FAQ additions and subtractions

[webfork]

Just putting a few suggested edits out for modifying the current site FAQ. Other edits or suggestions welcome.

Additions

Q: I just posted something but it didn't show up. What happened?
A: It must be authorized by one of the site moderators/admins. We usually resolve these requests within 2 days.

Q: What is the process for getting a program into the database?
A: Someone adds the program and then it's voted on by members

Q: When do you become a member?
A: After 20 posts.

Q: After a program is added, how many votes does it take?
A: 10

Q: Do you support the software in the database?
A: No, we are just listing the information and this site is made up of volunteer effort. Some programs may, upon update, no longer be portable or even freeware. Please notify us in forums if you see a program like this.

Modifications

Question: "How do I extract files directly from an installer without going through the whole installation process?"

Answer: A program called Universal Extractor may be used to extract files directly from many different types of installer packages. This opens up the internals of a program without going through an (often non-portable) install process. Just move the installer into the window and choose OK.

Image 2.png (5.13 KiB) Viewed 32386 times

Although many programs on the site work with the default program, for some newer programs, it may be necessary to manually update a component of the program: innoSetup.

1. Visit the innoup SourceForge download directory and choose the latest version (at the top of the list)
2. Download the file innounp[version number].rar and extract using Universal Extractor (or other RAR-compatible program)
3. Close the program and copy the resulting innoup.exe file to the \bin subfolder of Universal Extractor

Image 3.png (2.68 KiB) Viewed 32386 times

Click here to visit the innoup web page for more information.


Subtractions
* The "In what order do you process freeware submissions?" question. This answer is out of date.

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I would have done this a long time ago but this is the sort of thing I do professionally and I don't much enjoy doing work while at home.

Edit 1: Adding some possible images for clarification.

Edit 2: Fixing "innoup" after SYSTEM's suggestion (below)

[SYSTEM]

Good, thanks for the effort.

Q: After a program is added, how many votes does it take?
A: 10

I think we need to mention the rank system here. At best two votes (from two R5 members) is enough.

Although many programs on the site work with the default program, for some newer programs, it may be necessary to manually update a component of the program: InnoSetup.

1. Visit the Innoup SourceForge download directory and choose the latest version (at the top of the list)

Click here to visit the InnoUp web page for more information.

It's innounp (with lowercase I).

[guinness]

Q. What applications are acceptable to be included in the database?
A. Windows executables, preferably those that end in .exe to launch.

Something along those lines, because I don't feel a browser addon is a worthy application in the PFC database.

[webfork]

A. Windows executables, preferably those that end in .exe to launch.

I agree with the browser add-on bit, but Andrew OK'd browser-based programs. Feel free to post something on that thread about it as I don't think this is set in stone.

Good, thanks for the effort.

It's innounp (with lowercase I).

It is indeed. Updating original entry.

[Midas]

Since DotNET programs are now acceptable, too, I think a mention to LessMSI (viewtopic.php?t=16978) as extractor is also in order in the extraction question...

[billon]

LessMSI

And jsMSIx - http://www.jsware.net/jsware/msicode.php5#unpackx

[Andrew Lee]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I am in the process of updating the FAQ page. Should be done by today.

[Andrew Lee]

FAQ updated. Your feedback and suggestions are welcome.

Thanks to webfork for getting the ball rolling!

[SYSTEM]

FAQ updated.

Thank you!

[webfork]

Thanks to webfork for getting the ball rolling!

Sure thing

Thank you!

Agreed -- changes look great.

[Midas]

Quick note to point out that the 'resources' page (Useful links: https://www.portablefreeware.com/resources.php) is markedly outdated and in urgent need of community review.

For one, there's no mention of DirectX, although e.g. https://www.portablefreeware.com/?id=1459 specifically points to it for instructions...

[webfork]

Since this seems to come up every so often ...

Why can't you include my adware/shareware/demoware/etc.?

Commercial developers can have an advertising budget and resources available to them to help get their name out. They don't need help the way freeware developers do. Additionally, as a conversation with several bundleware sellers one of our users shared with us, there is a big push in freeware to include some kind of revenue-generating software. For those that resist the urge to add these things, we want to say thanks.

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Some examples of this coming up:

• What do you have against us?
• Developers have to eat

[Andrew Lee]

@webfork: Thanks! Added to the FAQ.

[webfork]

@webfork: Thanks! Added to the FAQ.

Cool, glad that worked.

[webfork]

It came up again today so I'll go ahead and suggest this. I was debating setting up as an edit to the "getting an app into the database" question but maybe this will hold for now.

"Why hasn't ___ been added? It's portable and a great program."

First, see "What is the process for getting an application into the database?" [https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#addapp].

You can help this process along by:

• Doing portability testing. Even basic tests can help, such as explaining if a setting file appears in the local folder after launch or if moving it from drive to drive breaks functionality.
• If it's still in "private" status, encourage other users to vote for the program
• Is the program already in the Submissions forum?
  
  • If no: post the program to the Submission forum along with detail described below.
  • If yes: try to explain what the program is, applications for it's use, why it's great, or include a screenshot that we might use in the entry.