Home-How to open a file-The concept of distribution. Creating a program installation distribution

The concept of distribution. Creating a program installation distribution

What they are, what they can be called and what they can’t, and where this concept came from.

What is it?

The concept of “distribution” entered our lives relatively recently, around the time of the growing popularity of the free Linux family. System distributions at that time were mainly distributed on CD blanks, since the speed of Internet access did not allow downloading ISO images from the Internet. Over time, the name spread to other products. Now you can hear the word “distribution” almost everywhere. What is it? This is exactly what we will try to understand in this material.

The beginning of the use of the word "distribution"

This concept came to us from among users and developers of free operating systems. They called a distribution a compiled image containing the kernel, main programs, a working environment shell, and in general everything that was needed to install a working system. Now this concept is used to refer to any software product, recorded on disk or somewhere else.

In general, this term implies the presence of a minimum set of programs to ensure the operation of the operating system at the initial stages. This definition of the concept does not fit well with phrases such as “game distribution”. What kind of distribution is this if it doesn't have one as such? IN in this case it's simple computer game on physical media or compiled for downloading over the Internet and installation without a disk. This is especially true now, when this method is becoming increasingly popular. It has gotten to the point that sometimes, when assembling a new computer, there is simply no disk drive in it.

With the development of the Internet, ISO images began to be called distributions. They can be downloaded from the official website and burned to a disk or USB drive. With this bootable media you can install the operating system on any computer.

Linux distributions

Since this concept came to us from the world of free operating systems, let us first consider Linux OS distributions. There are plenty of them. They all have their own specific “tricks”. But they are similar in one thing. All Linux distributions have full set drivers and applications required for operation. And you don’t need to pay for any of them. This is what a real distribution means. What is it? Mainly it is Ubuntu, Linux Mint and Debian. They are all based on Debian, so they are fully compatible with each other.

Distributions of such “Linux-like” systems as AltLinux, ArchLinux, CentOS and Fedora cannot boast of such compatibility with computer hardware. For them you will have to download additional drivers. But they also have basic set necessary applications.

Windows distributions

Strictly speaking, operating system installation disks Windows systems can hardly be called distributions. After all, this concept presupposes the presence of drivers “out of the box” and a set of applications for full system functionality.

True, with the release of the “ten” the situation has changed somewhat. Now Windows distribution contains a number of drivers necessary for normal operation of the system. But you still have to download programs for the video card. The apps are bad. They can't provide normal work systems. Although Windows 10 has adopted a lot from Linux (terminal, alternative desktops), it is still far from the proud name of “distribution”.

The main advantage of Windows OS is its compatibility with all computers and devices. If desired, it can be installed on Apple computers. But I still don’t want to spoil perfect “Apple” computers with a fake from Microsoft.

MacOS distribution

Since MacOS is a “Unix-like” system, it was possible not to consider it, but without it the review would be incomplete. Like all operating systems, Macos has its own distribution. What is it in this case?

It should be noted that MacOS is only produced for products Apple. And their support in the OS is implemented in the most in the best possible way. Drivers for all devices are installed without problems, and there are so many applications that it’s quite possible not to add third-party ones. As always, Apple is great. The system image from Yabloko can definitely be called a distribution kit.

If you use some specialized programs, the MacOS distribution can be made to work on regular computers. True, it is very desirable to have a processor from Intel from Core line. It is with these processors that MacOS performs best on third-party computers.

Program distributions

Now let's talk about what cannot be called a distribution kit - about disks with software. Many people are accustomed to calling the media with this or that program this way (for example, 1C distribution). This is fundamentally wrong. Mainly because there is no operating system on the disk at all.

Very often, a distribution kit is called a collection of programs for a particular system. There is a deal of truth in it. It is quite possible to call such a collection of programs and applications a distribution kit.

Some software products have their own additional distributions. For example, databases or sample sets.

Conclusion

This is how we ended up with a short “educational program” on the topic “distribution”. What is it - we finally figured it out. Now you know what types there are and what can generally be called a distribution. Of course, in our time the framework of this concept has become somewhat blurred and now this word is used to refer to everything. But thanks to our article, you now know what can rightfully be defined as a distribution.

Before we figure out what it is, let's figure out what a computer program is. By definition, it is a collection of data and commands intended for the operation of a computer and other devices until a certain result is obtained. IN electronic form a computer program is a set of program code. The computer understands this code and, based on it, performs the actions we need.

Computer programs are:

  • requiring installation;
  • portable (which do not require installation).

If the program requires installation, you first download an archive or a single file to your computer. If this is an archive, then you are the archive. What you download for subsequent installation of the program is also called the installer, or program distribution.

Program distribution, and already installed program - these are completely different things, and not related to each other. They are in different places, and do not influence each other in any way.

Program distribution- can be downloaded, moved from folder to folder on a computer, transferred via the Internet, intended for installing the program.

Installed program- unlike the distribution kit, the program works, that is, it does what the program is intended for, but it cannot be moved from place to place or transmitted over the Internet - it will stop working in the new place.

Preparing to install a computer program

Before installation, make sure that the computer and the program are compatible: operating system version, memory, screen resolution. Read the manual, or readme file, which is located in the distribution folder. In any case, read text files, which are located in the distribution folder because they may contain requirements and precise installation instructions.

Sometimes you need to install before installation additional programs. After installation, sometimes you need to restart your computer for the program to work.

Let's first understand the requirements that a computer program can impose on a computer for its normal operation:

  • System Requirements : what operating system does the computer have? RAM, How many free space on disk. You can find these settings on your computer by right-clicking the My Computer folder and then selecting Properties. Second option: go through the Start button to the Control Panel, then select Properties.
  • Other necessary information : does the screen resolution allow you to display graphics (mainly applies to games, but sometimes it is the reason why work programs do not work), is there a CD reader (if the program is recorded on a disk), is there an archiver program (if the distribution is in the archive), if you don’t have it, you need to install it.

If you bought a computer program, then on the box you will see:

  • minimum system requirements to the computer (the program will work, but not at full capacity, at the limit of the computer’s capabilities);
  • recommended system requirements to the computer (the program will work in full force).

Where can I get a computer program?

Program distribution Can:

  • buy in a store;
  • borrow from friends (on a flash drive or disk);
  • download on the Internet (from friends or on websites).

Don't forget to check the downloaded program distribution for viruses.

You can get more detailed information in the “All courses” and “Utilities” sections, which can be accessed through top menu site. In these sections, articles are grouped by topic into blocks containing the most detailed (as far as possible) information on various topics.

You can also subscribe to the blog and learn about all new articles.
It won't take long. Just click on the link below:

Today we will look at how to acquire a boot disk with operating system. In addition, we will additionally show a way to obtain a ready-made virtual machine with Windows already installed.

How to download Windows 10 installation distribution for free

There are two main ways to do this:

We use the MediaCreationTool (ESD) utility

This utility will allow you to install (reinstall, update and restore) the “top ten” for owners of original Windows 7, 8.1 and 10 systems. Editions such as Windows 10 SL (one language), Windows 10 and Windows 10 Pro are available here. can be downloaded to your computer this utility. Once you launch it, you can immediately begin updating current system. It is also possible to create installation discs or burn ISO images. You just need to choose required language, edition of the system and its capacity.

Here you may encounter a file with an ESD extension. This is a Windows operating system image that is part of the installation disk, and it is in a highly compressed state. During installation, the process of unpacking this file will begin. ESD allows you to reduce the size of the image, which will significantly speed up its loading and transfer. But at the same time, the installation time will also increase significantly.

Unfortunately, checksums loaded images are not displayed in any way. Most likely, the program automatically checks their compliance. Some recommendations for Windows 8.1 will be discussed below; they can also be applied to the “ten”.

Getting an image using the Tech Bench (WIM) program

This method will help you get original Windows and install it, reinstall and update the old system.

It was not possible to determine exactly why Microsoft organized this program. Apparently, this method was originally intended specifically for sellers computer equipment. we will be able to get Windows 10 (one language), Windows 10 and Windows 10 Pro. Moreover, the last two options can go as N and KN.
All you have to do is visit this page and follow further instructions select the necessary parameters: bit depth and language. After this, a link to download the image will appear. It will be available within 24 hours.

You will come across a file with a WIM extension. This is the standard image that comes with installation disk. Compared to ESD it has much large sizes, but the installation is faster. There is the possibility of an image. And on the download page you can download additional scripts and utilities that will help prepare your PC for installation new system, will create boot disks and flash drives and the like. Unfortunately, the interface on this resource is localized in English, so be prepared.

How to download Windows 8.1 for free?

As in the previous case, we will be able to download the original one for free Windows image and we will be able to update, install or restore the current OS. This the method will work for those who own branded PC builds (such as tablets and laptops) and those who have legal keys for this system. As a result, we will have access to Windows 8.1 SL (single language), Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro.
Windows 8.1 disc starting November 2014 is available for download directly from Windows Help. After launch, you can see the window shown above, and then you will need to select creation bootable flash drive or ISO recording image. The entire procedure should take no more than twenty minutes, subject to availability good internet connections.

The installation disk is downloaded from the store. The corporation constantly produces latest updates for Windows 8.1, all MSDN subscribers and Store visitors receive them. It’s interesting that the former always receive updates a little earlier, but the latter are not so far behind them (no more than a version). The Windows distribution comes in a clean form, so you can get the necessary drivers in advance and install everything clean, without unnecessary junk.

The installation disk is loaded into a folder named %temp%. Therefore, keep in mind that the disk where this folder is located must have at least 4 GB. Users often have many questions related to this system. So let's try to figure out the most popular ones.

Do I need an activation key?

No, but provided that the system was installed on a computer that already had pre-installed Windows 8. At the same time, you must install exactly the same edition.

In other cases, you will actually need to enter an activation key.

You can try using standard keys:

  • Windows 8.1: 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT
  • Windows 8.1 Pro: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB

They will only allow you to install the system itself. To activate, you will have to enter standard keys.

Will it fit? Windows key 8, for Windows activation 8.1?

Yes. In this case there should not be any special problems.

Is the Windows 8 upgrade key suitable for this system?

Here, too, everything should work and go smoothly. Therefore - Yes.

Is activation required here?

The system can activate on its own, provided it is updated and restored from another, legal version. If this does not happen, connect your computer to the Internet and run this command in the command line:

cscript %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs -ato

It is important that command line was launched as administrator.

If you have a laptop (or tablet) on which Windows 8 was installed. What will you need to do after Windows 8.1 has been installed (updated)?

First of all, create backup copy systems. Because very often the return to standard settings It just won't work. If it was done clean install systems, install everything necessary drivers and updates. After this, create a Refresh image, this will allow you to get the same solutions that the manufacturer of this computer provides.

If desired, you can create an image using special software, or even permanently roll back the system to its original form using the created image.

Additionally, this method will solve problems with rolling back to factory settings that may arise after updating the system.

What is the difference between downloading an image and updating the system using a key?

This method is suitable for those who need a disk with this operating system.

Will this drive fit Surface?

Of course, although it would be better to use special images for the Surface. Please note that the image must be downloaded from the English support page, in Russian version Only RT version is available.

Here you can get fresh ISO image operating system Windows 7. Downloading is available to all users who have boxed version system, or who purchased this OS from the Microsoft Store. To download, enter the key of this product. Please note that keys for Retail from MSDN/TechNet will not be available for rent here. At the time of publication of this article, Russian-language page, for this method, did not exist.

How to download a Windows virtual machine for free

Ask why is this necessary? The answer is simple: it may be useful for familiarizing yourself with the system, or for tests and experiments. Moreover, this method is available to absolutely everyone. And operating systems from XP to the latest “ten” (English localization). Such a system will be able to run on Hyper-V, VMware and Virtual Box.
We will take the OS from a specially created resource of the IE development team - modern.ie. Here you can download different Windows versions With Internet browser Explorer (from 6 to 11 versions) and a new browser

Beginner users are just learning all the intricacies of a computer. And for many, the slang used by advanced users, various “gurus”, developers, programmers and hackers is simply literal. Some words can confuse even a very educated person. For example, "distribution". What kind of animal is this anyway? Many people have no idea, although they use this thing quite often. What is this? Let's try to understand this issue.

The concept of "distribution"

In a professional environment, a distribution is a set of files prepared for installation. This set includes everything necessary components, the installer himself and additional content. These can be both program installers and operating system installers. IN modern realities The concept of distribution is most often used to refer to an image of an operating system prepared for installation. It all started with light hand authors of numerous OS builds.

Yes, there are Linux distributions and Windows. Distributions are often called special assemblies OSs in which something has been changed to provide best performance or in the name of privacy. However, the application of this term exclusively to installation images operating systems is not correct. However, everyone is already accustomed to this interpretation of the concept. We will also not go into the subtleties of interpretation this term and we will consider it in the context of the OS.

Program distributions

In the software segment, a distribution kit is a set of files and a program for installing some complex packaged software. Products like Photoshop, Pinnacle, and AutoCAD have their own distribution kits. They differ in version, feature set, edition ("Pro", "Elementary" and so on) and much more. However, if you look deeper, the installation file of any program (even the smallest one) can be called a distribution kit. After all, any installer has all the features of the complex we are considering: necessary set files and a script for installing the application. However, the best distributions are those that install without errors and have no problems in further work. Now let's move on to operating systems.


OS from Microsoft

Windows distributions on at the moment are the most popular. They are breaking all download records. The official MSDN images located on the Redmond company's servers are also distributions. But no changes were made to them. They are a pure operating system. The main difference between these versions and those distributed on disks is that latest distributions are not at all, since this is a form of software distribution in electronic (digital) form. At the moment there are a bunch of Windows distributions on torrent trackers. But assemblies are often posted there, in which crooked enthusiasts have rummaged. Therefore, the performance of such images is a big question.


Current Windows distributions

The most interesting thing is that a full-fledged distribution of Window 7 on official servers Microsoft no longer exists. The company considers this OS obsolete. And therefore does not allow users to download and install it, promoting the notorious “top ten”. Poor users can only download "Seven" from torrent trackers. The same fate befell Windows 8. But the Windows 10 distribution can still be downloaded officially. This will probably be the case, since Ten is the final OS from Microsoft. Nevertheless, many users still use the “Seven” and actively download images of this operating system from dubious sites. In general, "ten" is a pretty good Windows distribution. The video driver is often present in it. But it is good only from the point of view of structure.


Free OS

These include Linux distributions, of which there are countless numbers. They are divided into “ubuntu-like” and “arche-like”. The first are based on the package base of the Ubuntu OS and support exclusively DEB packages. The second ones originate from Arch Linux and are used as package manager RPM and Yahourt. As for ease of use, Ubuntu-like operating systems are more user-friendly. Their interface is more suitable to the common man. So is the installation process. As for systems based on Archa, here you need to have remarkable knowledge even during the installation process. Not to mention setting up the operating system and installing drivers.


The difference between Windows and Linux

The main difference between these images and the Window 7 distribution is that GNU Linux is distributed over free license. This means that the user will not be asked for a penny for using this operating system. Also, Linux is more secure than Windows. This has been proven by all kinds of tests. Don't forget about privacy. Windows 10 distributions have built-in spy modules, which transmit all information to Microsoft. According to company representatives, this is necessary to improve Windows. But in Linux this is not even close. That's why best distribution- this is "Lin". Earlier regular users could not use “Linux-like” operating systems, since their installation and configuration required specific skills. But that's a thing of the past now. More and more people are thinking about switching to Linux. Its popularity is growing steadily. This means that there is less and less trust in Bill Gates’ company.


"Distribution" in a general sense

The most interesting thing is that nowadays even mobile operating systems can be called distributions. For example, versions of the Android OS are called that way. But this system is based on Linux. So there's nothing unusual about this. But calling iOS that way is already wrong. However, such cases are not uncommon. However, this is done by people who are unfamiliar with the definition this concept. Call it that mobile systems is not supported, since they do not have an installer and are installed on the gadget exclusively using the firmware method. This is the difference between firmware and distribution. And these concepts need to be separated. This is the only way to become a competent user. After all, anyone who confuses concepts will sooner or later make a mistake that will leave the user without a computer at all. And all because he will simply confuse the terms and, say, instead of thermal paste, smear some other substance on the processor. But this is just an example. Now let's look at another type of distribution.


Distributions of Apple products

It's no secret that Apple laptops and all-in-one PCs have their own ecosystem. These products use operating MacOS system. It is classified as “Unix-like” and is exceptionally closed. However, this OS has its own software. By the way, quite adequate. It is worth considering that software products for designers (Photoshop, Sketch, and others) are initially released for Macs. And only then do they migrate to Windows. This means that specialized products for Macs have their own distribution kits. They are distributed in DMG format images. The peculiarity of this format is that you can see its contents only under MacOS. Such images will not open in Windows or Linux. Although specialized applications are capable of this. But this will not be of much use, since it will still not be possible to run programs packaged in these distributions.

Conclusion

So, a distribution kit is a set of files and an installation script, packaged in an image of a certain format for subsequent installation on a computer. This installer form is typical for products distributed electronically. The most common distributions are images of operating systems prepared for installation. These include images of both Windows and Linux. MacOS programs have their own distributions. This is especially true for serious products. However, mobile operating systems cannot be called this term. Now you know everything about this concept and will not make annoying mistakes when defining this or that installer. And the word "distribution" will no longer confuse you.

Often, a novice user has some difficulty understanding computer terminology. Which becomes a kind of obstacle in general process human-computer interaction. However, the most important and, by the way, the main point when using a computing device is Well, the distribution kit is a form of software distribution. It is thanks to certain properties of this “strange” file computing device equipped with an operating system. However, let's move on to more detailed consideration voiced question and dispel the veil of the “inexplicable”.

“Organizer” of the installation process

A distribution kit is a kind of “software conductor”, under the control of which digital data is harmoniously located on the computer’s hard drive. Without resorting to allegory, this can be explained “on the fly” as follows: before the actual installation process of this or that software begins, a special installation wizard is launched. As a result, files are copied to hard drive your computer. It is worth noting that the data obtained in this way is placed on the hard drive in a strictly certain folders, and in system log The OS produces corresponding records that contain information about parameters and initial settings implemented software. As you understand, a distribution kit is not the program itself, but a certain software tool that performs the installation process in the most correct way.

Where does the OS start?

Today, the most common type for computers of various modifications (meaning the classical concept this definition) is the OS from Microsoft. By the way, in user circles it is often referred to as “Winda”. So, depending on which version of the Windows system the user wants to install on his computer, he selects the distribution kit he needs. This is, so to speak, unique identifier software product. It is worth noting that during the OS installation process, the PC hardware is initially initialized, and if the PC configuration does not correspond to any software parameters, the installation is terminated. A corresponding service message is displayed on the screen indicating the impossibility of further “machine” operations with files.

How to use Windows 7 distribution

The main purpose of the installation disk is to directly install the operating environment on the computer's hard drive for subsequent use. However, if an unexpected event occurs emergency, the OS distribution can be used as a recovery environment. It is worth noting that a self-created installation disk must have bootable properties, which are achieved as a result of using various specialized programs. For example, Rufus or Ultra ISO.

What you need to know about operational extensions

As a rule, a licensed distribution of Windows 7 extends to If you open such a disk on a PC to view its contents, you will see many folders and various data, among which the most important is the “Setup” or “Install” file with the extension “*exe” or "*msi". It is after activating one of them that the installer program starts.

However, the most widely used is the archival, or image, method of distributing the OS distribution. That is, the installation disk is packaged in a “zip” container or has an “ISO” extension, less often - “image”. The last two figurative formats (the first, by the way, also needs unpacking) require some software processing before its immediate use. Let's discuss this point in more detail.

How to create with OS

Let's say you have a downloaded XP distribution with ISO extension. Depending on what kind of media you want to use, a specific software tool for recording. In the case where a method is provided for installing the OS from a USB drive, the Rufus utility is used. Quite simple and intelligent clear interface The application does not require specialized knowledge from the user. By default, the utility automatically selects the one connected to the PC removable disk, and in the checkbox next to the “disk” icon, the value “ISO image” is set. Next, you need to activate the adjacent button and specify the path to the OS distribution.

Click "Start" and wait for the recording process to complete. If you want to burn the image onto a blank, you can use Ultra program ISO. Click on the "File" tab, then select from context menu"Open". In File Explorer, find the image you want to install. The distribution is ready for recording! All that remains is to activate the icon in the form of a flaming disk and set the necessary burning parameters. Only after the above-described manipulations can you click on the “Record” button.

How to install Windows XP distribution on PC

The simplest, and at the same time a record holder of its kind, XP version is installed as follows:

  • The user enters the BIOS program on his computer and from the list boot devices assigns the CD/DVD drive (or USB drive) as priority.
  • After saving changes made The PC reboots.
  • As a rule, on home screen(at the top) the inscription “Press any key...” should appear, which is a kind of invitation to agree with the download method.
  • After you press any key on the computer keyboard, the process of checking the hardware configuration will follow.
  • Next will be the download of files that are available in the Windows XP distribution.

At the initial stage of installation, the user will need to prepare the selected partition hard drive, where the OS will be installed. Upon completion, specify the language settings and configure system time. If desired, you can set a password to log into the system. For the most part, the installation process takes place in automatic mode and does not require any participation from the user.

Unix-like operating systems

Despite the generally accepted “openness” of the Linux kernel, not all Linux distributions are publicly available for free. Most attractive version OS is Ubuntu. This operating environment has different types assemblies: minimal and server.

Perhaps some of you, dear reader, have used the so-called rescue disks Live CD/USB, but not everyone knows that they work under the guidance of GNU/Linux OS. Due to the incredible flexibility of the system, and given the ever-increasing trend of its development, the popularity of Tux the penguin is only gaining momentum. At the same time, Linux distributions continue to replenish their ranks with newer and more functional versions.

Instead of an afterword

Often a novice user, wanting to install specific software, downloads a small (only a few MB) installer file. Realizing that true size programs are much larger than the amount of data received, often an unlucky user simply deletes the “suspicious” object. However, when activated installation file Usually the process of downloading the main software packages begins. Therefore, you should never rush to conclusions. Perhaps you installed Google Chrome and saw how his distribution works - this is the same case. By the way, never forget to check your downloaded files antivirus program. Have a good mood and correct installations!



Related publications: