NSIS

NSIS is an open-source system that is used to create Windows installations for software. It was originally created by Nullsoft in order to distribute Winamp and has since been used by many companies, including Google, Amazon, and Dropbox. The installers created with NSIS can accomplish many things, including installing, uninstalling, extraction of files, and changing system settings. NSIS is capable of doing everything you need in a software setup, all in one small, efficient, and fast package.

Its key feature is its ability to maintain a very small file size. The small file size makes NSIS an ideal fit for the online distribution of software. This helps the installer to remain fast and efficient, while not adding to download sizes.

NSIS is script-based, adding to its flexibility. Many systems can only create installations by using registry keys or lists of files, not NSIS.  NSIS is highly flexible and has many different scripts and plug-ins already available. This script based platform is able to support almost all needs for the creation of an installer, from the most simple to the most complex.

Small file sizes and great flexibility

The platform includes a choice of a classic and modern wizard interface, but it doesn't end there. The user interface is also fully customizable, allowing you to change the font, background colors, dialog options, and images. This allows you to create a user experience while installing your software that matches your brand. Allow the user to select multiple installation options as well, including Full, Minimal, Typical, etc. 

It has the ability to support multiple languages, as well. It has translation built-in for 40 languages from around the world. It also has the ability to create your own language files, if you do not want to just have a simple translation done. 

Almost all versions of Windows are supported as well, including Win 95, Win 98, Win 2000, Win XP, Win Vista, Win 8, and Win 10.  I also support server versions of Windows including, Win Server 2003, WInd Server 2008, Win Server 2008R2, Win Server 2012, Win Server 2012 R2, and Win Server 2016.

NSIS can also support a wide array of compression types, further adding to the system's flexibility. The system has 3 different methods of compression built-in, these include BZip2, ZLib,  LZMA.  

It is a great alternative to other proprietarily owned installation systems.  

Features:

• Small file size (less than 40kb)

• Variety of compression options

• Highly flexible

• Support for almost all versions of Windows

• Open-source

• A vast array of languages supported

• Create executable launchers