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 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 they will be used for extended file descriptions.

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

Answer:
There is currently no support for long filenames (greater than the MS-DOS 8.3 format) in the Unix builds.

Windows builds supports receiving and displaying long filenames. The file database format is being replaced in Synchronet v4.00 and will store long filenames for all supported platforms.

Note:
You will need to use a native file transfer driver (e.g. SEXYZ) and not a 16-bit DOS file transfer driver (e.g. FDSZ) to get long filename support with modem file transfer protocols such as ZMODEM.

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

Answer:
Not currently.

The file database format is being replaced in Synchronet v4.00 and will supported large (>4GB) files on all supported platforms.

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