Re: best format for distribution (SHK? DSK? ZIP?)

[A little note for Google <vastats@gmail.com>]

On Aug 1, 4:11 am, Ivan X <ivan...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Hello A2 world,
>
> If I'm planning on distributing more of the Apple II software I've written
> on my web page, what's considered to be the best format(s) for distribution
> these days?
>
> The reason I ask is that I pretty much spend my time in Apple //e emulators,
> so I'm biased towards 140K disk image files because they're most convenient
> for me, and also quickly converted to disks via ADT Pro for those who are
> set up to do so.
>
> However, I realize some users download directly to their Apple II's,
> especially IIgs users; if so, I'd think image files would be less convenient
> because they require making back into disks, or utilities are needed to
> extract files from them, and I'm not even sure what exists for that, if
> anything.
>
> So, what's best? DSK? SDK? ZIP? SHK? 800K(PO)? Some combination of these?
> Something else?
>
> As an aside, what zip decoders exist? Any for 8-bit machines? Likewise, are
> there any tools for extracting files from disk images? (I wrote a
> ProDOS-based utility for extracting files from 3.3 images many years ago,
> which was crude but functional, and may be one of the items I want to put up
> if there isn't something better out there.)
>
> Thanks,
> Ivan.
>
> --- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: n...@netfront.net ---

Just distribute it in .DSK or .DO, .PO format for 8Bit AppleII.
If it is 16bit IIgs then put it out in .2mg

If you want to zip it, use ZIP or GZIP.  These are handled easily by
all machines these days.
Beyond that, anyone who wants special formats can use Ciderpress or
AppleCommander and their own archive programs.

JMHO

--billm--