App Distribution Method

---

An app distribution method is the means by which the vendor makes it available to install.

• can be published through app stores
  • install is handled automatically
• Desktop applications are installed from setup file
  • Windows: uses .exe or .msi extensions
  • macOS: uses .dmg or .pkg extensions
  • Linux: use .deb with APT package manger or .rpm for YUM package manager
• setup file contains:
  • apps executables
  • configuration files
  • media files
• during setup, files are extracted and copied to directory reserved for application installation
• setup file can be distributed on physical media or downloaded from internet
• verify authenticity and integrity of a package
  • Windows: has system of digital signatures for valid developers
  • Linux: uses hash value for integrity
• scan for malware
• ISO file is alternative to physical media
  • contains contents of optical disk in a single file
  • often used to install virtual machines
  • mountable ISO often used to install complex apps
    • in Windows, right-click > select Mount