Grrr...cross-platform runtimes!

[marija]

Hello my FM experts!

I'm creating a cross-platform runtime solution. I thought initially that I could have one file that is cross-platform. So far, I haven't found a way to do that, and the developer book is no help.

So, I bound my files on windows, then on mac. Now I have two nice runtime apps, one for pc & one for mac. They run fine UNTIL I write them to a CD-ROM. Maybe I'm just doing something wrong there.

The PC version runs wonderfully! The Mac doesn't recognize my mac version (after it's on the CD) and errors out when I open it, saying it doesn't recognize the file.

I added ".fp5" to my mac runtime. I wrote the disc with Adaptec Toast, ISO 9660 format. I want to only have one disc for both versions.

Pleez help me!!

[Kurt Knippel]

quote:

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Originally posted by mr:

Hello my FM experts!

I'm creating a cross-platform runtime solution. I thought initially that I could have one file that is cross-platform. So far, I haven't found a way to do that, and the developer book is no help.

So, I bound my files on windows, then on mac. Now I have two nice runtime apps, one for pc & one for mac. They run fine UNTIL I write them to a CD-ROM. Maybe I'm just doing something wrong there.

The PC version runs wonderfully! The Mac doesn't recognize my mac version (after it's on the CD) and errors out when I open it, saying it doesn't recognize the file.

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Do not put the raw files directly onto the CD.

Invariably you will have to do something the will invalidate the format for one system. I would put the files into some kind of archive or installer application and have the user run that, which then extracts the files and preserves all of thier attributes.

This is pretty easy to do and less of a hassle in the long run.

[mattc]

I am about to do the same sort of thing & plan on using an installer as previously mentioned.

Out of interest, have you tried buring both the Mac & PC solutions to different sessions on the CD. This was how I was planning on doing it?

[Kurt Knippel]

quote:

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Originally posted by mattc:

I am about to do the same sort of thing & plan on using an installer as previously mentioned.

Out of interest, have you tried buring both the Mac & PC solutions to different sessions on the CD. This was how I was planning on doing it?

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This is usually how it is done. I think that this is generally the best way as it takes advantage of the abilities of the CD format while preserving as much OS specific functionality as possible.

[jwmickelson]

Creating a Multi-format (PC/MAC) CD is the best way to go. In my experience though, you must create the CD on a mac computer.

[gareth-davies]

I'm preparing a similar product and created my beta as a Mac / PC hybrid using Toast 5 Titanium burning software on the Mac. Since the script commands are different for Mac and Windows to open another application, I needed to create separate Mac and Windows 'starter' FM Pro files holding user instructions and a 'transfer' button on one layout. These accessed self decompressing archives containing the main files.

I used DropStuff from Aladdin to create the archives as this can create both Mac & Windows archives.

[DykstrL]

We've been creating cross-platform runtime solutions for the last 5 years. The solutions are distributed via CD-ROM on a 6 month release cycle.

1. The best solution is to create "installer" files for each platform. We use WinZip self-extracting file for the Windows side and Stuff-It Deluxe self-extracting file for the Mac side. This lets us control how and where the files are placed on the hard drive. It also protects the Mac program information for the files. This also lets us have a cleaner install for each platform, i.e. no DLL files stuck in the Mac solution. We do, however, run the same solution (FMP) files through Developer on each side so the solution is exactly the same on both sides. Each "Install" file is placed in a separate folder: "WinInstall" and "MacInstall" which seems to be fairly intuitive and easy to figure out even for the most computer-challenged users.

2. Burn the CD on a Mac using: CD-XA, ISO 9660, Mac File Names (For Roxio Toast 5 use: Mac OS Extended and PC (Hydrid). This will allow the CD to be read on whatever machine it is put into.

If you have enough room - less than 300MB per side, you can burn a Dual-Image CD. This must also be done on a Mac. That way, each platform only sees whatever is pertinent to that OS. You will need Roxio Toast 5 Titanium or Adaptec Toast 4 Deluxe to do this.

Hope this helps...

[pcarrington]

quote:

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Originally posted by dykstrl:

We've been creating cross-platform runtime solutions for the last 5 years. The solutions are distributed via CD-ROM on a 6 month release cycle.

1. The best solution is to create "installer" files for each platform. We use WinZip self-extracting file for the Windows side and Stuff-It Deluxe self-extracting file for the Mac side. This lets us control how and where the files are placed on the hard drive. It also protects the Mac program information for the files. This also lets us have a cleaner install for each platform, i.e. no DLL files stuck in the Mac solution. We do, however, run the same solution (FMP) files through Developer on each side so the solution is exactly the same on both sides. Each "Install" file is placed in a separate folder: "WinInstall" and "MacInstall" which seems to be fairly intuitive and easy to figure out even for the most computer-challenged users.

2. Burn the CD on a Mac using: CD-XA, ISO 9660, Mac File Names (For Roxio Toast 5 use: Mac OS Extended and PC (Hydrid). This will allow the CD to be read on whatever machine it is put into.

If you have enough room - less than 300MB per side, you can burn a Dual-Image CD. This must also be done on a Mac. That way, each platform only sees whatever is pertinent to that OS. You will need Roxio Toast 5 Titanium or Adaptec Toast 4 Deluxe to do this.

Hope this helps...

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Greetings from "The Unlearned"

Have developed some FM programs to enhance the medical office I own. Will be needing these to work on PC platform in near future.

Have used FM Developer and tried at least 25 X to get this to work. Then I take a zip w/ the new "PC files" and nothing works. The PC

asks repeatedly for a program to open the software. These are supposed to cross-platform. I know I'm missing something simple (I hope).

Any advice for those getting started in making cross-platform runtime solutions?

Thank You.

DrC

[WilliamF]

I realize that it has been a number of days since this topic was fist posted. However, for what it's worth, here is how I take care of the problem. I have several solutions that have been developed cross platform and all are placed on one CD for distribution.

First: I suggest the purchase of a good "Installation" software package. I use "VISE" and find it to be excellent. It is a little pricey, so you might want to look around at little. Once you have the "installation" software installed and "mastered",(that can take a little time)you are ready to begin.

1. Use Filemaker Developer to produce a run-time solution

2. Make certain all needed folders such as "system" for PC and "Filemaker Extensions" etc. are included in your runtime folder.

3. Make an Installation program using the software you decided upon.

4. Test both platforms as you go.

5. To burn the CD, you must use a Mac and should probably have Roxio's Toast Titatium.

6. Transfer your PC Install program (the one you made for you solution) to a Zip or like disk. You must transfer it to the Mac.

7. Launch the Burning software (Toast) on the Mac.

8. Choose "Custom Hybrid"

9. Click on "Utilities" and choose 'Create Temporaty Partition'.

10. Drag you Mac Installation Icon (the one you produced with your Installation program) to the "Temporary Partition". You may want to name this Temporary Partition something such as "Install". Whatever you name it is what will show when the CD is placed into the Mac Computer.

11. Click on the button "Select Mac". A window will open. Select the "Temporary Partition" you created. You can make it Auto-start if you wish although I tend to not do this.

12. Now click on the button "Select ISO". (You will need to have your PC Installation Zip file opened and visible on the desktop).

13. Drag the Installation Exe. file to the Toast Window.

14. Click the "Record" button, etc.

This will burn your CD so that both programs are available, but only the Mac will show when opened withthe Mac and only the PC when opened with the PC.

Test on both platforms.

This is much easier than it may sound. The biggest problem is understanding and mastering the "Installation Software".

The Installation software suggested by others is certainly Ok. It just doesnt' do quite as professional a job and generally will not place an Alias on the Desktop or Apple Menu for a Mac nor a "shortcut" for a PC.

If you don't have those capabilities, be certain that you have an explanation with your CD as to what file must be chosen to open the software. It must always be the Exe file.

Hey - hope this has some value for you