Which download package?

[Cynthia Moore]

I'd like to give XY a test drive. On the download page, I see two options: (1) Installer package and (2) No-install package (ZIP or RAR). It was my understanding that XY is a stand-alone program that does not require an "installation" (no registry entries, etc.). Is that true? How do these two packages differ?

I think this would be a good FAQ article or at least some explanation on the download page. Or is it already explained somewhere and I'm just too dense to find it?

[highend]

They differ by...

1st one: Will get installed...
2nd one: Can be used anywhere (without the need to be installed)

[Cynthia Moore]

They differ by...

1st one: Will get installed...
2nd one: Can be used anywhere (without the need to be installed)

What I meant to ask is, "What is the difference in the way they work?" Is there any benefit in having the program installed? Or is there any downside to running only the stand-alone version?

[Stef123]

Program features are the same. I'd assume the installed version to end up under Windows program files, a protected area. Whether you see this as a benefit or downside - very debatable and dependent on your preferences. Your personal settings and customizations won't be allowed to be stored along with the program folder. They'll reside in Windows' user settings. In other words, different (and customizable) XY settings (favorites, toolbars etc) for every user that logs on. Again, pro or con - up to you to decide.

[PeterH]

... Your personal settings and customizations won't be allowed to be stored along with the program folder. They'll reside in Windows' user settings.

Just as an addition: or to where you decide to redirect them.

Maybe another thing: you can install one XY. But you can extract many different XY (for example different versions) to different folders, and start these as wanted, even at the same time. For example a beta version for test, etc.

[Cynthia Moore]

I'm looking to replace WE completely. For example, if I right-click on a folder in any menu, I want it to run XY rather than WE. Is that possible? Will it work better if I install XY rather than run it stand-alone?

Highend said that the stand-alone version "can be run anywhere". Does that mean like on a thumb drive? I assume the installed version will run "anywhere" on the computer where it is installed.

Thanks

[bdeshi]

I'm looking to replace WE completely. For example, if I right-click on a folder in any menu, I want it to run XY rather than WE. Is that possible? Will it work better if I install XY rather than run it stand-alone?

Better use the installer for this. After installation, open XY, open Tools->config, select "Shell Integration" from the left sidebar, and enable the first two checkboxes there.

Highend said that the stand-alone version "can be run anywhere". Does that mean like on a thumb drive? I assume the installed version will run "anywhere" on the computer where it is installed.

Yes, the stand-alone version is portable and can run on any PC with Windows 98 or better. However, you shouldn't normally enable the shell integration options on a portable XY. (because the effect of those options are not portable)

[Cynthia Moore]

OK. I'll go with the full install. I suppose I can also download the stand-alone version to put on a thumb drive to take on the road.

Thanks

[bdeshi]

Right. Both versions can run side-by-side without interfering each other.

[Cynthia Moore]

OK. I downloaded both versions and installed the full version. Fastest install I have ever run. I doubt it took 10 seconds.

First impression is that it is fast -- very fast -- almost instantaneous. And this is on a creaky 7 year old laptop running Win XP. Now I'm worried that when I get my new machines, it will execute my commands before I even know what they are.

I've poked around a little. I don't think it will take too much getting used to, but I bet there are tips and techniques that allow getting the most out of the program that may not be obvious to a new user. I've started reading The Tour. Are there any other tutorials?

So far, very impressive.

[sfwood]

First impression is that it is fast -- very fast --

Speed (& portability) are XY's biggest priorities, and it shows :-) (Biggest hassle for most, just to be prepared, seems to be file preview..)

. . I bet there are tips and techniques that allow getting the most out of the program that may not be obvious to a new user.

The "News", "Product", and "Shots" pages at xyplorer.com are actually a pretty good intro, along w/ Tour & other links on "Support" page. Best advice is to keep in mind that XY offers multiple ways to accomplish most tasks, and it will take a while until you know which ones you prefer and work best for a particular need. Until then it can be overwhelming at times. Some features you will prob never use.

[admin]

I'd also recommend the feature index:
http://www.xyplorer.com/features.php