Self-Extracting Files Survey
Copyright 1994 Andrew M. Saucci, Jr.
This text may be freely distributed without charge but may not be
altered in any way without prior permission.
Recently, we've seen talk in the ASP forum on CompuServe to
the effect that self-extracting files, which until now were generally
not welcome on bulletin boards, are now OK. As a result, I decided to
conduct a brief survey of all the bulletin boards along the Megapost
network; of the 70 or so sysops, 42 responded.
These are the questions that were asked of the sysops:
1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
in ZIP format)?
2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
The results are tallied below. I've generally marked "reluctantly,"
"grudgingly," or "yes, but" answers in the "yes" column; however, all you
careful authors out there will want to pay close attention to all of the
notes attached to these "yes" answers, particularly if your SFX must remain
an SFX in order for your program to work when the customer gets it, or if
you don't want the program to be deleted by the sysop.
Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4
Exec-PC Yes (1) Yes (2) Yes (3) Yes (2)
Channel 1 Yes (4) Yes Yes (5) Yes (6)
Sound of Music No (7) No (7) No (8) No
St. Louis Online No Yes (9) No Yes (9)
Byte Runner No No No No
Rusty & Edie Yes Yes Yes Yes
World Data Network Yes Yes No No
DSC No Yes No No
Sound Advice Yes (10) Yes (10) Yes (10) Yes (10)
Aquila Yes Yes Yes Yes
Blue Ridge Express No Yes No Yes
Megasystem No Yes No Yes
Software Creations No Yes No Yes (11)
ShareWare South No Yes Yes Yes
Synergy Online Yes (12) Yes (12) Yes No
Black Gold Yes Yes Yes Yes
Charisma II No (13) Yes No Yes
Xevious No Yes No Yes
Rocky Mountain Yes (14) Yes (14) Yes (14) Yes
Collector's Edition No Yes (15) No No
Cyberia Yes Yes Yes Yes
Studio PC Yes Yes Yes Yes
Newtown Express No Yes No Yes
CD-ROM Multimedia No No No No
Pennsylvania Online Yes (16) Yes (16) Yes (16) Yes (16)
Rosedale Data Line No Yes No Yes
COM1 Atlanta Yes (17) Yes (17) Yes (18) Yes (18)
HAL 9000 Yes (19) Yes (19) Yes (20) Yes (19)
Nashville Exchange Yes (21) Yes (21) Yes (21) Yes (21)
24th St Exchange Yes Yes Yes Yes
Twilight Zone No Yes No Yes
Connect America Yes (10,22) Yes (10,22) Yes (10,22) Yes (10,22)
Casino Yes Yes Yes Yes
Data-Base No Yes No No
Chemeketa Yes Yes Yes Yes
Lancaster Area BBS Yes Yes Yes Yes
Wyoming BBS No No No No
Programmer's Corner Yes (6) Yes (6) Yes (6) Yes (6)
Prime Time Yes Yes Yes Yes
Fabulous No Yes No Yes
Decibel Yes Yes Yes Yes
Name withheld (50) Yes Yes Yes (51) Yes
Notes
(1) "For most of our general user uploads, we strongly prefer ZIP format."
(2) "If it is part of an install program, where the majority of the
files are imbedded in a compressed file, and there is an install
program that uncompresses them, then yes."
(3) "We STRONGLY dislike SFX's in other formats, because our ccess
command doesn't work."
(4) "Yes, but we may strip the SFX header."
(5) "We probably will strip the header from ARJ's and LHA's and convert to
ZIP unless there is a good reason to leave them alone."
(6) Yes, but they'll probably be converted.
(7) If uploaded they will be converted to ZIP by the automated processors.
(8) "They are converted unless the author has a specific reason why
these formats are preferred."
(9) "Yes..., but it would at the same time be rezipped by our upload
processor and the contents placed within a ZIP wrapper."
(10) "Yes, if they're from you [Megapost]."
(11) "Yes, provided it's part of an author's original distribution method."
(12) Yes, but they will normally be converted to standard ZIP files
if they are not a secure ZIP (with -AV).
(13) "I'm [the sysop] the only one allowed to upload them."
(14) Yes, but "we convert almost everything here lock stock and barrel over
to ZIP format."
(15) "Accepted, but not preferred."
(16) "Reluctantly. I convert or delete them quickly."
(17) "Yes, if the uploader insists."
(18) "Yes, if the uploader insists or the author packages it that way."
(19) "Only grudgingly. I will usually rename the SFX to a .ZIP extension
if I see an .EXE extension." [Note-- this will make the SFX appear
and behave as if it were a plain .ZIP file.]
(20) "These I like least of all and will always convert them to ZIP or
delete them if it seems like too much work."
(21) "Yes we accept and very rarely do we post them. We... convert ARJ, LZH,
EXE's, etc. to the ZIP format. If a ZIP or EXE in ZIP format has an
-AV, [we] will retain it and not alter it."
(22) Public uploading is disabled on this BBS.
(50) The sysop asked me not to mention the name of his board.
(51) Yes, but "I would probably want to convert them to ZIP though."
One thought that occurred to me after reading the responses
is that question 2 probably was not quite the right question to ask.
If I redid this survey, I would ask "if accepted, are these converted
to plain ZIP files?" I have a hunch that some of the "yes" answers would
become "no" answers in this case. Fortunately, several sysops were sharp
enough to volunteer this information anyway. It's an important distinction
because, presumably, anyone who feels strongly enough to want to distribute
an SFX (even in a ZIP wrapper) would want that SFX preserved; converting
it to a plain ZIP would probably defeat the whole purpose of using an SFX,
perhaps wrecking an installation routine along the way.
The following is the very slightly edited text of the
comments from the sysops. (I basically deleted a few that just said,
"yes, yes, yes, 8 1/2 D", along with some unimportant side comments,
and some quoting of my original message.)
Scanning Channel 1
Date: 09-19-94 (22:34) Number: 250446 of 251276 (Refer# 250425)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: SYSOP
Subj: COMMENT (68) 21:19
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Channel 1 (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (A) (+)
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
Sure, though we may strip the SFX header. We don't need the
extra bytes, and anyone calling a bbs should know how to type
PKUNZIP :).
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
Yes, though the authors should be aware that documenation found
within embedded zips is unreadable online.
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA,
-> etc.)?
We'll accept any format; we probably will strip the header from
ARJs and LHAs and convert to ZIP unless there is a good reason
to leave them alone (ARJ security-envelope, etc).
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
-> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
We see all sorts of bizarre combinations. This stuff can be
time-consuming to straighten out, but we usually do. The
main reason in this case (and for ARJs and LHAs) is to get
the (extended) CRCs for the archive contents. Our database
keeps track of all archive member files, including zip-in
zips. A caller, for instance, can upload a piece of an
archive and find out what archive it came from, and what the
other member files were. We also protect our callers from
wasting time and money downloading old/redundant/duplicate files.
None of this applies, of course, on systems like CIS and AOL ...
-> CompuServe, including the policy of each board by name, so if you
-> don't want your board mentioned, just let me know.
No problem.
While I have your audience's attention, let me say that
our pet peeve is the program author who is apparently
unable to say what his/her software does, or who insists
on burying a description under 4 pages of disclaimers
and registration exhortations. A program archive without
a .DIZ or .SDI deserves euthanasia. Then there are the
fancy border addicts, who will have to edit file descriptions
in Hell for 5,000 years ;).
Sysops of Channel 1
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Date: 09-22-94 (12:31) Number: 34939 of 34980 (Refer# 34904)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: SYSOP
Subj: COMMENT (1) 20:26
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (+)
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
Unfortunately, not. Its been considered that an EXE file is more prone to
virus infection. For us to test the file, we need to execute it and that
could infect our system.
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
Yes, as we can later take that offline and test it. But it would at the same
time be rezipped by our upload processor and the contents of the EXE file be
placed within a ZIP wrapper.
3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
Unfortunately, not. Same reason as #1 above.
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
-> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
Yes, but it would get rezipped (same as number 2 above).
Thanks and regards. -- Rik
(88 min left), (H)elp, End of Message Command?
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Date: 09-20-94 (11:08) Number: 38402 of 38524 (Refer# 38383)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: MARSHALL DUDLEY
Subj: COMMENT (3)
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (A) (+)
An easy answer to all your questions. We do not accept self extracting files
in any form except for PKZIP, which has to be in self extracting form for
those who do not have a copy of PKZIP.
While, it is possible for self-extracting .exe files to be embedded within a
zip file, and get past our tests, we will delete them if we catch them.
Uploads of an .exe file will get moved to the fail directory by our upload
processing software immediately. Other formats such as arj are not allowed
at all.
Here is our reasons. First they are larger. Second, it is easier for viruses
and trogans to hide in them. Third, the docs are not easily available to
review prior to downloading or running an exe.
Marshall
(69 min left), (H)elp, End of Message Command?
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Date: 09-20-94 (07:33) Number: 814 of 1102 (Refer# 774)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: SYSOP
Subj: COMMENT (65) 21:58
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (+)
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
Yes
->
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
Yes
->
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA,
-> etc.)?
Yes
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
-> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
Yes
..........RUSTY
(998 min left), (H)elp, End of Message Command?
Date: 09-20-94 (07:40) Number: 815 of 1102 (Refer# 774)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: SYSOP
Subj: COMMENT (65) 21:58
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (+)
Feel free to post our name, no problem.
..........RUSTY
(998 min left), (H)elp, End of Message Command?
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Scanning Main Board
Date: 09-20-94 (07:23) Number: 53155 of 53681 (Refer# NONE)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: TONY MCCLENNY
Subj: COMMENT (12)
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (A) (+)
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
Not sure I understand this - we accept the following:
Any standard .ZIP file
.EXE files which self-extract
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
Again not certain I understand this format - we accept the following:
.ZIP files with embedded .ZIP files in them
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
We do not accept .ARJ, .LHA, .ARC, etc.
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
-> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
No
Thanks for asking Andrew - you may post our responses to your questions. We
would be interested in the result of your survey.
Help ll ince-Last <+>Next <->Prior oin-Conf ill-Msg
o More it uick-Scan ply rom our Mail Search
(59 Left) Main Board Read Command, = Continue ? g
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Scanning Main Board
Date: 09-21-94 (18:46) Number: 69193 of 69423 (Refer# 69066)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: RON BRANDT
Subj: COMMENT (30)
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (A) (+)
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
No, only ZIP format.
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
Yes, that's not a great way to do it though, folks can't view the files
online like that and it may fool dupe checking devices.
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
ZIP is all we take. Reason: It keeps everything uniform, users know how to
handle extraction (.EXE leaves allot to question), dupe checking is easier,
ZIP allows viewing of the file online and reading the documentation inside,
ZIP allows virus checking of all files in the zip.
Ron
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Date: 09-20-94 (08:33) Number: 39404 of 39658 (Refer# NONE)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: SYSOP
Subj: COMMENT (2)
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: GENERAL
AS>1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
AS>in ZIP format)?
From you... yes.
AS>2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
AS>with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
From you... yes.
AS>3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
I don't like it but on occassion I do have them come in here.
AS>4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
AS>format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
I wouldn't know the difference if one did come in. I don't look
at them THAT close. If they're from you.
AS>If this is not clear, I should be able to clarify it for you.
The bottom line is... if the file comes from a responsible person
such as yourself I'm inclined to take a lot more. If it were to
come in as a "guest" upload in area 3 (guest) on my board, it
would just never be put on line. I don't have the time to, nor
will I take the time to verify such a file. It takes manual time
I don't have.
Roy
---
þ 1st 1.11 #106bt þ Sorry, wrong tagline!
(90 min left), (H)elp, End of Message Command? g
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Scanning Main Board
Date: 09-20-94 (00:38) Number: 26026 of 26156 (Refer# 26023)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: KENT BEHRENS
Subj: COMMENT (2)
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU [A] (+)
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload in ZIP format)?
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file with a ZIP
-> .EXE inside)?
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another format (ARJ,
-> LHA, etc.)?
Andrew, the answer to all four of your questions is yes! I do see how these
types of files can be a hassle, however I don't believe that it should be an
author's responsibilty to train SysOps on how to operate archivers. On the
other side of the coin, if the authors want to have their files posted on as
many BBS's as possible they need to put them in the format that is most
accepted!
I hope this answered your question and is some use to you!
Sincerely,
Kent D. Behrens
File SysOp, Aquila BBS
*********************************************************************
Msg #: *1480 MAIN
From: SYSOP Sent: 09-20-94 06:52
To: ANDREW SAUCCI Rcvd: -No-
Re: YOUR QUESTIONS
Andrew,
If you will download a file SFXTXT.ZIP, you will have my reply to
your questionair. Basically, I would prefer not to have .EXE files on
the BRE unless they are the original archive program themselves, such as
PKZ204G.EXE .
If I was not clear in my reply to your questions, please let me know
and I will try one more time.
--- webb ---
1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
in ZIP format)?
Let me answer this question this way, I would prefer not to have
any of the SFX files uploaded to the board for the following reason. Every
file that is uploaded to the BRE is checked with a program called
AutoScan using the latest version of ViruScan. The problem comes that some
of the SFX files will not be opened up by the AutoScan program. And then I
have some people who upload a true .EXE file and I have no way of knowing
if it is a SFX or not.
2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
To me this is fine. The author then should include a README.1ST
file telling the user how to install the program. I see nothing wrong with
this approach at all.
3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
This is part of the problem. When you have an .EXE file, how are
you going to know if it was created using pkzip, arc or lha. I will not
allow any .ARJ or .LHA files on the BRE as it only leads to confusion for
the users. I stayed with .ARC for along time before moving to .ZIP. I
feel that it is better to have one format for the users to use and not the
may formats that the program authors might like. I know that there are
files that I do not have on the BRE because of this, but that is something
that I accept.
4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
As long as the original file format is .ZIP, I have no problem
with the upload.
I have no problem with you posting the name of the BRE in your survey. I
have taken similar surveys of the users here and mainly I reflect their
feelings. Some do not care one way or the other, but the majority prefer
the .ZIP format. I really feel that the only reason some authors want to
have the SFX format is that they can post an "AD" for their program in the
opening message. To me, the .EXE contain within a ZIP with a README.1ST
file is the best approach if there is something special about the
installation of the program.
Webb B. Blackman, Jr.
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Date: 09-20-94 (10:36) Number: 151701 of 152465 (Refer# 151618)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: GLENN BRENSINGER
Subj: Self-extracting files
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (A) (+)
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
These normally don't pass ZIP checking, and kinda defeats the purpose of
a SFX.
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
Yes, but it does make the file unnecessarily larger, meaning a longer
download for the caller and less chance the file will be downloaded.
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
No. We have standardized on the ZIP format and do not accept other formats.
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
-> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
Yes, provided it's part of an author's original distribution method. (If the
uploader made it LHA just because they personally think LHA is better, we'll
either convert it back to ZIP or delete the file.)
-> CompuServe, including the policy of each board by name, so if you don't
-> want your board mentioned, just let me know. Also, although I'd be
We have no problem with having our BBS mentioned. We don't run into the
problem of not allowing SFX files very often - in fact the only two I have
had to worry about was PKZ204G.EXE and ARJ241A.EXE, since putting them in ZIP
format is self-defeating.
Glenn Brensinger
Sysop, Software Creations
-> P. S. Thanks for the special access to conference 70.
No problem! Thanks for supporting us as one of your upload boards!
(60 min left), (H)elp, End of Message Command? g
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Synergy Online
Scanning Main Board
Date: 09-20-94 (20:13) Number: 8881 of 8978 (Refer# 8878)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: JIM BOXMEYER
Subj: COMMENT: System Problems NODE #17
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Forum: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (A) (+)
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
Yes, Our upload processors can handle SFX formats. However if they are not
a secure ZIP. -AV flags set then they will normally be converted to standard
ZIP files.
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
No problem. Same as the above though.
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
We prefer ZIP formats just to be consistent, but other formats are welcome.
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
-> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
I would prefer not to. Most users would get confused by this.
Jim Boxmeyer
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Black Gold
Date: 09-20-94 (12:20) Number: 18907 of 19030 (Refer# 18894)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: SYSOP
Subj: COMMENT (11) 01:23
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (+)
AS-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
->in ZIP format)?
AS-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
->with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
AS-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
AS-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
->format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
With the use of better integrity checks, self-extractors are not a
problem and the small file size increase will not hurt us. They are
helpful to users unfamilar with zip, arj, etc. We'll accept them.
Michael C.
---
þ 1st 1.12 #1775s þ Black Gold BBS -FTP/TELNET/GOPHER/40+ gig's 918-272-7779
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Date: 09-21-94 (04:19) Number: 9170 of 9179
To: ANDREW SAUCCI Refer#: 9169
From: SYSOP Read: NO
Subj: COMMENT (1) Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: MAIN BOARD (0) Read Type: GENERAL
-> In the past, my impression has been that uploading
-> self-extracting
-> files of any kind, whether they were embedded within a plain .ZIP
-> file or just uploaded as is, has been seriously and almost
-> universally scorned
And there's good reason for that, the main one being that it is
one more avenue for virii to attack. I don't mean just because
it's an .EXE, but also because most software I've seen, such as
the software I use (EXZtest and EXZip), don't check .EXE files.
Mine only checks .ARC and .ZIP files. So, I have to test .EXE
files, if I want to post one, manually. It's a pain.
Many users of software have little technical knoweledge. A lot
of us "BBS'ers" forget that because we get more involved with
the system. A self-extracting archive makes it SO much easier
for the authors (less docs regarding installation) and easier
for the end-user (less docs to read, lower possibility of mistakes,
no need for knoweledge of "archiving).
So, what I allow are "special" files like software updates for
networking systems such as Novell or updates to DOS and the like.
My board doesn't give any credit for .EXE uploads and I'm the only
one allowed to upload them.
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
There's no way for me to tell what is in a .ZIP unless I personally
check it. That is what I would do, and I'd also put in a READ.ME
file to indicate to the user that the files is a SFX. (I get REALLY...
[annoyed] when I run a program and find that it's actually an archive
and it loads up the current directory with files! Only LHA, as far
as I know, has a special file to indicate to the user that it's
about to extract files.)
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA,
-> etc.)?
Only .ZIP is accepted here for now. When I FINALLY find an upload
processor that I like and can understand (!), I'll allow other
file formats here. When I get my Macintosh sections done, they
will, of course, allow different formats.
To answer the other questions, as I stated above, my system is
automated and I have no way of knowing what's in a .ZIP file.
As long as it's archived in .ZIP format, it can be uploaded.
-- Rob, sysop --
Charisma II BBS
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Xevious
Date: 09-21-94 (19:35) Number: 67433 of 67532 (Refer# 67428)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: SYSOP
Subj: COMMENT (2) 18:12
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (A) (+)
Hi Andrew...good survey idea...
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
No. All my users (should) know what a .ZIP file is, as that's what
virtually every file online here is. When there's anything else,
including an .EXE file that is an SFX an additional explanation is
needed in the file listings.
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
Yes, though I think they are a bad idea. If it's necessary for some
reason the zip should still contain the SFX, the FILE_ID.DIZ and ideally
some sort of text with further information about the program to let the
BBS caller view this information online before downloading.
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA,
-> etc.)?
No (we're still talking about .EXE files right?).
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
-> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
Yes, same answer as 2).
(39 min left), (H)elp, End of Message Command?
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To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: SYSOP
Subj: COMMENT (1) 17:25
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (A) (+)
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
Yes, they should be fine.
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
I believe my upload processor can handle those as well.
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA,
-> etc.)?
I *would* like to stay with .zip file formats, but my upload processor
will handle the others if needed. I would probably want to conver them
to .zip though. I find that there is little use for the others in this
area.
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
-> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
I guess that that is ok. I have seen some and the upload processor
seems to handle them ok. I really don't see the reason for them, but
they are out there sometimes.
************************************************************************
Date: 09-21-94 (01:02) Number: 22527 of 22557 (Refer# NONE)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: SYSOP
Subj: SFX's
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (+)
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload in ZIP
-> format)?
We do accept self-extracting EXE files. But we do *not* prefer them
to be bluntly honest. We convert almost everything here lock stock
and barrel over to ZIP format.
Reasons:
1. Its far easier for SFX EXE archives of whatever creation tool
(Pkware, ARJ, LHA, etc etc) to pickup viruses/trojans/droppers. It
is far far more difficult for a ZIP or non-extracting archive to
become contaminated, unless someone first unarchives it & then
contaminates it.
a) At 11 gigs (70,000 archives) - security is of prime importance
to us. I refuse to take any more risks than needful. And
authors need to understand that that is the way that a lot
of intelligent sysops operate.
2. Due to the *many* types of self-extracting EXE archives out there,
our automated tools sometimes are unable to extract the FILE_ID.DIZ
file inside the SFXs. And when I have to MANUALLY extract and
and MANUALLY process the descriptions et al --- I get a wee bit
grumpy if my time is on the short side that day.
3. Both us and our users often wish to compare file dates/sizes on
executables before downloading them. With ZIP archives, this is
very easy to do. With SFX EXE archives, there is a difference in
command line switches to view the archive contents which makes
online automated methods difficult to implement - where possible.
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another format
-> (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
If you wished to imbed an SFX file, and FILE_ID.DIZ inside a ZIP
archive and upload things to us that way - that is an option.
ÛßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßÛ
Û Ray Snow Û
Û Rocky Mountain Software Û
ÛÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÛ
ß Daddy: What does formatting drive C mean?
***********************************************************************
Scanning Main Board
Date: 09-22-94 (16:24) Number: 9484 of 9496 (Refer# 9481)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: LEN HULT
Subj: COMMENT (1) 21:53
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: GENERAL
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
No. The board will reject these.
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
Yes. These are accepted, but not preferred.
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA,
-> etc.)?
No.
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
-> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
I have not seen any of these, and am not sure how the board would react.
My first instinct is to say no.
Preferred file format: plain old ZIP... nothing embedded, nothing self-
extracting.
(45 min left), (H)elp, End of Message Command? g
*************************************************************************
Msg#:41263 *Email*
09-22-94 07:37:53
From: ADAM VIENER
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 37380 (SELF-EXTRACTING FILES)
Andrew,
I am of the opinion that you should upload the files in the format that will
be most easy for the customers to use. I think self extracting files are
fine. Sometimes customers will run these in their download directories, and
create a mess, but otherwise I think they are good.
I would probably do a self extracting file with another self extracting one
inside with an install program.
Adam
***************************************************************************
Scanning Main Board
Date: 09-22-94 (16:27) Number: 10154 of 10157 (Refer# 10142)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: ANTHONY MAGLIETTA
Subj: COMMENT (2) 19:50
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (A) (+)
->1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
No. All files should be .zip and contain file_id.diz. I have
over 100K files on my system and I have neither the time nor the
inclination to zip files, convert archive types, or type descriptions.
Any files that are sent to me that are not in the above format never
make it on the BBS.
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
Yes. Some archives contain SFX's for installation reasons.
Just so long as the file is zipped and contains file_id.diz. I really
do not care what is inside the archive. (This should answer #4 also)
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA,
-> etc.)?
Newtown Express only accepts .zip files.
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
-> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
See Answer 2.
Hope this helps Andy.
ÄÄÄÄAnthonyÄÄÄÄ-
**********************************************************************
CD-ROM Multimedia & Specialties
Date: 09-22-94 (07:10) Number: 261 of 272 (Refer# 258)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: SYSOP
Subj: COMMENT (1)
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (A) (+)
This BBS prefers files in just plain .zip format..
Even though some BBS's want to implement new and better compression
schemes by far the most popular is the .zip format..
althought the BBS will accept .exe files we rather stay away from that.
1: No
2: No
3: No
4: No
Thanks again for your comments and I look forward hearing from you in
the future
Robert
(29 min left), (H)elp, End of Message Command? g
************************************************************************
Msg#: 7872 *PRIVATE*
09-21-94 07:52:18
From: GEORGE PEACE
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
Subj: SELF-EXTRACTING FILES
Thanks for taking time to survey us! Sometimes a sysop or 2 do indeed forget
that they don't speak for the industry no matter how generic they think they
are.
> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
> in ZIP format)?
Reluctantly. I convert or delete them quickly. Some in our industry seems to
think it's OK to change standards at the drop of a hat. Hopping from ARC to
LZH to ARJ to ZIP to EXE seems like an interesting game for a technical
wizard to play but it has significant impact on SysOps and yes, even on
callers, many of whom are novices.
One of the worst tricks ever played on SysOps and callers is the .SDN game.
Is it an archiver? Which one? PAK or ARJ? My callers don't even download
.SDN files anymore even though the archives hide some great programs and
utilities. A .EXE must be executed. The shareware virus shield programs and
their adept authors have done a wonderful job of saturating our systems and
the press with visions of little PAC-Men gobbling up software and even
hardware. Even experienced callers have been scared by the hype.
Isn't this the same shareware industry that told us to beware of unknown
EXEs? Now it's ok? Did we cure the virus problem? Should we stop pushing
shields? If we're still pushing shields what does the shareware industry
advise we do about the ambiguities?
How does the shareware industry plan to standardize on a single SFX format
so callers know what program to use to inspect the .EXE after downloading
and before executing? Or should they learn to play "guess the format" like
they did with .SDN?
SFX isn't the panacea it could be. The industry needs to plan and prepare
itself *AND* its target market for change.
Maybe I'm not asking the right questions. Maybe I should ask what plan our
industry leaders have to educate SysOps and callers-- their market-- about
their plans for our continued relationship with them? And what impact a
shift to .EXE will have on the DIZ and VENDINFO projects. I'm certain,
after all, that a meaningful industry with forward-thinking leaders would
study and plan and review and advise. Only a bunch of amateurs would lock
themselves in a closet and shout orders through the door.
> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP
> file with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
reluctantly. I convert or delete them quickly.
> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA,
> etc.)?
reluctantly. I convert or delete them quickly.
> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in
> another format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
reluctantly. I convert or delete them quickly.
I receive .EXEs about the same way I receive a mailing or upload without a
DIZ. Even popular shareware gets the boot when the author insists on
insulting us all with anti-SysOp and anti-Customer marketing techniques.
Yes, my opinion is a strong one. I'm not against change but not at all in
favor of change simply because of another ARC-War or because a few folks
decided to try on a new standard. Plan, prepare, and EDUCATE.
Next survey? Intimidation tactics. or How vendors and shareware industry
professionals should *not* treat their primary marketing channels.
Just my personal opinion.
George Peace
************************************************************************
Date: 09-24-94 (14:03) Number: 1217 of 1232 (Refer# NONE)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: GORDON MALONE
Subj: SYSOP COMMENT NODE (#2)
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (A) (+)
Hi Andy!
-> The questions, then, are these:
->
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
I prefer not to since I can't include my zipcomment when a user downloads
the file.
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
Yes.
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
See answer to #1
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
-> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
Yes.
As I stated previously, it does not allow me to insert my zip comment into
the file at download time. That is my primary reason for preferring straight
zipfiles.
Gordon Malone
Rosedale Data Line
410.866.4554 USR-DS 16.8
**************************************************************************
Scanning Main Board
Date: 09-20-94 (23:08) Number: 66154 of 66276 (Refer# 66143)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: MARK PRICHARD
Subj: COMMENT (3)
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (+)
...
ASº The questions, then, are these:
The simple/quick/short answer form:
ASº 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
ASºin ZIP format)?
If the uploader insists.
ASº 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
ASºwith a ZIP .EXE inside)?
If the uploader insists.
ASº
ASº 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
If the uploader insists and/or the author packages it that way.
ASº
ASº 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
ASºformat (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
If the uploader insists and/or the author packages it that way.
* * * * * *
ASº The questions, then, are these:
The complex answer form:
ASº 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
ASºin ZIP format)?
Per se, I don't object to SFX's. One reason many boards reject SFX's
is not the file itself, but because the virus scanning packages (ZIPLAB,
for instance) have trouble with these files. Do you scan just the
extractor part for viruses and hope the embedded programs don't have a
virus? Or do you "execute" the problem (assuming that it behaves
properly when executed) and then test the results? What happens if there
are yet more ZIPped files inside the extracted code? How far down does
one check? While many UL testers can handle these embedded forms, there is
the risk (and sysops worry) that there is one which will bomb the tester
and/or get thru without detection. So the response to your question will
be a guarded "maybe".
Another reason SFX's are avoided is that the file description can't
be "branded" with the file (there are ways around this but they are
a "standard"); i.e. SFX's don't have an embedded FILE_ID.DIZ. Thus,
many SFX's get propogated thru various BBS'es with some pretty strange
and very uninformative descriptions. Any good sysop who is fastidious
about his file area finds SFX's annoying for this reason.
And a philosophical question to counter your question above: SFX's are,
in a manner of speaking, redundant: i.e. they contain copy after copy of
the "extractor" code and therefore are always bigger than their ZIPped
(ARJed, etc.) form. For big file hogs, the added bytes, if they stop and
think about it, add up over time. Should everyone download PKZ204G.EXE
once again for each and every file they download? Some BBSes may limit
SFX's just to save the space.
Some SFX's have a rationale behind them: they can extract in the
multi sub-directories without the user having to remember (or be
reminded) to include the appropriate options on the PKUNZIP. There
are ways around this problem, if the author depends on this kind of
structure, i.e. they need to come up with an intelligence "install"
program which will created the needed subdirectories and move the
file around accordingly, just not requiring the SFX logic to accomplish
this feat.
To make matters more complicated, some SFX's include an "authorization"
(i.e. AV) code; when extracting, the code is checked against the results and
if there isn't a match, then there is reason to believe the file was
tampered with in some way. Some vendors (g.e. Novell) distribute system
related files/fixes this way, so it is tough to "convert" these to
ZIP forms and not raise some doubts as to the "authenticity" when there
is no AV signature to check against.
ASº 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
ASºwith a ZIP .EXE inside)?
Zipping up an SFX is usually done so the FILE_ID.DIZ can be included, but
it still presents a problem for UL testers and the embedded files (as
described above).
ASº
ASº 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
Same problems as #1 and #2 above; per se, I'm not against 'em but many
neophite users don't know how to uncompress such animals. PKZIP has become
so universal, even if there are better compressors out there, someone
trying to get the widest distribution of his/her files would be stupid to
package it with any other compressor. Still, some "purists" prefer that
such files remain unconverted from its original author's form of archiving.
ASº 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
ASºformat (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
If the uploader insists and/or the author packages it that way. See #1, #2,
and #3 above.
I suspect there is a mix out there: some boards have a policy that is
articulated in bulletins and other forms (like rejecting them during
uploads), while other boards haven't given it much thought either way
and/or have let the "policy" be established by the limits of the UL
tester (if any) being used.
CD-ROM's have also added or forced changes in policies; a BBS has to
"accept" the forms on the CD even when it/they go against any established
or ad-hoc policies. [Some boards may even "fudge" the contents of a
CD-ROM by staging them from the CD to another area, converted them
(or stamping them in some way) before passing them on to the caller in
a download. This implies yet other "policies" or changes therein.]
Hope this helps. Upload your results here as many of us would never see
it on Compuserve.
Thanks.
---
þ PQ-MP 2 þ Do bl Sp ce is a v ry saf me hod of driv compr s ion.
***********************************************************************
Scanning Main Board
Date: 09-21-94 (21:12) Number: 8707 of 8738 (Refer# 8706)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: VICTOR VOLKMAN
Subj: COMMENT (5)
Read: NO Status: PUBLIC MESSAGE
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (+)
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
Only grudgingly, I will usually rename the SFX to a .ZIP extension if I
see an .EXE extension.
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
Yes, if I must, then I must. Many users no doubt find it confusing to have
to extract twice.
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
These I like least of all and will always convert them to ZIP or delete
them if it seems like too much work.
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
-> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
Same as answer to #2.
Thanks for taking the time to find out what people want!
P.S. Anyone who's not smart enough to unzip a ZIP file won't be smart enough
to register their shareware anyways.
**************************************************************************
Scanning QA (1) Conference
Date: 09-20-94 (22:35) Number: 1287 of 1321 (Refer# NONE)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: JIM LOGAN
Subj: GENERAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS,
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: QA (1) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (+)
ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿
ÚݳŸrom:ANDREW SAUCCIÃÄ On: 9/20/1994 ÄÄÄÄ Reply On: 09/20/1994 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿
³ÝÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ ³
³ßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßß ³
³AS> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload ³
³AS>in ZIP format)? ³
³AS> ³
³AS> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file ³
³AS>with a ZIP .EXE inside)? ³
³AS> ³
³AS> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)³
³AS> ³
³AS> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another ³
³AS>format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)? ³
³AS> ³
ÔÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ;
I'm sorry, but this should have actually gone to Rob about what Formats
the File Server accepts under PCboard and his File Checker, I don't have
the info. We off-course accept EXE Self-extracting files like PKZ...exe
and others like those. I generally don't like LHA/ARJ Files as they tend
to confuse the person who DL's them in the End, but I have no problem with
anyone UL'ing any "self-extracting" files.
* Qwkit 1.0b * U.S. Intel: In God we trust, all others we monitor!
*************************************************************************
Date: 09-20-94 (08:01) Number: 87080 of 87103 (Refer# 87077)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: SYSOP
Subj: uploads to SOM
Read: NO Status: PUBLIC MESSAGE
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: GENERAL (+)
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
No we really do not accept them. If they are uploaded to SOM
they will be converted to .ZIP files which our users are able to review
before downloading them.
->
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
Yes, but again, it will be converted by our automated processors
online. Our users like to review readme files and other documentation
before committing to a download
->
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA,
-> etc.)?
No, we do not. They are converted unless the author has a
specific reason why these formats are preferred.
->
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
-> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
Not at all. Double confusion to the users. Why switch formats
of compression mid-stream.
......Paul Waldinger-Sysop....
****************************************************************************
Msg#:17959 *Email*
09/22/94 11:59:00
From: DON KUHWARTH
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 11141 (SELF-EXTRACTING FILES)
I don't have a problem with any of the SFX types, but I'd prefer which ever
one adds the least "overhead" to the archive. It is less of an issue now with
large harddrives and fast modems though. What may be an issue in the future
is if this would have any impact on the BBS software reading a file_id.diz
file. TBBS doesn't do that now, but I think that an upcoming release may.
Don
<->, ubby, wd, el, eply, gain, ext, or top?
****************************************************************************
Msg#:15485 *MAILBOX*
09/20/94 18:08:15
From: KEN HARWELL
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 15303 (SELF-EXTRACTING FILES)
Andrew,
The simplest answers to your questions is YES we accept and VERY RARELY do
we post them. Instead, we use a utility called MTA (Make Them Anything)
which converts ARJ, LZH, EXE's, etc. to the ZIP format. If a ZIP or EXE
file in ZIP format has an -AV, MTA will retain it and not alter it, even
as it inserts the TNE comment. MTA will deal with embedded compressed
files as well.
If you upload an EXE, it will be converted to a ZIP. Over time we have
found that ZIP is easier for new users and novices to deal with than with
self-extracting EXE's. (I know that isn't logical but it is true none the
less.)
As far as a 'VOTE' is concerned, I would VOTE for all files to be in ZIP
format with a FILE_ID.DIZ inside.
Thanks again for the service you provide.
See ya
KH - TNE
*************************************************************************
Msg #: 340 of 353 Area: MAIN
From: John Hrusovszky Sent: 09-22-94 21:28
To: Andrew Saucci Rcvd: -NO-
Re: (r)comment Status: Private
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AS> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
AS> in ZIP format)?
_IF_ it is ZIPped, then, yes. Of course, I also would want a
FILE_ID.DIZ included in that ZIP file so the board can extract and use
it for the description.
AS> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
AS> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
Yes. I guess that's what I thought the first question meant .
AS> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA,
AS> etc.)?
No.
AS> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
AS> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
Yes.
AS>certain that I get the right answer for each board. I intend to post
AS>the results on CompuServe, including the policy of each board by
AS>name, so if you don't want your board mentioned, just let me know.
It is quite OK to mention my board, Andrew. I think my board will
stand on its own merit .
BTW, thanks much for your excellent service of uploading the latest and
the greatest!
--jah
Msg # 2-353 (H)lp,S)ince,L)ast,T)o,F)rom,M)ine, text, [Q]uit)?
***********************************************************************
Read mode : (1029+)
Msg Read [495 - 1842], [F]orward, [H]elp, [N]onstop, [W]rite, [Q]uit,
[R]eply, [T]hread, [ENTER = next]?
*************************************************************************
Message #7685 Reply to: #7568 (Private)
To Andrew Saucci 09-24-94 4:19pm
From Jerry Shenk (SYSOP)
Subject (R)SELF-EXTRACTING FILES
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I accept uploads in just about any format. I personally preffer to have a
ZIP file so I can scan it first to see what's in it. Of course, some of
the compression programs will allow me to check the contents with
command-line arguments and other utilities. If I had my druthers, all
uploaded would be ZIP files with no self-extracting files inside those
zips but I don't mess with the files to change them. One thing that's
more of a problem with self-extracting files (by themself or within
another ZIP file) is scanning for virus infections. It's possible and
some of the newer stuff will even drill down through a file looking for
self-extracting files. The single biggest problem I have with files is
size. I have a couple files on here that are nearing 2 megs! They are a
problem....2400 baud users can't get them. I know 14.4 is the way to go
but I have a lot of users who aren't there yet. Making a file size limit
of 500-600K is still pretty big but at least it's manageable...even a meg
can be downloaded in about an hour so I could see 800K but really, a meg
is too big for one file I think.
A shorter answer for your survey - I accept any compression method.
L(ist) M(ore) K(ill) R(eply) H(elp) Q(uit) > R
*****************************************************************
DOS # 3091 Date: 09-23-94, 17:08
Left by: SYSOP Replied # 3090
Sent to: ANDREW SAUCCI Status: Public
Topic: Comment Rcvd: No
AS>1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
AS>in ZIP format)?
No.
AS>2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
AS>with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
No and those who try will loose privilages on this system. If I
establish a rule, work arounds to the rule don't make me happy.
AS>3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
No. ZIP format only.
AS> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
AS>format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
While some of these exist on the system. I try to remove them when I
find them. Only ZIP is to be used here.
************************************************************************
FROM: SYSOP (Gary Smith) Message Number: 402
TO: Andrew Saucci Sep. 27, 1994 9:40 P.M
SUBJECT: Self-extracting files
AREA: Network Management Reply From : 401
Yes, I will accept all files, however I convert SFX's to ZIP's.
Interestingly, you can change a PkZiped SFX into a ZIP, just by changing
the extension from EXE to ZIP.
Gary
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Scanning Main Board
Date: 09-21-94 (19:49) Number: 5164 of 5651 (Refer# 5163)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: BRENT CANTRELL
Subj: COMMENT (8) 19:29
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (+)
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
Yes
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
Yes (they are checked automagically up to 5 levels of .EXE or .ZIP for
virii and completeness (able to unzip/unarc/arj/etc)
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA,
-> etc.)?
I refuse NO uploads (its hard enough to get them they way it is, :) )
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
-> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
Certainly.
brent
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Exec-PC
EMAIL (PRIVATE)==> TOPIC: FROM LOGOFF Ref: BETE2479 Date: 10/24/94
From: CURT SHAMBEAU Time: 10:41am
/\To: ANDREW SAUCCI (Read 0 times)
Subj: R: COMMENT AT LOGOFF
AS> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
AS>in ZIP format)?
AS>
AS> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
AS>with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
AS>
AS> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA, etc.)
AS>
AS> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
AS>format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
Yes, because many companies (such as Novell) use self extracting files
for their updates. However, for most of our general user uploads, we
strongly prefer ZIP format. Plus, users can still use our ccess
command on ZIP format EXE files.
#2- If it is part of an install program, where the majority of the
files are imbedded in a compressed file, and there is an install
program that uncompresses them, then yes, this is acceptable.
Otherwise, our view is.... Why bother??
We STRONGLY dislike SFX's in other formats, because our ccess
command doesn't work. However, see #1 for reasons why we would accept
them.
#4- See number 2
Curt
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Scanning conference 003 - MEMBERSHIP FORUM
From : TOM BRADY Number : 1045 of 1045
To : ANDREW SAUCCI Date : 10/08/94 9:39am
Subject : Comment 09/20/94 11:39pm Reference : 1044
Read : 10/25/94 11:45pm Private : YES
Conf : 003 - MEMBERSHIP FORUM
The answer is yes to all questions, Andrew. Any format, embedded exe's
or not, archives can be tested. cu -Tom
Scanning Main Board
Date: 10-02-94 (11:02) Number: 14274 of 14370 (Refer# 14243)
To: ANDREW SAUCCI
From: HEWIE POPLOCK
Subj: COMMENT (1)
Read: NO Status: RECEIVER ONLY
Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (+)
-> The questions, then, are these:
->
-> 1) Do you accept plain .ZIP SFX's (that is, an .EXE upload
-> in ZIP format)?
->
I have not accepted any EXE files for years, due to the fear of "Trojan
Horse" or Virus infected files.
-> 2) Do you accept an *embedded* ZIP SFX (meaning a .ZIP file
-> with a ZIP .EXE inside)?
->
No problem here. Although I would like to see a DOC file or a
File_ID.DIZ
-> 3) Do you accept plain SFX's in other formats (ARJ, LHA,
-> etc.)?
->
No.
-> 4) Do you accept a ZIP file with an embedded SFX in another
-> format (ARJ, LHA, etc.)?
Yes.
As I stated above, the fear of "bombs" has always been a fear on
uploads. I generally discourage uploads except from authors and will
review my setup for accepting uploads from known authors.
Many of the BBS' use self checking for files on uploads and they may not
want to chance a self extracting file being a "Format C:", etc. I have
all uploads go to a private area and examine them personally with SHEZ
and MacAfee's Virus Scanning program.
END OF SFXSUR.TXT