the default windows install location is a unix location

[Pomax]

The default install location is c:\ruby193 (version number dependent on version, of course), but this is a protected location in modern Windows (vista/7, probably 8 too but I've not checked). Programs go into Program Files, so changing this location to "Program Files\Ruby\1.9.1" or, on 64 bit systems, "Program Files (x86)\Ruby\1.9.3" would be more in line with how windows programs are supposed to install themselves (program files -> company name, if relevant, usually isn't -> product name -> version, if installing a program that allows concurrent version installations)

[Azolo]

Well there are a couple problems with that.

The main one being the problem pointed out in this troubleshooting section.

Secondly, the Program Files directories on Windows 7 are protected from all changes. Meaning that we would have to patch the installation and home gem directories, or get UAC permission every time someone wants to install a gem.

But the idea of programs not installing into Program Files isn't unprecedented. Google Chrome stopped using the Program Files directory quite long ago, and now installs into the User's Profile (specifically the local App Data).

But the main reason is still that we need, as you call it, a "unix location" to use some of the compilation tools. The restrictions put on Program Files and the desire for an easier development environment (No UAC trouble) would be my second argument.

I don't know if Luis would consider moving the default installation directory to another location that isn't the C:\ root, but Program Files isn't an option without breaking the conventional Ruby environment.

[Pomax]

admin permissions to install gems is pretty much essential. If it needs sudo in _n_x, it needs UAC on windows ;)

I wasn't aware of breaking the ruby env, things seem to work pretty well with it installed in Program Files for me, including installing gems using a UAC elevated command prompt (that might be because I haven't done anything that runs into a problem yet, but C:\ is just as protected as Program Files in windows 7. Or at least, should be, unless someone turned their UAC off)

[luislavena]

but C:\ is just as protected as Program Files in windows 7. Or at least, should be, unless someone turned their UAC off)

That is incorrect. Only Program Files, Windows and Program Files (x86) are protected by UAC. I've even enabled higher UAC so I'm continuously annoyed by it to remember where is safe to store stuff.

You can install anything without elevation outside these folders.

Ruby, at this time, is not prepared to be installed inside Program Files due several reasons:

• Path with spaces, as clearly warned by the installers and all the documentation, even the Ruby source
• RubyGems default installation of gems relative to Ruby installation directory, which annoyingly requires elevation all the time.
• Lot of gems that need to look out for files relative to it are not working properly with path that contain spaces

This situation is similar to Python, and is something the community has already assumed.

There are efforts to make Ruby a better citizen on Windows. Ruby 2.0 will be able to be installed in a path with spaces:

http://bugs.ruby-lang.org/issues/7036

Next is allow Windows determine the needed permissions to consider the installation directory valid to be written, which is something still need to be worked on.

I've covered some of the points in your other Issue (#134)

As you can see, there is lot to be done to make Ruby play better with Windows and fit under your expectations (and many others like sysadmins)

But this is a big task and we can't do it alone. Is not only RubyInstaller's contributors that need to work this out, is the entire community.

[Pomax]

I see. That is unfortunate, and I hope it won't be too long before everyone agrees on how to support Windows. Thank you for the installer though, it's definitely easier than compiling from source.

[luislavena]

I see. That is unfortunate, and I hope it won't be too long before...

And why wait until others deliver what you can help build?!?

Change starts by you.

As you can see from my statements, I'm not saying that you're wrong, on the contrary, I'm stating the current status and that we want (actually, need) help.

Why don't you help out? At the end of the day, it will also scratch your own itch and everybody will benefit. 😄

[Pomax]

because those others actually have the skills required to pull it off, and I don't. Which is why I'm changing the world by working on other open source projects, some of which require me to have ruby installed =)

[luislavena]

I'm changing the world by working on other open source projects

Well, was worth the attempt 😉