inscitz
03-27-2002, 09:18 AM
Okay, my name is Tim. Im a commercial software developer, and I play MSTS. However, whenever I come to this site, downloading zip files and installing them are a real pain in the butt. Routes say they "need" this "carriage" addon or this "electric" locomotive to work, in the end, it seems like a real mess to have files left, right and centre to find and install.
So... I've decided to write a FREE addon installer specificly for MSTS, so as long as you, the people that write activities, routes and design cabs, locomotives and sounds, can assist me by providing me with information about the general architecture of each addon component (ie. the general idea of copying folders, files).
Basicly, Im looking at designing two components for this addon installer. They are:
1. The Addon Designer Installation-Compiler
> This tool creates a single compressed file in the format of "routename.mta" (I'll call it a .mta - Microsft TrainSim Addon for now), that contains all necessary addon components, references to additional required components that are required to be installed, author information & contact details (if you want to receive feedback). The installation-compiler creates this file, which can then be uploaded to internet sites such as this, and when somebody wants it, they use component "2"
2. The Addon component Installer
> This component is for users of MSTS who want to easily install addons and manage them. This tool downloads ".mta" addon files from websites, created by tool 1. It downloads and automatically installs only the "missing" necessary components within the addon file on the http/ftp. It then adds the addon component listing into its user database, which lists every locomotive, route, activity and other addons that have been installed. At this screen listing, it also allows users to send the creator of the addon feedback, or get information about them as listed in tool 1. It will also include the ability to check "beta addons" and automatically upgrade to the new version if requested.
So, does this sound like a good idea to you? Im an experienced developer with the Windows platform, I have a strong internet programming knowledge, so it is very possible for me to create this.
However, like I said, I need YOUR assistance by giving me information on the structure of each type of addon that MSTS addon writers make. This includes the typical way that users install each type of addon normally once downloading a zip/selfextractor addon. Information would be greatly appreciative if sent to:
mstsaddon@schitzn.cjb.net
Once I get sufficient information, I'll commence blueprinting and then start a beta-test release hopefully by the end of April.
Cheers,
Tim
CEO Schitzn.
www.schitzn.cjb.net
So... I've decided to write a FREE addon installer specificly for MSTS, so as long as you, the people that write activities, routes and design cabs, locomotives and sounds, can assist me by providing me with information about the general architecture of each addon component (ie. the general idea of copying folders, files).
Basicly, Im looking at designing two components for this addon installer. They are:
1. The Addon Designer Installation-Compiler
> This tool creates a single compressed file in the format of "routename.mta" (I'll call it a .mta - Microsft TrainSim Addon for now), that contains all necessary addon components, references to additional required components that are required to be installed, author information & contact details (if you want to receive feedback). The installation-compiler creates this file, which can then be uploaded to internet sites such as this, and when somebody wants it, they use component "2"
2. The Addon component Installer
> This component is for users of MSTS who want to easily install addons and manage them. This tool downloads ".mta" addon files from websites, created by tool 1. It downloads and automatically installs only the "missing" necessary components within the addon file on the http/ftp. It then adds the addon component listing into its user database, which lists every locomotive, route, activity and other addons that have been installed. At this screen listing, it also allows users to send the creator of the addon feedback, or get information about them as listed in tool 1. It will also include the ability to check "beta addons" and automatically upgrade to the new version if requested.
So, does this sound like a good idea to you? Im an experienced developer with the Windows platform, I have a strong internet programming knowledge, so it is very possible for me to create this.
However, like I said, I need YOUR assistance by giving me information on the structure of each type of addon that MSTS addon writers make. This includes the typical way that users install each type of addon normally once downloading a zip/selfextractor addon. Information would be greatly appreciative if sent to:
mstsaddon@schitzn.cjb.net
Once I get sufficient information, I'll commence blueprinting and then start a beta-test release hopefully by the end of April.
Cheers,
Tim
CEO Schitzn.
www.schitzn.cjb.net