Many users of personal computers are interested in the question: what is a launcher? As it turns out, most do not know the main purpose of such software. However, this knowledge will not be superfluous and may be useful in the future.
general information
First you need to decide what a launcher is and why it is needed, and only then consider specific examples. So, this is a kind of connecting link, which is most often used in online games. In simple words - the launcher allows you to set whether the latest version of the program is installed, if not, it is automatically updated. It should be noted that without a launcher, you simply can not play.
You can also say that this is a manager program that checks the integrity of files. If any kind of discrepancies were found, then you will know about it. In addition, the launcher allows you to more conveniently configure the game account, as well as pay for a particular service in the game. But this is far from everything that this kind of program allows. We will talk about the rest a bit later.
What is a launcher in Minecraft?
If you play this game, then the question is quite logical. This is a software interface that allows you to easily launch the application. Using the launcher, you can enter your own account and configure it as you wish. It is this program that is responsible for downloading the most important files (game resources). You also need to know that the launcher allows you to run the game only for those users who have a licensed account, in other words, this is copyright protection.
The main task of the program is not only to verify the integrity of the game files, but also to check the location of the game directory and determine the authenticity of the user's game account. This is done using a special file in the game folder, in which the login of the previous session is recorded. It is checked against the one that is directly on the server, and if everything matches - the game starts, if not, then you need to confirm your entry. For example, you may be sent a special code by email.
What is a launcher in Skyrim?
There are many fans of a game called Skyrim on the planet. As you already understood, a launcher is provided here. It performs a huge number of functions, the main of which is checking the conformity of all files located in the game folder. A distinctive feature is that it is possible to turn modes on and off. That is, you can activate any necessary add-on that you previously downloaded from the Internet. If there is a new version, then the launcher will ask for permission to update the mod.
Here you can customize the game graphics in detail, choose the quality of the shadows, resolution and much more. In the absence of a program, you simply cannot start the game. As a rule, the launcher is installed together with Skyrim, the only problem is that the mods enable button will be darkened, but this is being treated, and now we will consider what needs to be done for this.
Skyrim Launcher does not see mods
A fairly common problem. As practice shows, every 5th person who wants to play Skyrim encounters this problem. Since you already know what a game launcher is, we will go straight to the point. There are several ways to solve this problem. The first one, which is the simplest one, is that you need to go to the “My Documents” folder, then to Games, Skyrim. Next, you can see the file with the resolution ini. You need to open it through notepad and find the launcher line there, then add below: bEnableFileSelection = 1.
If this does not help, then there is another way to solve the problem. It consists in the fact that you need to go into the registry ("Start" - "Run"). In the line, enter the value regedit and look for the Skyrim file that starts with HKEY_LOCAL. Select the Install path line. Often this is where the problem lies, since the specified path does not correspond to where the game is located, therefore, the launcher does not see the mods. Change to true and run.
Launcher for Android
Many users of the Android platform are interested in why this program is needed and what its main functions are. We have already figured out what a launcher is, and we know that it is most often used in games. The Android operating system has won a large number of fans due to its graphic design, quick action and other important points. Of course, who will use the phone, which does not have the proper visual design. Therefore, it is not difficult to guess what a launcher for Android is.
Currently, a huge number of the most famous developers of applications for Android release a wide variety of themes. Do not underestimate the capabilities of such programs, because they make using the device much more comfortable. The user has the opportunity to adjust everything for himself, and this is at least comfort and confidence.
Features of the launcher for the Android OS
As noted above, currently there is just a huge amount of similar software for android-devices. You can add three-dimensional graphics, which will update your phone and make it special, not like everyone else. It is also possible to add various visual effects. Some launchers allow you to create an infinite number of desktops, organize catalogs vertically and horizontally, set and edit icons, and much more.
Other launchers have good stability and high speed. Often with the installation of such software in the kit comes a browser, several useful widgets, a calendar, applications that allow you to view the weather, etc. In fact, a good launcher gives many opportunities to its user. You need to be careful: if the application is too heavy, then there is a possibility that it will work slowly. In addition, there may be a large number of bugs and incompatibilities.
Some helpful suggestions
You must understand what a launcher on a computer is and how to use it. There is nothing complicated, but it can come in handy. If you get errors when trying to use the launcher, it is recommended to try reinstalling it, updating it, or checking your Internet connection (for online games). If we talk about the operating system running on the Android platform, then you need to understand that this is just a shell. In fact, you do not touch anything, but change only the visual design. However, pay attention to the installed launchers, as they can contain various kinds of viruses that can harm your system. The program may not work due to the fact that the Internet connection is slow.
Conclusion
So, to summarize, it should be said that the launcher is an integral part of programs and games. It is thanks to him that you can launch clients, enjoy online games and so on. You can also personalize your device, which will make it really special. Of course, it is often possible to run applications without a launcher, but there are several nuances. For example, a new version of the product has been released. That is, if you launched the game without a launcher, then it will be considered not updated. In some cases, this leads to the fact that you will not be able to play until you correctly launch the application.