Files

Frequently asked questions regarding files and file transfers in Synchronet.

• How do I add files to the file database?
• Are long filenames (greater than the MS-DOS 8.3 format) supported?
• Are large files (greater than 4GB in size) supported?
• How do I enable forced upload/download ratios?
• How do I enable free file downloads?

Question:
How do I add files to the file database?

Answer:
The easiest way add files to the Synchronet file databases (Filebases), in bulk, is to use the Addfiles utility script which can automatically detect and import embedded descriptions (e.g. FILE_ID.DIZ).

You may also use the ;UPLOAD sysop command via the terminal server to add files from the local file system into the file database. Using this command, you will be prompted to enter file descriptions, but if the files being added have embedded file descriptions (e.g. FILE_ID.DIZ) then these descriptions will be used for extended file descriptions automatically.

There's also the option to upload the files into the databases via a traditional file transfer protocol (e.g. ZMODEM) or FTP, but this is unnecessary if the files are already on the local file system (disk/partition) and wasteful of time and file storage, so is not normally used by a sysop to add local files to a filebase.

Question:
Are long filenames (greater than the MS-DOS 8.3 format) supported?

Answer:
Yes, in Synchronet v3.19 and later. Earlier versions of Synchronet were limited to supporting long filenames only in Windows builds.

Question:
Are large files (larger than 4GB in size) supported?

Answer:
Yes, in Synchronet v3.19 and later.

Note: The ZMODEM file transfer protocol has issue transferring files larger than 2GB or 4GB (depending on implementation).

Question:
How do I enable forced upload/download ratios?

Answer:
By default, Synchronet utilizes a “credit” system, where a user typically earns credits by uploading files, posting messages, playing online games, etc. And downloading files requires a number of credits based on the size of the file.

If you prefer to use a less flexible upload/download “ratio” system, you can do so by using the UDR (upload/download byte ratio) or UDFR (upload/download file ratio) ARS keywords in the Download Requirements of your file areas. These ARS keywords, like the PCR (post/call ratio) keyword use a specified minimum “percentage”. So if you wish to enforce a 1:3 upload/download ratio, then use “UDFR 33” for 33%, 3:4 ratio would be “UDFR 75” for 75%, 1:2 would be “UDFR 50” for 50%, etc.

Question:
How do I disable the credit requirements so users can download whatever files they want when they want?

Answer:
By default, Synchronet utilizes a “credit” system, where a user typically earns credits by uploading files, posting messages, playing online games, etc. And downloading files requires a number of credits based on the size of the file. Users can be automatically given a certain number of “free credits” per day (determined by the sysop), based on their security level value.

If you wish to allow your users to download from any file areas whether or not they have enough credits required for the file(s) they want to download, you may:

• Give specific (or all) users the (D)ownload Cost exemption (e.g. using a user editor or the allusers utility), or
• Set the “Free Downloads” Toggle Option for one or more of your file areas in SCFG to “Yes”

• Frequently Asked Questions