Hacking WBFS Manager 2.2

[Knocks]

The author needs to realize that people really hate installers. This is not Microsoft Office, its' a freaking Wii utility.

 

[thebawp]

This seems to be working pretty well for me - I'm using a Vista 64 bit installation and I had to check the compatibility to XP SP2 and run as an administrator before it'd read my drive but once I did that worked like a charm. Good work.

 

[AlexDP]

The author needs to realize that people really hate installers. This is not Microsoft Office, its' a freaking Wii utility.

As I've mentioned multiple times before, the installer is necessary to make sure people have .NET 3.5 SP1. As is people are already messing that step up and ending up with problems (even though I've mentioned hundreds of times, .NET 3.5 SP1!). Without an installer I'm pretty sure the number of people with just .NET 3.5 and not .NET 3.5 SP1 or even without .NET FW would be ten times its current ratio, and that many more people would be having problems. Also, installations are better than unzip and run because any changes made to the OS can easily be undone by uninstalling. It also helps keep track of what you have and where.
In short, the installers going nowhere.

 

[TroyTheZombie]

Lol, i guess people can't read?

anyway, Alex, those mirrors in your first post by me, are no longer valid.

here's some new mirrors.

Mediafire -
x86
http://www.mediafire.com/?zmywyf1cjzt

x64
http://www.mediafire.com/?vnm1ayjzwnu

Sharebee -
x86
http://sharebee.com/9f55688b

x64
http://sharebee.com/e20d7b2a

Btw, love the program.

 

[Knocks]

As I've mentioned multiple times before, the installer is necessary to make sure people have .NET 3.5 SP1. As is people are already messing that step up and ending up with problems (even though I've mentioned hundreds of times, .NET 3.5 SP1!). Without an installer I'm pretty sure the number of people with just .NET 3.5 and not .NET 3.5 SP1 or even without .NET FW would be ten times its current ratio, and that many more people would be having problems. Also, installations are better than unzip and run because any changes made to the OS can easily be undone by uninstalling. It also helps keep track of what you have and where.
In short, the installers going nowhere.

If you want to idiot-proof it, it's as easy as enabling a simple check for the right version of .NET. The installer is slow, it clutters the installation menu, and is completely unnecessary. Look around WiiBrew and see how much software is distributed with installers (hint: almost none). For pete's sakes, Firefox can run without an installer and a tiny utility can't? Give me a break.

 

[AlexDP]

As I've mentioned multiple times before, the installer is necessary to make sure people have .NET 3.5 SP1. As is people are already messing that step up and ending up with problems (even though I've mentioned hundreds of times, .NET 3.5 SP1!). Without an installer I'm pretty sure the number of people with just .NET 3.5 and not .NET 3.5 SP1 or even without .NET FW would be ten times its current ratio, and that many more people would be having problems. Also, installations are better than unzip and run because any changes made to the OS can easily be undone by uninstalling. It also helps keep track of what you have and where.
In short, the installers going nowhere.

If you want to idiot-proof it, it's as easy as enabling a simple check for the right version of .NET. The installer is slow, it clutters the installation menu, and is completely unnecessary. Look around WiiBrew and see how much software is distributed with installers (hint: almost none). For pete's sakes, Firefox can run without an installer and a tiny utility can't? Give me a break.

I'm sorry but you clearly don't understand much about runtime libraries. I can't do a check for the right version of .NET in the program itself, because if you don't have the right version you wouldn't be able to LAUNCH the program. The same goes for MFC, Java and all the other runtime libraries. HENCE, why people invented installers. Whatsmore, distributing programs without installers is contrary to the recommended practices for software distribution on Windows. Also, Firefox is a horrible example of whats good practice with software and software distribution. The only reason some of those programs are distributed without installers is because someone made the (stupid) assumption that the user would already have the same envirnoment that the developer has, or the version of the runtime libraries they're using are distributed with Windows (and hence they can safely assume that people will at least have that.)
Lastly, no ones forcing you to use this software. By all means, use other software, it's not like your paying me. If you've got issues with installers and runtime libraries (.NET in this case), this isn't the software for you.

 

[TroyTheZombie]

AlexDP, the way I see it, they have no right to complain. If they think they can do better, then they should prove it by all means.

 

[penetr8or]

AlexDP, this is the best WBFS manager there is!
If others can't handle having to install it, then they don't deserve to use it

Great work, mate. We all owe you alot!

 

[Knocks]

I'm sorry but you clearly don't understand much about runtime libraries. I can't do a check for the right version of .NET in the program itself, because if you don't have the right version you wouldn't be able to LAUNCH the program. The same goes for MFC, Java and all the other runtime libraries. HENCE, why people invented installers. Whatsmore, distributing programs without installers is contrary to the recommended practices for software distribution on Windows. Also, Firefox is a horrible example of whats good practice with software and software distribution. The only reason some of those programs are distributed without installers is because someone made the (stupid) assumption that the user would already have the same envirnoment that the developer has, or the version of the runtime libraries they're using are distributed with Windows (and hence they can safely assume that people will at least have that.)
Lastly, no ones forcing you to use this software. By all means, use other software, it's not like your paying me. If you've got issues with installers and runtime libraries (.NET in this case), this isn't the software for you.

If somebody can't read and understand the message that .NET is required, they have no business formatting their drives in obscure file systems or hacking their consoles to begin with.

And if you think Mozilla Firefox and everything on WiiBrew are bad examples of software distribution, then you need to get off your high horse. You coded a GUI for a hacking tool, not a supercomputing package.

 

[AlexDP]

I'm sorry but you clearly don't understand much about runtime libraries. I can't do a check for the right version of .NET in the program itself, because if you don't have the right version you wouldn't be able to LAUNCH the program. The same goes for MFC, Java and all the other runtime libraries. HENCE, why people invented installers. Whatsmore, distributing programs without installers is contrary to the recommended practices for software distribution on Windows. Also, Firefox is a horrible example of whats good practice with software and software distribution. The only reason some of those programs are distributed without installers is because someone made the (stupid) assumption that the user would already have the same envirnoment that the developer has, or the version of the runtime libraries they're using are distributed with Windows (and hence they can safely assume that people will at least have that.)
Lastly, no ones forcing you to use this software. By all means, use other software, it's not like your paying me. If you've got issues with installers and runtime libraries (.NET in this case), this isn't the software for you.

If somebody can't read and understand the message that .NET is required, they have no business formatting their drives in obscure file systems or hacking their consoles to begin with.

And if you think Mozilla Firefox and everything on WiiBrew are bad examples of software distribution, then you need to get off your high horse. You coded a GUI for a hacking tool, not a supercomputing package.

I never said there's anything wrong with whats on WiiBrew. The stuff that's available on WiiBrew is generally either code, a Wii app, or a console program and it's generally targeted at developers, who can most likely figure out what they need to do. Loose files and archives are a perfectly valid distribution method for what they're distributing on WiiBrew and who it's for.
This program however is targeted at the general audience and should make things easy for general people who won't know where to get so-and-so runtime library, or other similar things.
Also, I never said I coded a supercomputing package. I coded a GUI that would hopefully make things easier and more accessible for people. I've also provided a great deal of support and troubleshooting for people, in line with the goal to make this all that much easier. I'm not about to make life harder for others and myself by not using an installer.
Finally, as far as I'm concerned Firefox is a terrible application done by a company I have no faith in. They do so many things against best practices that Firefox doesn't even qualify as a proper application for me. If you want to do comparisons, do it with a proper application. Do you see Google Chrome being distributed as zip files? Do you see IE being distributed as zip files? How about WinZip? Windows Live Messenger? or maybe Google Desktop? No.
Most people would rather have a program install somewhere, be able to track whats on their computer, and be able to remove it by simply uninstalling it, rather than have to dig through files to find what they're looking for and delete it. (Most of the time leaving behind registry changes, dll registrations and whatnot).
I think I'm done with this discussion. In any case, I'll be releasing the source code soon after I release the next (and most likely my last) version (2.5) and you can do whatever you like with it.

 

[dougy]

I bought a Wii just before Christmas and found this forum shortly afterwards . I have spent countless hours researching, not wanting to sign up and ask n00b questions. First I got homebrew and gammer loader up and running. I was happy. Then came usb loaders! I couldn't believe how cool things were getting, i spent the whole weekend refreshing the forum! Not long after windows WBFS tools appeared. I spent half a day removing, renaming then re-adding games with one of the early primitive tools just to find out a few days latter that I had wrecked a large number of my installs...

Since finding AlexDP's app I have used nothing else. His app work's perfectly and it is cool having him here providing support. I know others like Waninkoko have given us the biggest advancements, but its hard not to sense a connection and have respect for somebody who is an active part of these forums.

I was dismayed when AlexDP commented on another thread that he might discontinue his app due to another one having more features. AlexDP your app is so much better!! and if you were to add dvd (backup) to WBFS and WBFS to WBFS (coming in 2.5?) the other app would not compare to yours when it comes to professionalism.

I do suspect that perhaps part of the reason is that AlexDP is planning on devoting his time to the development of WBFS+ and the WIN (and other OS) apps that will work with it, but we still don't need ungrateful gits making it likely that this project will end before it otherwise would off.

Having a background in IT I can appreciate that AlexDP has done what he feels will reduce the time he will need to devote to support. He has provided and continues to update a free app. There are tonnes of alternatives and it seems that they have all provided your wish of not forcing an install. How about you go and request them to add the features that AlexDP has given you or request that they make their apps work properly!

How dare you rant and rave post after post because the app hasn't been custom made for you!

I'm not here to start a flame war, and frankly I don't wish to to see a response from you knocks, I'm just voicing what I believe a lot of people are thinking!


AlexDP, thankyou for what you have provided and for being so active in this forum.

 

[redia]

mmm
sorry
aren't the latest post totally out of subject ?

@alexdp : if you want to deploy your apps with an install tool.. do it.. it is your damn right. I kinda agree with your arguments even though I do not fully relate to all of them

@knock : if you don't like the install, there are bunch of alternate solution.. there is even one which does not need _net at all... why do you have to be so harse on someone who is providing us with a tool he could have kept for himself ?
sorry for that, but really I don't get your point.
ok, no install can be cool, but respect his choice.
and if you really hate installer, well there are many solutions to extract the files from an installer.

I really don't mean to be aggressive or mean, I am just trying to point out that we are wasting AlexDP's time. he could be adding some new option for version 3 rather than spending time arguing on a point that doesn't change the RESULTING application.

Cheers,
R

 

[Knocks]

Finally, as far as I'm concerned Firefox is a terrible application done by a company I have no faith in. They do so many things against best practices that Firefox doesn't even qualify as a proper application for me.

I don't know how old you are, but the Mozilla Foundation and its predecessors have probably done more for personal computing than the entire software industry put together. They're a big part of the reason Microsoft is finally accepting open standards and people have better operating systems today.


QUOTEDo you see IE being distributed as zip files? How about WinZip? Windows Live Messenger?

If atrociously bloated crap like IE and Windows Messenger are your models of good software, that explains why you're pretending that a 200KB GUI needs its own installer. Go back to your Programming for Windows book and do whatever you want with it. You're not worth my feedback.

 

[djtaz]

Knocks - theres WBFS managers out there that dont have installers , if u dont like this one , go use one of them - your a bit of a glass is 1/2 empty type of person - seriously - what your looking for is already there , others want this , go get what you want or make your own and basically stop moaning.#

Everyone else is happy with this and those that are not have found alternatives to suit.

Great job AlexDP - keep it up.

 

[Knocks]

I am perfectly happy with the command tool, but I do try different homebrew and wasn't happy when this program took a good 6-7 minutes to upgrade my .NET version without my permission. That is NOT a good programming practice.

I also find it necessary to correct idiotic statements like "IE is better than Firefox" from time to time.

Edit for geographical clarity with apologies to all offended. Other points still stand.

 

[djtaz]

....and your mouse over skills on image definitions is exceptionally weak , as is your understanding of colours in a geographical manner.
If you like what you have stick to it and stop flaming threads in which people are making things that others consider useful.

 

[bnm81002]

I'll be releasing the source code soon after I release the next (and most likely my last) version (2.5) and you can do whatever you like with it.

AlexDP, please say it ain't so? please please please continue with your WBFS manager program, don't let ungrateful people turn you away, it is a very very easy WBFS program to use compared to other ones out there,
I bow to you for developing this program, please continue with the GREAT HARD WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[manias]

I am perfectly happy with the command tool, but I do try different homebrew and wasn't happy when this program took a good 6-7 minutes to upgrade my .NET version without my permission. That is NOT a good programming practice.

I also find it necessary to correct idiotic statements like "IE is better than Firefox" from time to time.

Edit for geographical clarity with apologies to all offended. Other points still stand.

if you don't like it, DONT USE IT but do NOT come here and spew this crap around. He's worked his ass of for free for this program, and we all love it. If you don't like it then move along.
Alex: you made the best program and I would like to thank you for all you did for us

(and ofcourse I hope you will continue with the program but even if you don't, thank you!!)

 

[AlexDP]

Thanks everyone for your comments, it's always nice to hear that people are liking the program

In case your interested, WBFS Manager 2.5 just released and you can get it here: http://wbfsmanager.codeplex.com/Release/Pr...ReleaseId=26363
As always, looking forward to your feedback.
In case your wondering why I this version doesn't have Channel creation or direct Drive-To-Drive copying, I'm still working on those, but had these ready, so I decided to make these publicly available until direct copying and Channel creation are ready (for v3).
Thanks for your patience.

 

[bnm81002]

version 3 coming, yeah, it means AlexDP is not abandoning his program, YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH