Jar Ajar

If a program can’t run right after you extract it from an archive or immediately after downloading, it might mean you have to get it installed. This ensures the proper distribution of files throughout your system, and specialized applications like Jar Ajar want to let you pack files inside a neat deployment package.

This one does not require an installation, which means you can easily carry it around with you on a removable disk drive to use on the go. However, you just need to make sure that the computer you’re running it on is equipped with Java Runtime Environment, as the first part of the name suggests.

The main window might not win a beauty contest with the looks, but is fitted with a nifty side panel that displays thorough details each step of the way. This makes accommodation a walk in the park, and so does the rest of the interface, which is structured in tabs, many descriptions, and intuitive requirement fields.

You don’t have to follow a specific order with the steps, so there’s the possibility to return to a previous one in case you forgot to mention something. As such, a few initial details need to be written down in the Main tab, such as package name, version, as well as an additional logo which is represented by a picture file.

Files you decide to add to the installer package can either be found inside an already packed zip archive, or manually picked, one by one from your hard disk drive, without the possibility to drag them over the main window.

Although called Extras, the last tab must not be overlooked, because it contains some vital options, such as an output directory. More functions can be enabled, like the option to run a specific executable after extraction, show readme during setup, and specify a default install directory.

On an ending note, Jar Ajar is a quick and easy method of packing more application files inside an installer for proper deployment. Sadly, there aren’t any advanced options like managing registry entries or creating shortcuts, but it makes for a neat way to pack files. Just remember to check the target PC for Java.