FreeCommander has released a PortableApps.com format package of their app here:
http://www.freecommander.com/fc_u3_en.htm
It's a good app, but I heard in the channel that it's not allowed as FreeCommander isn't open-source. Can someone verify? And if it isn't allowed what gets done about it?
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Not allowed here and not allowed on your computer are two different things.
Nothing will be done here (as you said, it isn't open source) and the program won't be supported here, but you do realize that it isn't the end of the world?
Jim
neutron1132 (at) usa (dot) com
I understand that "it isn't the end of the world". I was just asking a question out of curiosity.
Personally, I like FreeCommander more than any other file manager. I use it myself on my external hard drive and on my laptop. I have tried to like others - especially Xenon because of the relationship here (and file associations).
I'm not too concerned about how perfect it is concerning traces left behind, but the author says it is fine. PortableFreeware says it is fine, too. They do say there is an issue with path portability (the drive letter) and I believe this relates to external program entries such as a file editor, graphics viewer, etc. That is also a problem here.
You should judge for yourself if this meets your needs, and use it if you are happy with the benefits versus limitations.
Jim
neutron1132 (at) usa (dot) com
First I love this file manger. But WHY can't there be a LINK on the applications page to it please?
The only things which get onto the applications page are those which have gone through the testing procedures and have been approved by John T. Haller. They must be (at the moment) open source, with no legal issues, and completely portable.
FreeCommander is not open source. It has not been checked by us. It is not ready yet. However, when we do support non-open source apps, it seems likely to me that FreeCommander will be an early candidate, because they've already got the work done
I am a Christian and a developer and moderator here.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
There can't be a link to it on this site because it is not Open Source and does not comply with the PortableApps.com Format Specifications and Guidelines. Also, if you really wanted a link to download it, simply navigate to the freeCommander homepage and look for it, then add that page as a bookmark in your browser. I'm sure they have some sort of RSS Feed or Newsletter available so you know when the program has been updated.
I'll give the same answers that I gave in IRC.
The package you download contains the PortableApps.com Installer (or so onestoploser tells me, I haven't tried it myself). It is under the GPL, which means that it can only be used with software which has "GPL-compatible" licences. FreeCommander is not this. There is an exception provided by John Haller, which states that it "Can be used with non-GPL apps distributed by PortableApps.com". I take this to mean distributed through PortableApps.com, otherwise some Development Tests would be illegal (owing to minor niggly things which make certain OSI-approved licenses GPL-incompatible). However, however you take it, FreeCommander is not covered. Thus, using the PortableApps.com Installer is illegal for them.
There is then also the question of the PortableApps.com Launcher and use of the PortableApps.com logo in the help file, but not having downloaded it (and having no intention of doing the same) I can't comment. So there it is. Feel free to comment.
John Haller: what happens next? If you agree that it's illegal, do you contact them about it?
There's my tuppence on the issue... whoops, we turned metric in 1966, didn't we?
I am a Christian and a developer and moderator here.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
As there are apparently pending questions and ongoing discussion about potential license conflicts, distribution of FreeCommander Portable will be stopped immediately, all links to the download will be disabled this night (that is the common conclusion, I had together with the author of FC)!
Remark to John T. Haller: Could you please clarify and summarize your (and PortableApps.com) position on distribution of non-GPL apps (especially freeware) which include derivates of the PortableApps Launcher and/or Installer!
We will not resume distribution of this software version, unless we have your agreement!
Thanks, Franz
It's ok right now. We're close to releasing the official one which you can use with non-GPL apps. So, you can use the PortableApps.com Installer right now as long as use the current release (0.10.5), don't modify the nsi, only modify the nsh as directed and include the PortableApps.comInstaller.bmp which you can snag from any of our releases in the Other\Source directory. Oh, and be sure you link on your site directly to the .paf.exe and don't zip it up. It confuses people. Once we're set to go live with freeware for reals, we'll let you have a listing in the software directory, too.
We've mainly been waiting for me to finish the auto-packager so you won't have to code at all to do the installer to make it easier on everyone. I'm close.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
Thanks John,
we will proceed according to your statement. Until the re-packaging of FC with Installer version 0.10.5 has been completed, the download link will remain dead!
Do you have any plan in future, to provide links to such PortableApps-compliant freeware like FreeCommander from your PortableApps.com Website? This would make FreeCommander Portable (and others?) much more known in the Americas region. The www.freecommander.com website is mostly accessed from Central Europe and seams not very known in the U.S.!
Franz
That's what I meant when I said once we go official you can be in the directory. You'll actually get your own page in the directory detailing your app
And freeware folks like you don't have to pay anything for it. Just follow the spec.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
thanks muchly
"We're close to releasing the official one"
I don't mean to be a pest but, is six months close?
I found version 2008.06c on my hard drive and was installing it.
If there is a new version just around the corner, I will wait.
I do like your "official" release.
David
Have a look at their site. There is the
FreeCommander_Portable_2009.paf.exe
Peter
BTDT
I was looking to see the "official" version on this website.
Quote:
"We Did
We gave them permission to do a PAF version. It's here:
http://www.freecommander.com/fc_u3_en.htm
We just weren't listing freeware on our site yet. We will shortly."
"We just weren't listing freeware on our site yet. We will shortly.""
I like the sound of that