No more lazy installer programs

I have review far to many install programs using both Install shield, the windows installer, and Symantec’s installer (formerly known as Wise by Alteris). Time and time again I see the force reboot switch set.  This is not necessary especially in the Windows installer.  Please do not do this out of uncertainty.

1) Test your installs to see if they really require a reboot

2) The windows installer will automatically notify the user if it needs to be rebooted unless you suppress the prompting.

I have found in talking to many developers (the worst offenders), because most developers are not experts on the OS. They just do not know that the Windows installer will automatically prompt for a reboot if needed. Otherwise your app should run just fine. Especially Java and .NET applications.  I feel the same problem with deployments wanting to restart the web server without cause. I will post another entry discussing the right time to reset your web server (using IIS) and the type of restart you should take.  Everything does not warrant an IISRESET command.

Happy coding (installing)…