Extensions for WarpIN

New attributes for PCK tag

execute program from package as sniffer

Requirement:

• run a program, included in the WPI archive, to determine if a prerequisite for installation is met
• continue installation with no message on zero reason code
• display a message for specific error code(s) and abort installation

Used Case:

• installation of device drivers: sniffer for hardware (e.g. check for a PCI device)
• installation of Wireless LAN Monitor: determnine active instance of xCenter

Current workaround:

• can be done by REXX, extracting a hidden package to a temp directory. However, the WPI cannot be aborted by REXX code

Suggested Change:

• additional attribute PREEXECUTE for PKG tag like (DE)EXECUTE

Problem:

• no idea yet how to define the message(s) being displayed on error, possibly <ERRORMSG rc=n>as counterpart to MSG, where <ERRORMSG> with no rc would be the default error msg.

add a requirement matching an exact package

Requirement:

• force to require an exact version of a dependent external package

Suggested Change:

• invent REQUIRESEXACT to match an exact version

Comment:

• this is for where the required packages are definitely not upwards compatible, but instead must exactly match the main package

execute a program/REXX code before/after executing any installation action

exit for rc!=0

New element for PAGE tag

element to display an INF

Requirement:

• launch the INF file of an application without requiring to install the package

Suggested Change:

• implement element INFBUTTON, requires atribute EXTRACTFROMPCK to use a INF ifle from the package

Comment:

• this change would relief from one of the most obvious disadvantages of WarpIN packages. A readme is often not sufficient in order to evaluate if an application is worth to install. However, to view an included INF, an end user would have to install it anyway...

New parameters to WARPIN.EXE

deinstall a PACKAGE, supporting wildcards

allows WPS object to deinstall a program