Re: dsk and do files

[CUTjefbla@bconnex.net (Jeff Blakeney)]

On 13 May 1998 03:29:03 GMT, supertimer@aol.com (Supertimer) wrote:

>There may be a difference between a file archive and a disk image
>archive, but .shk designates BOTH.  That's what Andy Nicholas
>intended and that's what Shrinkit does by default.  Just because
>someone down the line thought up the .sdk designation and Nathan
>Mates followed suite with a GUPP that changed Shrinkits default
>behavior does not make it correct.  The .shk format is an archive
>that may contain either a file or a disk image with a NuFx header
>and most often compressed with LZW or LZW/2.

Actually, this is just following the naming conventions that had
occurred over time.  For example here are some common suffixes and
what they contain:

BNY = Binary II wrapped file(s)

SHK = ShrinkIt archive   BXY = ShrinkIt archive in a Binary II wrapper
QQ = Squeezed file   BQY = Squeezed file in a Binary II wrapper

It is always nice to know what it is you are downloading so that
you'll know if you have the software to unpack it successfully.

In the case of SDK disks, GSHK cannot unpack 5.25" disk archives that
are not formatted for ProDOS.  It can create them, but it cannot
unpack them.  You have to use the 8 bit ShrinkIt to unpack them.  Not
only that, but you have to have a blank disk ready before you can
unpack shrunk disks.

It makes it easier on people and saves a lot of time that might be
wasted otherwise simply by changing the one character in the file
name.

>WHY?  Sure, a disk image support is needed for initially getting
>ProDOS or GS/OS onto an emulator, but once a hard disk image
>is created it makes PERFECT SENSE to support .shk file format.
>An integrated Shrinkit type program that can take an .shk file
>archive on a Mac or Wintel hard drive and unshrink the files ONTO
>the DISK IMAGE would make emulators MUCH MORE USEFUL.
>You could then run ANY software from legitamate sources like
>the GROUND FTP SERVER or YOUR OWN GS with ease.  It
>makes PERFECT SENSE.  If GS+ Magazine lasted a few more
>years, there would probably be at least a Mac version of such a
>program.  It makes PERFECT SENSE.  To argue against it...no
>reason except an irrational preference for .dsk.

I started writing a program to do this but it hasn't been a very high
priority for me as I rarely use ApplePC and XGS is just too slow on my
486DX4-100.  Besides, I'd rather spend my time working on my II
projects like my POP3/SMTP e-mail client.  :)

I'll finish it someday, maybe after I get a Pentium or Pentium II.

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