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Introducing (IM) Resource Installer
Posted by Martin A.,
25 September 2010
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Way back in 2006, Michael created the UMI (Universal Mod Installer) to give common ground for modification authors to provide a simple way of installing (and indeed, un-installing) their modifications for end users. It was, and still is, a great component, simplifying time as mod authors would not have to worry about writing a large installer script, they could simply write an .xml and let the UMI take the strain. The UMI was continually refined (as it started life on 2.1.x) although with the advent of IP.Board 3.x, the built in hooks system removed most of the need for this.
Moving forwards to today: Although the built in hook system in IP.Board 3.x does greatly alleviate the need to perform file edits, we still felt we could simplify the process a little bit more.
We are very happy to finally introduce you to (IM) Resource Installer
What is this?
Put simply the (IM) Resource Installer will make the mod installation process even easier. It is capable of downloading the resource, installing it for you, and upload any required files, all straight from the comfort of your ACP.
IP.Nexus integration with IP.Downloads is supported, and can be tweaked to support custom shops too, meaning that you can use this to install purchased files too.
There's an installation link along with a link to the support topic too, so you can quickly visit that to see more details if you wished to.
You can also optionally supply the Resource Installer with your FTP credentials, so it can upload the files for you! The advantage of this method is you nearly always ensure you are the 'owner' of the files and not the server as would be the usual result if you used a script to upload the files.
It has support for multiple resource sites too (so it is not restricted to resources available here)
Is it safe?
Your login credentials are strictly used to communicate between you and the resource site, to ensure the Resource Installer can download and install the resource for you, and you are free to remove them if you wish to. And this is no more information that what is normally sent from your browser to the resource site when you sign in. In fact, this is is safer, as your password is encrypted before it's sent, so the password is never visible in clear text.
What about skins and graphics?
At this time it can not install skins or graphics. The main reason is that this can be easily done in your ACP already, as you are not required to upload any files using FTP. If demand is big enough, we might look into this in the future.
For developers and resource site owners
Owners of a resource site can send us a request and subject to approval become a part of this. Once they've done that, the users can enter their login credentials for your site into their ACP, and your site will be listed in its own tab, allowing them to browse your resources. As mentioned above, the files you receive from us can easily be modified to support your custom shop.
When submitting a resource to a site supporting (IM) Resource Installer, you will see a few new options.
Walk-through video
We are looking forward to releasing this very soon and would appreciate any feedback, comments and suggestions!
Moving forwards to today: Although the built in hook system in IP.Board 3.x does greatly alleviate the need to perform file edits, we still felt we could simplify the process a little bit more.
We are very happy to finally introduce you to (IM) Resource Installer
What is this?
Put simply the (IM) Resource Installer will make the mod installation process even easier. It is capable of downloading the resource, installing it for you, and upload any required files, all straight from the comfort of your ACP.
IP.Nexus integration with IP.Downloads is supported, and can be tweaked to support custom shops too, meaning that you can use this to install purchased files too.
There's an installation link along with a link to the support topic too, so you can quickly visit that to see more details if you wished to.
You can also optionally supply the Resource Installer with your FTP credentials, so it can upload the files for you! The advantage of this method is you nearly always ensure you are the 'owner' of the files and not the server as would be the usual result if you used a script to upload the files.
It has support for multiple resource sites too (so it is not restricted to resources available here)
Is it safe?
Your login credentials are strictly used to communicate between you and the resource site, to ensure the Resource Installer can download and install the resource for you, and you are free to remove them if you wish to. And this is no more information that what is normally sent from your browser to the resource site when you sign in. In fact, this is is safer, as your password is encrypted before it's sent, so the password is never visible in clear text.
What about skins and graphics?
At this time it can not install skins or graphics. The main reason is that this can be easily done in your ACP already, as you are not required to upload any files using FTP. If demand is big enough, we might look into this in the future.
For developers and resource site owners
Owners of a resource site can send us a request and subject to approval become a part of this. Once they've done that, the users can enter their login credentials for your site into their ACP, and your site will be listed in its own tab, allowing them to browse your resources. As mentioned above, the files you receive from us can easily be modified to support your custom shop.
When submitting a resource to a site supporting (IM) Resource Installer, you will see a few new options.
Walk-through video
We are looking forward to releasing this very soon and would appreciate any feedback, comments and suggestions!
