FAQ: Program Assistant Compatibility (PCA) and Windows 8

[NewsArchive]

Okay, Windows 8 Developer Preview (pre-beta) is available and some
developers already asked if the Program Assistant Compatibility (PCA) will
again kick-in if the application is not Win8-aware.

The short answer is: YES, IT WILL!

In other words, you'll have to update your application and installation to
fully support Windows 8 in the future.

If your installation and/or application is not Win8-aware, your Windows 8
customers will see a "This program might not have installed correctly"
message every time the setup program or application closes.

"Program Assistant Compatibility" (PCA) is a Windows component that tries to
help older applications work on new versions of Windows. In Windows Vista,
PCA looked for the presence of a manifest in an .exe that set the
"RequiredExecutionLevel". If found, the PCA assumed that the executable was
built to target Windows Vista, and that it was tested on Vista. If not, and
the executable was detected as an installer, PCA would check the "Add/Remove
Programs" list to see if the installation succeeded. If no "Add/Remove
Programs" entry was made, PCA would offer to re-run the .exe in Windows XP
SP2 compatibility mode.

For Windows 7 and Windows 8, PCA no longer looks at the
RequiredExecutionLevel setting. It uses the new Compatibility section of
the manifest to identify executables built for Windows 7 or Windows 8.

If both your installation and application files are Win8-aware, they can run
without causing a PCA mitigation on Windows 8.

Of course, we already have an internal SetupBuilder 7.6 version available to
support Windows 8. We expect to release V7.6 end of September / beginning
of October 2011.

Note: Windows 8 is a pre-beta and should not be used in a production
environment.

--
Friedrich Linder
Lindersoft
www.lindersoft.com
+1.954.252.3910

SetupBuilder is Windows 7 installation -- "point. click. ship"

-- Official Comodo Code Signing and SSL Certificate Partner

[NewsArchive]

and what about rumors that "exe must be signed" ?
thanks
darko

[NewsArchive]

darko,

> and what about rumors that "exe must be signed" ?

I was able to run an unsigned app on Win8.

Friedrich

[NewsArchive]

BTW, for those who are interested, here is a first Windows 8 (Start screen)
screenshot.

Friedrich

[NewsArchive]

Friedrich,

> BTW, for those who are interested, here is a first Windows 8 (Start screen)
> screenshot.

I don't see the point but then maybe I'm not supposed to. I must
really be getting old!!!<g>

--
Lee White

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Hi Lee,

> I don't see the point but then maybe I'm not supposed to. I must
> really be getting old!!!<g>

Are you saying that you don't see the screenshot with the green Start
screen?

Friedrich

[NewsArchive]

Friedrich,

> Are you saying that you don't see the screenshot with the green Start
> screen?

No, I see it, I'm just trying to figure out the point of it. I suppose
I'm too used to business apps and a real desktop!<g> That and I'm also
used to mashing my fingers on a keyboard, not on the screen.<lol>

--
Lee White

RPM Report Viewer.: http://www.cwaddons.com/products/rpm/
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[NewsArchive]

> BTW, for those who are interested, here is a first Windows 8 (Start screen)
> screenshot.
>
> Friedrich

Friedrich,

SB7 Developer sure looks good in Windows 8! :-D

While some have criticized the Windows 8 "Light" demonstration (it only
makes sense, keep it positive, not too terribly taxing, and show off the
new look + easier computing functionality)

I was very impressed with the general direction of Win 8 -

even Vista (with all it's early folibles) at least started to bring us in
the more modern world of hardware advantages, and superior UI styling, Win
7 stablized it, made it more accessible to corporations and individuals

And now Windows 8 will take a much greater leap!

If you've never really loved the mouse - the compelling touch gestures will
probably send you back to Win 7 Classis mode - but for others, it will
finally be a breakthrough of how they thought computing should have been
years ago!

David

--
From David Troxell - Encourager Software
Microsoft Forums NNTP Bridge - Instructions to use
http://profileexchanges.com/blog/?p=397

[NewsArchive]

Lee,

>> Are you saying that you don't see the screenshot with the green Start
>> screen?
>
> No, I see it, I'm just trying to figure out the point of it. I suppose
> I'm too used to business apps and a real desktop!<g> That and I'm also
> used to mashing my fingers on a keyboard, not on the screen.<lol>

Aha... <g>

I think the new GUI (the Start screen is somewhat similar to Windows Phone
7) brings it in-sync with the tablet (touch-enabled devices) Win8 version.
The new Start screen is where everything goes down. I think I need a touch
screen monitor soon <g>

Friedrich

[NewsArchive]

Hi Friedrich,

> The new Start screen is where everything goes down. I think I need a
> touch screen monitor soon <g>

So if you install an application where does it 'go' ie where does your
programs icon display?

Graham

[NewsArchive]

Hi Graham,

>> The new Start screen is where everything goes down. I think I need a
>> touch screen monitor soon <g>
>
> So if you install an application where does it 'go' ie where does your
> programs icon display?

If you are at the Desktop (blue screenshot) and you click the good old
"Start" button then this will open the new "Start" screen (green
screenshot). So the Start menu icons (shortcuts) go to the new "Start"
screen. If you have created Desktop icons then they are created on the
Desktop.

Friedrich

[NewsArchive]

Hi Friedrich,

Ah, now I understand. I mistakenly thought the Start screen was the first
screen displayed.
(It was the word Start that had me confused :-) )

If think I'm with Lee, I don't really see the point for buisness use.

Still if all copies come with SetupBuilder 7 Developer pre-installed (as per
the screenshots) it gets my vote :-)

Graham

[NewsArchive]

Graham,

> Ah, now I understand. I mistakenly thought the Start screen was the first
> screen displayed. (It was the word Start that had me confused :-) )
>
> If think I'm with Lee, I don't really see the point for buisness use.
>
> Still if all copies come with SetupBuilder 7 Developer pre-installed (as
> per the screenshots) it gets my vote :-)

Hehehehe :-)

When I started playing with Win8 two or three months ago, I thought by
myself: "What the hell is this stupid thing?" But now I have to say, I
begin to like it. BTW, shutting down the machine is also different. It's
all a mix-match of "real" computer and tablet. Sometimes confusing,
sometimes amazing. But still a lot of things to do and not ready for the
mass market yet.

Friedrich

[NewsArchive]

Friedrich,

> But still a lot of things to do and not ready for the
> mass market yet.

When has THAT ever stopped Microsoft?!<g>

--
Lee White

RPM Report Viewer.: http://www.cwaddons.com/products/rpm/
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[NewsArchive]

Are you saying that we will no longer go to "START" to STOP the
machine?

:) Bob Roos

> BTW, shutting down the machine is also different.

[NewsArchive]

Hi Bob,

> Are you saying that we will no longer go to "START" to STOP the
> machine?

Correct. "START" will no longer "STOP" <g>.

You have to "log-off" and this will bring you to another screen. Then you
can "shut down" the machine/device.

Friedrich

[NewsArchive]

> Hi Friedrich,
>
> Ah, now I understand. I mistakenly thought the Start screen was the first
> screen displayed.
> (It was the word Start that had me confused :-) )
>
> If think I'm with Lee, I don't really see the point for buisness use.

Graham

Well, most govt offices I have visited still display XP screens, so your
point is well taken! :-D

However, imo, businesses that do not spend - 7.9 hours of 8 in an app,
will probably gain some time saving efficiency in W8, because for it's a
fresh look at improving methods of multi-tasking when office workers use a
variety of programs to complete their work day.

David

--
From David Troxell - Encourager Software
Microsoft Forums NNTP Bridge - Instructions to use
http://profileexchanges.com/blog/?p=397

[NewsArchive]

> No, I see it, I'm just trying to figure out the point of it. I suppose
> I'm too used to business apps and a real desktop!<g> That and I'm also
> used to mashing my fingers on a keyboard, not on the screen.<lol>

Click the word start and thats exactly what youll get - a desktop.
--

Mark Riffey
http://www.rescuemarketing.com/blog/
Now featured on the Visa Business Network
If Guy Kawasaki, the staff of the Wall Street Journal,
Fast Company, Marketing Profs & Business Week read it,
maybe you should too.

[NewsArchive]

I am buying lots of SC Johnson (makers of Windex) stock. I think they
are going to be selling lots of it for the new screens.

;) Bob Roos

> If you've never really loved the mouse - the compelling touch gestures will
> probably send you back to Win 7 Classis mode - but for others, it will
> finally be a breakthrough of how they thought computing should have been
> years ago!

[NewsArchive]

> I am buying lots of SC Johnson (makers of Windex) stock. I think they
> are going to be selling lots of it for the new screens.

Bob,

Birdie Conrad (Jean Stapelton): If you need more, ask me, I'm very rich. I
bought Intel at six - to the Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) character in "You've
Got Mail" - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0128853/

Good choice!

David

--
From David Troxell - Encourager Software
Microsoft Forums NNTP Bridge - Instructions to use
http://profileexchanges.com/blog/?p=397

[NewsArchive]

Our app is touch compatible so that is good.. but it's a POS. I can't
imagine sitting at a computer and having to touch the screen all day long...
especially if you're running different apps... I would think that it would
be easier to use a mouse (or a trackball in my case), and easier on the
limbs.

We have a customer that bought all touch screens, and they have keyboards
and mice.. so they have a choice because our software is pretty friendly no
matter how you use it.. and it was amazing to watch them use the mouse and
keyboard more than the touch screen. Of course if I forced them to use the
touch screen that would be different.

However at first everyone will have to have touch screens to match the
Windows 8 I suppose... and all the software will have to be very touch
friendly.

Personally, I hate when someone touches my screen :)

Ray
VMT

[NewsArchive]

> Our app is touch compatible so that is good.. but it's a POS. I can't
> imagine sitting at a computer and having to touch the screen all day long...
> especially if you're running different apps... I would think that it would
> be easier to use a mouse (or a trackball in my case), and easier on the
> limbs.

Ray,

OK, to introduce/show off a brand new OS UI that is super touch gesture
friendly, you would really need to OVER-DO it - like MS did - BUT

we're not all going to rush out and buy Samsung Series 7 Slate PC model
700T1A - the one the Build Windows conference attendees got - early
registration - $1600 minus 700T1A gift ($1100) - net registration cost -
$500 - THAT is a conference bargain!

(even that has a dock option - developers are NOT going to use that silly
on-screen keyboard for the majority of their work)

And, there will be a substantial number of non-touch screens in use when W8
goes RTM - but what is to stop touch screen owners with tower PCs from
using a combination - Touch, Keyboard, mouse, etc (just like a keyboard
shortcut makes real good sense over a mouse move at times)

Of course, it's like a lot of technologies - you never really now how they
will be used until a significant number of users bang on them daily.

PRE - iPad - cellphones - how many would even begin to think - how can I
type (without a traditional computer keyboard) - how can I position
(without a mouse) - before those devices forced AND made available
alternative methods.

> Personally, I hate when someone touches my screen :)

Buy lots of Windex and make Bob's stock soar! :-D

David

--
From David Troxell - Product Scope 7.9 - Encourager Software
Product Description - App Data UAC Safe, MFG - Encourager Software
Internet Link - http://profileexchanges.com/blog/?p=120

[NewsArchive]

I've got to admit that on my Android I use the touch keyboard more than the
actual keyboard... because, and only because of Swype.. where you just drag
your finger around the keyboard to create words... .super fast. And of
course it does voice recognition... although I found it more of a hassle
than typing (swyping) the onscreen keyboard.

I just give my customers all the options.. and with Clarion it's easy. Most
of my buttons have a keyboard equivalent too. At least I know I'll be OK
with Windows 8 thanks to Setupbuilder.

Ray
VMT

[NewsArchive]

> I've got to admit that on my Android I use the touch keyboard more than the
> actual keyboard... because, and only because of Swype.. where you just drag
> your finger around the keyboard to create words... .super fast.

Ray,

Exactly, how we compute, even the mudane 7.8 hours per day type govt form
filling that still exist on XP OSs (VMs or actual computers) - will
eventually be redesigned for the later OSs -

kinda like the 2000 scare - date problems - much hardware was upgraded in
the process.

Time for all of us to bite the bullet - and get ready for the "tablet
generation" - imagine whole companies switching to touch tablets (with
optional docks with traditional keyboards) -

I envision that as a future, practical trend that Windows 8 will help
accelerate (just as Apple has set so many computing trends in the past with
their innovative technologies).

Because my venture into PCs came with the Atari 1040ST (68000 processor
Machintosh Plus clone) (actually I began with Sinclair, Texas Instrument
994A), I adopted mouse use and grew very "mouse" comfortable early on.

"Touch" is a natural progression of where computing is now, and significant
major advances will be - even small restaurants are using iPhone apps for
waitresses to place orders - because it's still cost effective even when
the employee count is small.

David

--
From David Troxell - Product Scope 7.9 - Encourager Software
Product Description - App Data UAC Safe, MFG - Encourager Software
Internet Link - http://profileexchanges.com/blog/?p=120

[NewsArchive]

Frederick, Have you by chance tested a C6 MDI application on Windows 8?
In Z's keynote he mentioned some (additional) nasty MDI behavior in the
Windows 8 preview.

Thanks
--steve

[NewsArchive]

Hi Steve,

> Frederick, Have you by chance tested a C6 MDI application on Windows 8?
> In Z's keynote he mentioned some (additional) nasty MDI behavior in the
> Windows 8 preview.

Yes, I am running C6 apps on Win8 (including the official Win8 Preview) for
quite some months now. The SetupBuilder IDE itself makes heavy use of MDI.
What I can say at this point is that something changed in MDI. Not sure if
this is a bug in Windows 8 or if this is a permanent change in the
underlying system. But it's too early to say for sure exactly what is going
on. I think we need (at least) one more Win8 build to debug it in detail.

Friedrich

[NewsArchive]

If you download http://www.rohitab.com/ you can see the API calls the
Clarion RTL uses and investigate from there.

Richard Rose