pmcyg

pmcyg is an open-source software application developed specifically for helping you create a customized collection of Cygwin packages. Cygwin implements a suite of libraries that emulate a Linux-like environment on a Windows operating system.

The tool is able to generate a complete Cygwin installation system which can be delivered on a CD, DVD or USB flash drive. This is a Python-based program so you need to previously deploy the working environment on your computer.

You are welcomed by a well-structured suite of features. The key configuration parameters are embedded in the main window so you can easily activate them. There’s no support for a help manual so rookies may need extra time in order to decode the utility’s features.

A log is integrated in the primary panel that provides information about the setup process and possible errors.

pmcyg offers you the freedom to assemble a customized collection of Cygwin packages by selecting the architecture and user-defined package list. You may download only those packages and their dependencies from a Cygwin mirror site in order to generate a partial mirror of the Cygwin release.

When it comes to selecting the preferred mirror URL, the application organizes links by continents and countries (e.g. China, Japan, New Zealand, Ontario, Austria, France, Germany, Brazil, California).

Other important options worth being mentioned enable you to clear the log data with just one click, make templates, build ‘autorun.inf’ files, omit base packages, and include sources.

pmcyg automatically verifies the versions of the packages stored in your local directory and updates data with newer versions (if they are available on the selected site). This way, you can keep an up-to-date version of your favorite Cygwin packages and save them on a USB flash drive. You can use the package as an offline installer on any PC without having direct access to the Internet.

All things considered, pmcyg comes with a powerful package of features for helping you generate a minimalistic installer for Cygwin without having to invest too much time and effort into the entire process.