How to Distribute Your Browser

By default, the IEAK wizard creates files for downloading via the Internet. You can also create a custom browser package on CD-ROM or on multiple floppy disks. Or you can distribute a single floppy disk that contains the files necessary to initiate the Setup and connection processes.

Downloadable files

Internet service providers can distribute a single file to users that contains the install engine, which will then download application components from an Internet server.

If you created the browser package on an Internet 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 your Internet server:

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:

Notes

Signing the cabinet 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.

Single floppy disk

With Active Setup, you can just post the files to the Internet. You can also provide users with a single disk that contains the files they need to initiate the Setup and connection processes. These files will be placed in the \Floppy\Win95_nt subfolder of the folder in which your custom browser is created—for example, \En\Floppy\Win95_nt. The rest of the files are downloaded from the Internet during the Setup process.

Multiple floppy disks

You can also distribute your custom browser on multiple floppy 1.44 MB disks.