the change to allow &theme=egi to test themes, and allow external setting of a (temporary) theme, also works with the installer (any one from the SVN)

I have just put on hold an "autoinstaller" which atm just streamline the install process, allow for presets to be passed, and certain steps to be skipped or stopped at, as well as custom sql INSERT (beside the defaults)..

I will work on it some more later, as the heart of it is to write out a "autoinstall" file that will do all of the sql stuff, that can be executed seperately, without the extra stuff that the installer has, and that should get around the IIS issues.

as a side bonus, it will allow for some "default site setups" to be installed, so sorta like a "one-click". I am also in the process of changing the theme output, to use the new theme functions, so the installer will look more like the theme its using.

its got to be quite flexible, and by the end of it I will add a uploader and unzipper too, altho that will come later, and (the uploader at least) is dependant on server setting, most free services are limited and wont allow this without manually having the user upload the file

I have also modified the "is_writable" checks, as in certain situations this gives a false positive (the file is writable, but not to that user), I have yet to "function" it (there are 3 checks atm). I also corrected 2 of the checks, adding GD version output.

I will add a initial precheck and die() for PHP4 (before any files are included).

Some of this will make it into the current installer, which is useful for dev purposes. I am also going to add the DROP for SQLite, as it can kill a install without it, under certain circumstance. also an insert checker, but these are just useful for dev work, an installer should not screw up in the first place..

I will probably make a fron end and "install packager" for it too, (provisional name - PowerInstaller) that should package everything up just so, it will do some other stuff as well (change default theme files and functions), generate auto upload, unzip, install, addon gathering, amongst other things.. but again, this later, actually after next release..

Cam you add fsockopen() and mail() checks too and store them in a setting, same with GD?

is that all? if not make a list somewhere..

I am thinking is can output a collection php, that can then do a all-in-one install, has help, explanations and such. I will figure a safe way that is can work remotely too.

so it can be used as a diagnostic tool too.

the basic stuff, those 2 checks, we can (should) add those to the current installer (thats what I'm working off)

Later I will do some tests wth eoCMS and php 4.. if ts hot too much of a hassel I may make a php 4 patch available later.. in which case it would be ideal for an auto installer..

Would it be possible to do a visual redesign of the installer? Tbh that's all I'm interested in (because I have a basic mind). I was thinking about putting it all in a little box with a small 'installing' gif animation. That sort of thing, just to jazz it up. Uh (thinking of other reasons why it's a good idea...) it creates a good impression as you're installing it.

yeah, I was think, for the standard (final version) off the shelf installer, to make it look more like the themes they install, with left an right panels (help, links, umm..) and that would require a install head image (instead of the default eoCMS theme image)

The power installer, I was thinking to make more like an app, maybe with fancy sliding bits..

.. actually their is no reason why ajax could not be employed to do a "flowing" installer, and that would warrent some animated bits and pieces

I suggest you do a screen shot or what you were thinking, and maybe a mockup if its goanimated bits in it.. its easier to integrate that way..

I'll do a flash/ppt mockup (it's what I know best!

as long as we can get a clear idea what your on about, it does not really make a difference what you use, but an animated mockup gives better understanding that a static one..

OK I've done a PowerPoint one...

http://tom.eocms.com/objects/installer.ppt

I know that's quite heavy and might be difficult to achieve in ajax but it uses mostly existing elements from the energyblue theme. Obviously not all the inputs are filled in as you can use some imagination I'm sure, but that's essentially what I meant.

:)

I will have to look at this in windows, the pwerpoint view I have is somewhat lacking.. but I get the gist.. nice, its kinda what I was thinking for the current installer..

I was thinking about adding taking the HTML out of the installer, but that would require further extending the "new" layout functions, which may or may not be a good thing..

either way, this would be "the step process" using the auto installer (similar to the way its done now)

what does the rest of the house have to say.. (present)

BTW there is a way to pass through a simple "switch" to the auto installer, that could choose from a predefined setup process.. (including theme)

ie: autoinstaller.php?basic or ?xaphireebmedia ?egi-smf-mp3

the switches are arbitrary, the shorter the better. Something the power installer might allow is preloading users, pre-tweaking the admin (plugins, panels, user options)