PDA

View Full Version : Installing Campaigns



jinx
May 3rd, 2013, 14:02
I just had to reinstall cfs2 (twice) as a result of trying to install the Aerocrate Campaign of 1916.
After the first (manual) try, my Mission Builder would not work. So I uninstalled cfs2 and erased all and reinstalled.
Then I made a new folder, same drive, named it CFS2 AEROCRATE, and copied all contents of the default instal in it, flew once to see if it worked, and checked the Mission Builder of the standard, first install--it worked. I have still not brought in the Aerocrate files to the dummy new folder but intend to do so.

Now I remember that IN DEFFENCE OF AUSTRALIA had an exe that put everything in the right place and one was done and ready to fly it with a few clicks and it worked like a charm. A week ago I reinstalled that again.

I am therefore wondering if campaign makers cannot give us an exe to install their campaigns, with all stuff included, planes, weapons, mods, terrain, gsl etc. I know that would be a huge size to download, but there is the solution of making it in parts (part 1, part 2, etc) and one can then run various executables to install each part. That presupposes the maker getting to grips with installers and learning their mysteries and how to use them. Or else, they could give all the files installed in many partial zips, just to copy and paste, without an exe--that would be easier.

Another idea is to make simpler campaigns, with 2 or 3 a/c and one small terrain area. That would also be easier to make it install with an exe file and the simplicity would insure it got installed instead of scaring guys like off of installing complexities.


What do you think?

Rami
May 4th, 2013, 03:45
Jinx,

Regarding this, there is a split in the CFS2 community about auto-installer. Some like them for the reasons you stated, others have modified their CFS2 installs, and like the control of installing one manually. I chose the middle road of including a hyper-linked readme file that specifically guides you to what you need.

Ask a CFS2 veteran about the "RussBoB" campaign installer, and you'll understand why many swore off the auto-installer experience. :mixedsmi:

The issue behind this is that many of our designers and modellers request permission to include their work in part of a package, be it freeware or not. To avoid the hassle of contacting all of them to include their property in a package run by an auto-installer, I chose not to do that. The only person who makes campaigns who has followed down that path in "modern times" is Captain Kurt, and he did the 9th Air Force, SCW, and 354th Fighter Squadron campaigns. I have given you a link for these...

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=44&id=2561

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=44&id=16234

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=44&id=15353

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=44&id=5240

jinx
May 4th, 2013, 04:54
Rami,

Thanks for the explanation. It makes more sense now. Thanks for the links also.

I guess I can do my own campaigns, if I ever want to.


Thanks again for the insight into all this--you should know better than anyone.


Nick