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Documentation fixes and clarifications

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git-svn-id: https://svn.code.sf.net/p/nsis/code/NSIS/trunk@6728 212acab6-be3b-0410-9dea-997c60f758d6
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Docs/src/intro.but
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@ -2,33 +2,32 @@
\H{intro-about} About NSIS
An installer is the first experience of a user with your application.
Slow or unsuccessful software installations are the most irritating computer problems.
The installer is your application's first impression.
Slow or unsuccessful software installations is one of the most irritating computer problems.
A quick and user friendly installer is therefore an essential part of your software product.
NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System) is a tool that allows programmers to create such installers for Windows.
It is released under an open source license and is \R{license}{completely free for any use}.
NSIS creates installers that are capable of installing, uninstalling, setting system settings, extracting files, etc.
Because it's based on script files, you can fully control every part of your installers.
The script language supports variables, functions, string manipulation, just like a normal programming language - but designed for the creation of installers.
Because it's based on script files you can fully control every part of your installer.
The scripting language supports variables, functions and string manipulation, just like a normal programming language - but designed for the creation of installers.
Even with all these features, NSIS is still the smallest installer system available. With the default options, it has an overhead of only 34 KB.
Now you can also create \R{intro-unicode}{Unicode installers}, targeting all the languages supported by the OS without display issues.
With NSIS 3 you can also create \R{intro-unicode}{Unicode installers}, targeting all the languages supported by the OS without display issues.
\H{intro-features} Main Features
\\<b\\>Small overhead size\\</b\\>
NSIS is created to be small, fast and efficient. While other installers often add hundreds of kilobytes or several megabytes to your installer data, a full featured NSIS installer has an overhead of only 34 KB.
NSIS has been designed to be small, fast and efficient. While other installers often add hundreds of kilobytes or several megabytes to your installer data, a fully featured NSIS installer has a overhead of only 34 KB.
\\<b\\>Compatible with all major Windows versions\\</b\\>
You can create a single installer that is compatible with Windows 95, 98, ME, NT4, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, Server 2008, 7, Server 2008R2, 8, Server 2012, 8.1 and Server 2012R2.
You can create a single installer that is compatible with Windows 95, 98, ME, NT4, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, Server 2008, 7, Server 2008R2, 8, Server 2012, 8.1, Server 2012R2 and Windows 10.
\\<b\\>Unique compression methods\\</b\\>
You can choose between three different integrated compression method (ZLib, BZip2, LZMA). The new LZMA compression gives better results than any other common compression method. You don't have to use large self-extracting archive modules or other applications. The compression support is included in the 34 KB overhead.
You can choose between three different integrated compression methods (ZLib, BZip2, LZMA). LZMA compression gives better results than any other common compression method. You don't have to use large self-extracting archive modules or other applications, the compression support is included in the 34 KB overhead.
\\<b\\>Script based\\</b\\>
@ -36,11 +35,11 @@ Unlike other systems that can only generate installers based on a list of files
\\<b\\>Multiple languages in one installer\\</b\\>
One installer can support multiple interface languages. More than 60 translations are already included, but you can also create your own language files. RTL (right-to-left) languages such as Arabic and Hebrew are fully supported. Creating Unicode native installer is also possible for even more supported languages.
One installer can support multiple interface languages. More than 60 translations are already included and you can also create your own language files. RTL (right-to-left) languages such as Arabic and Hebrew are fully supported. Creating a Unicode native installer is also possible for even more supported languages.
\\<b\\>Many features and checks for the target system\\</b\\>
The script language provides commands you can use on the target system. From simple features like folder creation and registry editing to text/binary file modification, modification of environment variables and system reboots. Using provided plug-ins you can even use Windows API.
The script language provides commands you can use on the target system. From simple features like folder creation and registry editing to text/binary file modification, modification of environment variables and system reboots. By using one of the provided plug-ins you can even call the Windows API directly.
\\<b\\>Custom dialogs and interfaces\\</b\\>
@ -48,7 +47,7 @@ You can create custom wizard pages to get user input or integrate configuration
\\<b\\>Plug-in system\\</b\\>
NSIS can be extended with plug-ins that can communicate with the installer. They can be written in C, C++, Delphi or another language and can be used to perform installation tasks or extend the installer interface. You can use the plug-in with a single line of script code. Plug-ins can also be compressed like other installation data and will only be included when you are using the provided features.
NSIS can be extended with plug-ins that can communicate with the installer. They can be written in C, C++, Delphi or another language and can be used to perform installation tasks or extend the installer interface. You can use the plug-in with a single line of script code. Plug-ins are also be compressed like other installation data and will only be included when you are using their features.
\\<b\\>Support for web installation, file patching\\</b\\>
@ -56,7 +55,7 @@ The NSIS distribution includes a set of plug-ins that allow you to download file
\\<b\\>Project integration, different releases and automatic builds\\</b\\>
The NSIS compiler features a powerful preprocessor. This allows you to easily integrate multiple projects into a single installer or automatically generate installer builds. You can also generate different releases such as lite and full version.
The NSIS compiler features a powerful preprocessor. This allows you to easily integrate multiple projects into a single installer or automatically generate installer builds. You can also generate different releases such as lite and full versions.
\\<b\\>Easy and human readable file formats\\</b\\>
@ -94,7 +93,7 @@ The NSIS script format and the format used for interface dialogs are easy, docum
\b Installers can be as large as 2GB
\b Optional silent mode for automated installations
\b Optional \R{silent}{silent} mode for automated installations
\b A preprocessor with support for defined symbols, macro's, conditional compilation, standard predefines
@ -148,12 +147,10 @@ The NSIS script format and the format used for interface dialogs are easy, docum
\b Completely free for any use. See \R{license}{license}.
\b More
\H{intro-unicode} Unicode installers
Starting with MakeNSIS v3.0 you can choose to create Unicode installers by setting the \R{aunicodetarget}{Unicode} attribute.
Starting with NSIS v3.0 you can choose to create Unicode installers by setting the \R{aunicodetarget}{Unicode} attribute.
These installers will not work on Windows 95/98/ME but they will allow you to display your installer in any Unicode language supported by the OS.
When building a Unicode installer, NSIS variables can hold Unicode characters (0000-FFFF). There should be no need to modify your existing scripts.
When building a Unicode installer NSIS variables can hold Unicode characters (0001-FFFF). There should be no need to modify your existing scripts.
If you want to read/write Unicode files, specific instructions have been added to read/write UTF-16LE strings from/to disk.