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Software distribution
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A software distribution is a bundle of a specific software (or a collection of multiple, even an entire operating system), already compiled and configured. It is generally the closest thing to a turnkey form of a usually GPL or open source source code for a software. It usually takes the form of either rpm, deb, tgz, msi, exe etc. installer and is downloadable from the Internet. These are also known as a Binary distributions. Examples range from whole operating system distributions to server and interpreter distributions (for example WAMP installers).
They can be either official distributions by the makers of the software, or 3rd party distributions. Notable is the fact that one using such 3rd party distributions will have to turn to the distribution maker for support, the developers of the actual software being distributed usually do not provide support for 3rd party distributions of their software.
Vendors of such software distributions systems include:
- Altiris with Deployment Solution
- CapaSystems with CapaInstaller
- gNewSense the Completely free (as in freedom) operating system
- HP with Radia
- IBM with Tivoli Configuration Manager
- LANDesk with Management Suite
- LANrev with LANrev Client Management
- Matrix42 with Empirum
- M23 software distribution system: m23 is an OpenSource and GPL'd solution for installation of Debian and Ubuntu systems.
- Symantec with iCommand
- BMC Software with Marimba
- ManageSoft Corporation
- Novell ZENworks
- Microsoft SMS (Systems Management Server)
- Vector NetworksPC-Duo Enterprise Desktop Management and Support
- Snow Software Enterprise Software Management
- SSI Operating systems and software deployment from SoftService.
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GNU Autotools are widely used for distributions comprised of source files written in C++ and the C programming language, but are not limited to these.
The Python programming language offers a distribution utility called distutils, which requires the creation of a setup.py configuration file.
Distribution of software to small mobile devices such as phones, PDAs and other hand-held terminals is a particular challenge due to their ad-hoc connectivity. Some tools that cater to this category of devices are:
- Wavelink AMC
- iAnywhere Afaria
Open source projects typically contain a few standard files that live in the root of the distribution extraction. These files are most commonly named:
- README - top level documentation overview
- Changelog - list of changes spanning the life of the project
- INSTALL - instructions on how to install
- LICENSE or COPYING - conditions of use and redistribution
- CREDITS or AUTHORS - attribution for project contributors
Some less frequently used names that you might also see:
- FAQ - frequently asked questions (and answers)
- BUGS - list of software bugs
- HACKING - development guide for new participants
- NEWS - interesting project information, sometimes used in place of the Changelog
Software distribution can also refer to commercial distribution methods such as Careware and Donateware.