As most of you probably already know, from this section we work with a huge number of file types. These differ basically, in addition to their name, by their extension. Depending on the program or devices with which we have created it, it will have one format or another. This is one of the basic concepts of computing in general. And we must take into account that there are many file formats that have been accompanying us for years.
Thanks to them we can work with a multitude of programs and carry out tasks of all kinds. This is found both in computers based on Windows systems and in other platforms such as macOS either linux. As most of you already know, these formats or file extensions are associated with the applications that we install and use on a daily basis. Likewise, depending on their type, they are associated with a certain type of data or operating mode. But equally many of these formats they are generic for multiple different uses.
We tell you all this because in these same lines we want to focus on a certain type of file. Specifically, we are referring to a type that could be said to be one of the most important that we are going to find. We refer to the executables, which are the ones that allow us to launch the programs that we use on a day-to-day basis. And it is that among the many formats with which we deal in the pcwe can find two of those that could be said to be the most important, the aforementioned executables.
The importance of executable files
We say this because in reality these are the ones that are generated to allow us to install the programs that we will later use in the system. In fact, below, we want to talk about two of these formats that you have surely seen on countless occasions. Specifically, we refer to the popular M: Yes and exe. These two file formats are very popular and with similar usage. That is why, at first, many users They may come to think that they serve the same purpose. But in reality it is not like that, since they have important differences that we are going to talk about below.
The .exe files may be the most widespread when it comes to installing programs on a Windows system, but we can also come across the .msi. Well, first of all and as a curiosity, we will tell you that .msi files began to be used in 1999. Their nomenclature is based on the technology initially called Microsoft Installer and currently known as Windows Installer.
Actually, with this we are talking about a service that comes installed as standard with all the windows versions. To give us an idea, here we are talking about a Windows API that can be used to create installations. Likewise, this is used both for maintenance and for repairs of applications in the OS from those of Redmond.
Differences between exe and msi files
Therefore, once we know this, we could say that these files in msi format can be considered as databases. They have stored all the necessary information to be able to install the desired program. It can also house other related tasks such as repair of those apps. In fact, these are formats of facility for Windows widely used in more business environments. The main reason for this is because of the possibilities they offer when working with many computers on the same network.
Also, on the other hand, we find the popular executable files in exe format. Well, we must know that these can reach us in two ways, on the one hand, we find those that are compressed files that house an MSI and that call Windows Installer. In this way, this function takes care of the installation process as such in the system. But with everything and with it there is another type of exe which are executable by themselves. With this we want to tell you that these are the ones that are in charge of the installation process without using the aforementioned msi and Windows Installer.
One of the advantages that exe files present to us is that they allow us to install several applications simultaneously. It must be borne in mind that, if we refer to msi, this specific format is only capable of handling one installation at a time. But in the event that what we need is to carry out a unattended installation, the mentioned msi are perfect. Hence precisely its use in more corporate environments, since the msi are the most suitable for automating these tasks.
This is achieved because in most cases the msi are executed without questions to users or interruptions.
The main difference between an .exe file and an .msi file is that the former can include one or more applications inside it, and it can also include malicious files, so whenever possible, we should avoid these types of files if there is the possibility of downloading the application with the .msi extension.
The .msi files are files whose only function is to install applications, they do not have any other additional function than if we can find them in the files with the .exe extension. the .msi format contains everything needed to install an application and cannot execute malicious code because Windows monitors the entire installation process.
Taking into account the danger of .exe files, Microsoft implemented a system of digital signatures that make it possible to verify who the developer of the application is, a developer who has used a certification that Microsoft verifies when downloading the file. If the file does not have this certification, in most cases the computer will consider it a malicious application, even though it really is not. To get out of doubt, we can use the Virus Total website to analyze the file and check if it really is a file that includes malicious software or not.
In the end, the most important thing is to know the source from which we downloaded the files. Whenever possible, it is advisable to download the application from the developer’s website and avoid, whenever possible, websites that are dedicated to collecting applications that later include an installer where they always try to install applications, bloatware, that we will never use. in our team.
Which one should I install on the PC?
As we can see, broadly speaking, both files fulfill the same function: allow us to install a program or an application in Windows. And they do it in a very similar way, since both have their own assistant that we must follow until the end.
The main difference between both formats is under the hood. Specifically when we seek to install a program on a computer network under Active Directory. If we have a program in EXE format, it must be installed by hand on all computers, something that, depending on the number of computers on the network, may be unfeasible. However, MSIs allow the administrator to remotely install programs in the background to all users at the same time, saving time and hassle.
If we are domestic users, the most practical and fastest are the EXE files. This format is the most used by the software (since it is easier to generate) and, in addition to not needing the administrative options, it will allow us to install several programs at the same time. On the other hand, if we are system administrators and work in a company, MSIs are much more secure and allow us to install programs in a distributed way to all PCs on the network.
If, when downloading an application, we have the option of choosing between downloading the executable file (.exe) and an .msi file, if we want to prevent other applications from ending up installed on our computer, it is advisable to always select the second option. It is increasingly common, especially on GitHub, to find both the executable versions and the .msi package installer, however, if we are looking for old applications or those that have not been updated for years, finding the .msi is practically an impossible mission and we will have to settle for the executables, yes, checking all the steps that are shown to avoid installing additional applications during the process.
In addition, once the installation has finished, we must also check that it has not been installed no other applications in a hidden way during the process. To check it, we just have to click on the Windows Start menu and check if any new application is shown at the top, in addition to the one we just installed.
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