InstallShield 2012 Express Edition User Guide - Knowledge Base ...

Term Definition
application
programming
interface (API)
A set of routines that an application uses to communicate with the computer’s operating
system and that the operating system uses to make services available to the application.
ASCII See American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
Glossary
assigning A type of advertisement. If an administrator assigns an application to a machine, the
installation program automatically runs the next time that the machine starts or restarts. If
the administrator assigns an application to a user, the installation program places a shortcut
on the Start menu of the user’s machine. When the user selects the shortcut or launches a
document associated with the assigned application, the application is installed.
asynchronous
execution
A custom action that independently continues with the execution of its thread while the
installer executes the main installation.
ATL See active template library.
autonomic computing A self-managed computing model named after, and patterned on, the human body’s
autonomic nervous system. An autonomic computing system would control the functioning of
computer applications and systems without input from users, similar to the way that the
human body’s autonomic nervous system regulates and protects the body.
auto-repair The automatic restoring of an application to its original state by the installer. A partial or
complete application reinstallation might be required if any files associated with any feature
are missing or corrupted.
basic UI One level of the installer’s internal user interface (UI) capabilities. Typically, installation
packages that are built with the basic UI level display built-in modeless dialog that show
progress messages and disc prompt messages. They do not display any authored dialogs.
billboards Images, such as marketing messages, that can be displayed during installation.
Binary table A table that holds the binary data for items such as bitmaps and icons. It also contains data
for custom actions.
bitmap A representation of an image presented as an array of bits. In bitmap graphics, an image is
displayed on the screen as a collection of tiny squares called pixels, which together form a
pattern. Each pixel in the image corresponds with one or more bits.
cabinet file A single file that holds a number of compressed files. During installation of an application, the
compressed files are decompressed and copied to your computer. Cabinet files are efficient
because they save space and time when distributing software. A cabinet file usually has the
file extension .cab. Missing or corrupt files may prevent installations from completing. It may
be necessary to replace missing or corrupt operating system files or InstallShield files by
extracting them from a cabinet file.
InstallShield 2012 Express Edition User Guide ISE-1800-UG01 715