How to Distribute Your Browser
By default, the IEAK wizard creates files for downloading via the Internet or an intranet server. You can also create a custom browser package on CD-ROM or on multiple floppy disks.
Downloadable files
If you created the browser package on an Internet or intranet server, you need to set up your Web site so that users can download the files. For example, you might create a page where you post download information and a link to the install engine, IE4setup.exe.
If you created the browser package on your hard disk or network drive, you need to move the following items to an Internet or intranet server:
- The folder within the Ie4site folder that contains the language version you are posting and the folder contents. For example, the folder for the English version is named En, so you need to move the En folder and the files it contains.
- The file named Ie4sites.dat. This file points to the download site (or sites) you specified when you ran the wizard.
Signing your custom packages
Be aware that Web browsers have security features that help protect users from downloading harmful programs. Depending on the security level, the user may be prevented from or warned against downloading programs that aren't "digitally signed." You should digitally sign the custom .cab files created by the IEAK wizard. You should also digitally sign any custom components you distribute with your browser package.
The custom files you must sign are:
- Branding.cab
- Desktop.cab
- Ie40cif.cab
- IE4setup.exe
- Folder<n>.cab
- Chl<xxxx>.cab
Notes
- Folder<n>.cab represents every numbered cabinet file beginning with the name Folder, such as Folder1.cab, Folder2.cab. Chl<xxxx>.cab represents every numbered cabinet file beginning with Chl, such as Chl001.cab, Chl002.cab, and so on.
- You also need to sign any custom programs—in either .exe or .cab format—that you include in your IEAK package.
Signing the .cab files and custom programs requires two steps: obtaining a digital certificate—from a certificate authority (CA) such as Verisign or GTE—and signing the code. For more information, see Signing Your Programs.
CD-ROM
If you distribute your custom browser for Windows 95 users, a splash screen Autorun program appears when the user inserts the compact disc. This program offers users the choice of installing your custom browser or viewing more information.
If the current version of Internet Explorer is already installed, the Autorun program detects it. The browser appears in what is known as Kiosk mode with the Start.htm file loaded.
Multiple floppy disks
You can also distribute your custom browser on multiple floppy 1.44 MB disks.