Fastest, easiest installer from web?

• I have a file that is an executable (.exe) that I want to distribute
• I want users to run it as simply as humanly possible
• Is there a way to simplify this process, with different technologies (eg, Java) assisting along the way?

Current Situation

Internet Explorer

1. User downloads in the regular way
2. User clicks run
3. User clicks run 开发者_运维百科again
4. User gives UAC permission

Firefox

1. User downloads in the regular way
2. Opens saved items
3. Double clicks the installer
4. Gives permission to run the installer
5. Grants UAC permission

It may not seem like long process to an experienced user, but to an inexperienced one this can feel like an eternity.

Is there a faster, easier way to pull this off?

Trying to simplify that process sounds like taking control and security away from user. Only simpler thing I can imagine is to use Java applet or web application instead of executable file.

If you install file to some per-user location like under %userprofile%\ and installer does nothing except deploying executable and/or probably create shortcut in current user's area that should not require elevated privileges. Also signing application (or installer) with a valid certificate may allow you to avoid UAC interaction.

I really doubt you may greatly simplify the process because it may be a thread to a system.