-based (but schema is not very user-friendly, doesn't really matter as you would use GUI editor anyway)
- The best option if you have only basic installer requirements and don't have time to learn something new.
IzPack
- Cross-platform
- Maven integration
- Customizable actions
- Well documented
- Opensource
Solution 2:
I have been using Inno Setup for several years now. It's mature enough that it has a lot of plug-ins. I've found that the forums/newsgroups are very good at answering all the questions I've had so far.
Solution 3:
NullSoft NSIS http://nsis.sourceforge.net/Main_Page
Solution 4:
WiX (Windows Installer XML) is free.
Solution 5:
Inno Setup has worked very well as the Zeus installer for many years.