Comments on: Create Self Extracting Zip Files http://www.pcmech.com/article/create-self-extracting-zip-files/ Helping Normal People Get Their Geek On Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:37:34 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: jfaulkner http://www.pcmech.com/article/create-self-extracting-zip-files/comment-page-1/#comment-6107 jfaulkner Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:30:06 +0000 1768561374#comment-6107 The problem with doing this is: 1. Some email programs/spam filters detect the MIME type of the attachment, which enables them to look past the extension. I've run into this several times myself. 2. You are making the assumption users know how to do this. Considering the reason brought forth in this tip is due to a user not knowing how to extract a zip file, imagine trying to explain to this same user how change a file extension. Keep in mind, Windows XP (by default) hides the extension of known file types. The problem with doing this is:

1. Some email programs/spam filters detect the MIME type of the attachment, which enables them to look past the extension. I’ve run into this several times myself.

2. You are making the assumption users know how to do this. Considering the reason brought forth in this tip is due to a user not knowing how to extract a zip file, imagine trying to explain to this same user how change a file extension. Keep in mind, Windows XP (by default) hides the extension of known file types.

]]> By: William B http://www.pcmech.com/article/create-self-extracting-zip-files/comment-page-1/#comment-6106 William B Wed, 21 Mar 2007 14:16:27 +0000 1768561374#comment-6106 To get around the restriction in .exe files and e-mail a self-extracting zip file, change the extension from .exe, and tell the recipient to change it back after saving the file. To get around the restriction in .exe files and e-mail a self-extracting zip file, change the extension from .exe, and tell the recipient to change it back after saving the file.

]]> By: jfaulkner http://www.pcmech.com/article/create-self-extracting-zip-files/comment-page-1/#comment-6105 jfaulkner Wed, 21 Mar 2007 12:22:16 +0000 1768561374#comment-6105 There is about 100 KB overhead on the self extracting files. The real feature is convenience and typically your zip files will be large enough to where the extra 100 KB isn't really noticeable. There is about 100 KB overhead on the self extracting files. The real feature is convenience and typically your zip files will be large enough to where the extra 100 KB isn’t really noticeable.

]]> By: Alf Almeida http://www.pcmech.com/article/create-self-extracting-zip-files/comment-page-1/#comment-6104 Alf Almeida Wed, 21 Mar 2007 10:40:40 +0000 1768561374#comment-6104 Have downloaded and installed 7-ZIP to try with a small file, and have found that the self extracting file is larger than the original file. (175KB from 47KB). Come to think of it, I suppose 7-ZIP adds itself to the compressed file! Have downloaded and installed 7-ZIP to try with a small file, and have found that the self extracting file is larger than the original file. (175KB from 47KB). Come to think of it, I suppose 7-ZIP adds itself to the compressed file!

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