CIS 225

Lecture 14 - Software Architecture & Installation

Windows Software Architecture

• Executable Image (.EXE)
• Dynamic Link Library (.DLL)
• Initialization File (.INI)
• Registry Keys
• Drivers
• Services

Executable Image (.EXE)

• Contains the actual executable code for an application
• May also contain resources, graphics, fonts, etc.
• Based on the old Unix COFF (Common Object File Format)

Dynamic Link Library (.DLL)

• Shared library files used by programs
• Uses same format as .EXE file
• Programs can access same .DLL files simultaneously

Initialization File (.INI)

• Informal standard for configuration files
• Used extensively in Windows up to Windows ME for system & software settings
• Structured text files

Registry Keys

• Structured data storage for system settings
• Key <-> Value pairs
• Faster loading of settings
• Allows multiple users to use a system simultaneously

Windows Software Install Process

• Extract/expand files
• Place files in location
• Create registry keys
• Install drivers/services
• Create user data files
• Create shortcuts

Tracking - Process Monitor

Download Link

Tracking - InstallWatch Pro

Download Link

Installing - Thunderbird

Ubuntu Software Architecture

• Binary Files
• Shared Object Files (.SO)
• Library Files
• Settings Files
• Documentation Files
• Upstart/init scripts

Binary Files

• Contains the executable code for the application
• Uses the ELF (Executable and Linkable Format)
• Commonly used in many Unix-like systems
• Usually stored in /bin folder

Shared Object & Library Files

• Shared information or code used by multiple programs
• Install once, use everywhere
• May have to store multiple versions for different programs
• Usually stored in /usr/lib

Settings Files

• Configuration files used by programs
• Text based, similar to .INI files
• Usually stored in /etc for system-wide settings or in a hidden folder in ~/ (like ~/.thunderbird)

Documentation Files

• Stores information about the software
• Responds to 'man' command on terminal
• Usually stored in /usr/share folder

Ubuntu Package Management

• Most software installed via "packages"
• Packages are provided from a repository
• Programs such as Synaptic or apt can install packages
• Programs can also be installed from source

Ubuntu Software Install Process

• Extract/expand files
• Place files in location
• Create user data files (usually on first run)
• Create startup scripts

Tracking - Synaptic

Reading

• Ubuntu Unleashed - Chapter 22

Assignments

• Lab 6 - Service & Process Management and Software Install: Due 10/21 @ 11:59 PM