This topic is expired. The newer status update can be found here:
https://portableapps.com/node/11028
Well, it's been asked for, so here's a state of PortableApps.com update. We'll be doing these more often now with input from the other developers on board to keep everybody appraised of where things are at and how things are progressing. I'll break it up into sub topics for easy readability.
An Apology for the Delays
First off, I wanted to apologize for the delays and having to keep mum on the things happening behind the scenes. I posted a more detailed version on Friday night, but wanted to mention it briefly here for anyone that missed it. The end all and be all of it is... forget about the other stuff for now, we'll just keep moving the apps and platform forward while I iron things out. And, if that means we make a release and have to do a new revision a few weeks later at some point once certain things are finalized, so be it.
Updating Current Portable Apps
Even though the next version of the platform and spec are being flushed out, I'll be updating the current crop of portable apps to their latest versions. This includes long-awaited updates to 7-Zip, Notepad++, Pidgin, GIMP, FileZilla, etc. Some of these will need a new revision once some of the platform and format features are completed, but we'll try and keep that to a minimum. When it is necessary, it'll be in the form of a small update file when possible for folks on slower and metered internet connections (along the lines of the small update file for users of OpenOffice.org Portable 2.3.1 to update to 2.3.1 Revision 2).
Development Test Releases
The ability to do a preliminary PortableApps.com release of a given application is now open to outside developers. It's referred to as a "Development Test Release" and includes a special splash screen for use. In order to be able to use it, you need to follow a few simple guidelines:
- Compile the new Development Test Splash Screen into your launcher
- Follow the current PortableApps.com Format spec 0.9.8 (as used in the latest Firefox). This includes the AppInfo directory and the required files within there. Having an appicon.ico with 256 color and XP alpha in 16px, 32px and 48px sizes. And the other details of the PortableApps.com Format (see below)
- Use the current PortableApps.com installer with the PortableApps.com branded bannder 0.9.9.0 as used in the latest KompoZer Portable (the Mozilla apps are different) being sure to only alter code within the ";=== BEGIN: PRE-INSTALL CODE" style comments
- Doing a new release titled "Development Test 1" or appropriate number. The installer should follow the standard naming convention of App_Portable_1.2_Development_Test_1_en-us.paf.exe
PortableApps.com Format
This week, I'll be posting a current version of the PortableApps.com Format specification for review and comment. As we're still hammering things out, it will be a bit of a moving target, but it'll include all the important details on directory layout, required files, configuration files, storage of user data, compression techniques, installer requirements, etc. I'll post it in the development section with a link to a forum discussion on it and we'll open the commentary up to hash out any remaining issues and clarifications.
PortableApps.com Installer
The PortableApps.com Installer is pretty solid at version 0.9.9.0 as used in the releases last month. Some remaining bits are being added including the multilingual abilities as debuted in the Toucan installer (it lets you pick the language on install and sets the app up to use it, too). Once finalized, this will be a part of the PortableApps.com Format spec. This is one of the things that may require some re-releases of apps as it's all finalized.
PortableApps.com Platform
The PortableApps.com Platform has been awaiting an update for a while, so we're going to give it a couple. First, the 1.1 minor update that's been sitting in the forums will be finalized and posted as a final test this week for general release next week. A couple minor changes will be added to smooth things out and a few strings will need translating. I'll be posting a translation call on the homepage of PortableApps.com when it's ready.
Second, the start of 1.5 with the theming updates and other goodies will finally be posted as an alpha next week. This will also mark the debut of PortableApps.com Theme format. More will be posted on this at that time.
Adding Developers
Although the full behind the scenes stuff hasn't been completed, I'll be adding developers in to work on both the main platform and additional apps this week. If you're interested in working on apps, start off by getting a Development Test out. Once that's been vetted and released... you're a PortableApps.com developer and you'll get credit in the about us section. For folks working on the platform, there are 4 of us with familiarity now and we'll be opening that up for others with an interest and the required Delphi skills after 1.5 hits and is posted to SVN.
PortableApps.com Promotions
We'll also finally be debuting a set of graphics and logos for folks to use on their own websites to help spread the word about PortableApps.com. It's similar to SpreadFirefox.com in terms of the graphics. The tracking system isn't quite done, but should be within a few weeks.
PortableApps.com Newsletter
With the release of 1.1, I'll finally be starting up the much-joked-about monthly newsletter. I'll be opening up a separate discussion around this on release for input of suggestions and ideas.
New Moderators
As we'll be getting an influx of new users and questions with the new releases, we'll be needing a few more eyes on the forums. Patrick Patience will be one (relax, your account will be updated tomorrow 
). I've asked another member and am hoping to hear shortly.
Final Words
That's about it in terms of this week and next. I think doing a state of PortableApps.com every 2 or 3 weeks may make sense and should be different from the newsletter (which will be more user-oriented than developer-oriented). I'm open to suggestions from others.
Thanks to all for sticking with us.
All the best.
John
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*claps with glee*
Remember, everyone wants to help. That newsletter, tons of people that wanna help, and those promotional graphics, people that can help (though I'm sure you already have some sweet ones).
Thanks for the update.
I really think Patrick will make a great mod. I see good days ahead for PApps.com!
*continues to clap with glee*
You're great!
after begging for so long, your wish has finally come true. So, for the record, who is a mod (besides the obvious one, JTH)? Ryan, Marko, Steve, and now Patrick. Who else is one already?
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on." -- Robert Frost
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: baby ain't mine." -- Adam Holguin
Steve actually isn't a mod yet. John offered, Steve accepted, it never happened.
https://portableapps.com/node/10912#comment-61921
The developer formerly known as ZGitRDun8705
(From the greatest movie of all time, Dodgeball, yeah right) Yeah, I did not read that far down. Maybe if I would have read it I would not have made a fool of myself. Thanks for the info.
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on." -- Robert Frost
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: baby ain't mine." -- Adam Holguin
Tomorrow. What a funny word
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate."
That sounds great, I'm looking forward to all the updates. If needed, I can mod or help with graphics or something. I also plan to try my hand in developing some portable apps.
The developer formerly known as ZGitRDun8705
hey john
i am currently working on FretsOnFirePortable
and the icon for that is 32x45
so i made the icon set have a 32x45 and a 16x23
how should i change that to work with what you want?
Please search before posting. ~Thanks
I made one for you (16px, 32px, 48px in 256 and XP) and sent it via email.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
so, you know those mod privileges that you offered me about a year ago, the ones that I said yes to...
Looking forward to the next weeks
And congrats to Patrick!
"What about Love?" - "Overrated. Biochemically no different than eating large quantities of chocolate." - Al Pacino in The Devils Advocate
This will be a big step forward for PortableApps.com
BTW: I don't know if You (John) still working on an update tool for PortableApps.com...
Yesterday I've finished a NSIS-based tool for this job
FTP/HTTP sources and the mirror networks of sourceforge and OpenOffice.org are supported.
The tool checks the local version of the App and offer Download/Install if another version is available on the server.
With commandline switches You are able to check a single App or run the tool without gui in silent mode.
If You are interessted in, please let me know
Regards
Marko
Paid for Software more or less?
What You need is OSS!
Ryan and others were working on one but development stalled.
Looking forward to it!
"What about Love?" - "Overrated. Biochemically no different than eating large quantities of chocolate." - Al Pacino in The Devils Advocate
I sorta wrote a heap of code to do that already, then (half) ported it to Delphi. But, I'd prefer to do it in NSIS.
I propose we add it to the PA SVN, with John's permission, and start working on it/improving it.
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate."
... after some minor changes.
I'll add the multilang detection of the last PA-installer in order to offer the right package (and Messages) for the selected language
Finaly I've changed the code in order to use a local update-File instead the server-file if the commandline option is set for it (in order to test it before it will be uploaded or for special task without public interesst eg. the dowload/install of dev builts).
And last but not least You could add now new mirror sets without the need of changing the updater code (Add them to the configuration file will be the only task
)
The first version will come with the OpenOffice.org Deutschland e.V. Branding. If John like it and will agree we could use the Pa.com branding too, but I will not do it without Johns permission.
Perhaps we should offer it for testing with a dev mod of the last suite version in order to demonstrate one way to integrate it (Launch the updater if Options-Get more Apps on the pa.com menu is clicked)?
Regards
Marko
Paid for Software more or less?
What You need is OSS!
I have a long history of alpha/beta testing so I'd be willing to help out in the testing of this new updater app thingie if it's made available via SVN.
I also have some recent experience with remote updating/versioning of files (using robocopy mostly and another app that name of which escapes me).
References for both items above available upon request.
Cancer Survivors -- Remember the fight, celebrate the victory!
Help control the rugrat population -- have yourself spayed or neutered!
Awesome news!
I'll get to use the PA Installer soon!
cowsay Moo
cowthink 'Dude, why are you staring at me.'
As a consumer of PA goods, I'm glad for the update. Thanks for all the work to date. I've not made a donation in a while, so I guess I need to send another soon to show my continued appreciation. Keep up the good work.
In addition to Patrick, both Tim and Steve agreed to help out with moderating duties. I've posted an announcement about it where folks can congratulate/thank them:
https://portableapps.com/node/10929
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
yeah great news.
i´m glad to hear the new PA theme format is coming. Finally, I have work again :-). 120 theme to change in the new format *yippie*.
BTW if you needed, i can help too with moderation or what ever for graphical stuff or the new theme format.
regards
NeoRame
Hell was full, so I came back!!!
Sorry for my lousy English!!!
Thanks, NeoRame. Like I'd said, you're gonna be tapped to head up the PortableApps.com Theme Forum, Blog and Gallery if you're still willing once it's ready for prime time. Sorry it's been such a long time coming.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
I am ready. The offer still holds.
Hell was full, so I came back!!!
Sorry for my lousy English!!!
Theme gallery sounds sweet!
Cancer Survivors -- Remember the fight, celebrate the victory!
Help control the rugrat population -- have yourself spayed or neutered!
Glad to see the gears turning again. The new mods were great picks, though I hesitate to say so.
Once basketball season is over, I can do anything you want me to do, as long as it does not involve graphics. 
"Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning." - Rick Cook
By posting this and the other post, you've made the forums explode with activity! - You're doing a great job!
but you're so right!
"What about Love?" - "Overrated. Biochemically no different than eating large quantities of chocolate." - Al Pacino in The Devils Advocate