I've created an application that I'm going to distribute as a free runtime product (an area code lookup product). I'm creating a self-extracting archive that will, once the files are extracted, run any program. I want to be able to have it put an icon on the user's desktop to make it easy for the user to run the program. Any ideas how to do this?

it would entirely depend on the installer software your're using. Most of them allow for this.

If not, you can create a VBscript that does it. Check out www.microsoft.com/scripting for more info.

I found an excellent (and free) setup program for your developer solution (I'm currently testing/using it). It's called Inno Setup and produces a professional looking setup program (and yes, it gives your user the option to add a desktop shortcut, etc.)

http://www.jrsoftware.org/