Question for Sue Mey

[Rolf]

I downloaded (bought) a pattern of your web site it was in a compressed format that required me to download decompression software. That was not a problem except that the free version sets you up for accepting popups.

My request is that the file should be self extracting like winzip used to use.
or available as a straight jpg.

Oh by the way it took all of about 5 seconds for me to get the authorization to download the file once I placed the order. That is amazing to me.

Thanks Sue

[meydenhart]

Hi Rolf
This has been a headache for me and it's been difficult to find a format that would suit everybody.

1. Most of my patterns are done in 300dpi and some are larger than A4, so the jpeg can be larger than 1 MB in some cases. This poses a problem for people with dial-up service. But then again, the zip file is not much smaller... Unfortunately this does not solve the multi-file problem of point 3. and 4.
2. Re the size mentioned above, pdf format is fine for smaller patterns but not if larger than A4 and I need to use one standard format for all my products
3. I include a "Tips & Techniques" pdf with every pattern, which experienced scroller may not use but beginners may find helpful. So every download is a minimum of two files
4. Some patterns consist of three or more files i.e. trinket boxes, and some items also have step-by-step instructions included. I can only have one download link per product code, so I decided the way to go is to put all the files into a zip folder for download
5. I have a link to free WinRAR software (without pop-ups as far as I am aware) and normally send this to the customer via email as soon as I receive an order notification. This link, and an explanation of the procedure, are also available on my site in the “Ordering & Shipping” section as well as “FAQ” section. So far I’ve only had one person who was unable to manage the procedure and to whom I had to re-send the patterns in jpeg format

I can change to the self extracting option but the problem with an .exe is that it is generally viewed as a potentially unsafe file to open and Windows pop up warnings to this effect may put off individuals less experienced in computers.

Thanks for the constructive feedback and suggestions though. If anyone has other suggestions I am all ears

[CanadianScroller]

Originally Posted by meydenhart

Thanks for the constructive feedback and suggestions though. If anyone has other suggestions I am all ears

That must be tough pushing the wood through the saw

Sounds like you have things under control ther Sue. I have never really been a big fan of RAR but I know lots of people who use it all the time.
Is it posible to convert the jpegs to vector based PDFs? Or are they detailed raster images.

[Rolf]

I never would have thought that things would get so complicated.
The latest Win zip also handles rar files.
Looks like you have handeled it in the simplest way possible
Thanks for the explanation.

[Tor]

The solution? Get rid of the windows monstrosity, and use something that comes with just about everything you need for general office/internet use, and often has it working out of the box. Of course this is not always a solution for everyone, but you can try it risk free, with a live desktop CD which will not change anything on your computer, unless you deliberately tell it to. To download free CD images, go to www.ubuntu.com , or for the version of the project using my preferred desktop environment, www.kubuntu.com . Better yet, if you have a slow connection, they will ship you a CD for free.

BTW, not only is most software pre-installed, most any software program you want is a few clicks and a download away. (Oh, and in case you are wondering, I have no connection with any of this, except for being a happy user of the OS.)

Tor

[MikeDingas]

Here's an easy solution for Windows suspecting an exe file. Rename it! Include instructions to the recipient to rename the file and maybe why you have to do this. Example: Send self-extracting file as myFile.txt with instructions to save to hard drive as myFile.exe. It works, as we do this all the time at work.

[Tor]

There is a problem with the self-extracting .exe, besides the dangers of a .exe. It becomes a windows file, while a .zip is cross-platform. Windows XP does include a .zip compression utility, which is worked into explorer (I used to use windows, but have switched, and have not looked back.)

Tor

[meydenhart]

Thank you for the responses so far. I have had a look at your suggestion Tor, and might opt to get the cd first and play around with it a bit. My PC is my livelyhood, so I cannot afford to mess up what I already have by exploring new territory with amazing but unconventiuonal software. I must say, the few people I asked about it were all very impressed with it.

[Tor]

It is true that it is not for everyone, but I do think that it could be well utilized by more people than currently use it. Many who rely on advanced multimedia programs find that they still need windows, a category which I think you may find yourself. The nice thing is that the desktop CD which you use to try it has a built-in installer if you find you want it. A backup and an idea of how drive partitioning works are wise to have before installing.

Tor

[playmeforafool]

Sue (and everyone else that makes/distributes patterns), have you tried saving your files as .PNG to see if they are any smaller? Usually things with only a few colors (line drawings) and large blocks of the same color will compress better as a PNG, and you will also not lose any of the detail. As a general rule, JPG should only be used for photographs.

As far as "unzipping" files, as mentioned, XP has the capability built in. If you right-click on the zip file, you should see an "extract all" option. Another great free (and free of pop-up junk) decompression program is 7-zip ( http://www.7-zip.org/).