Digital Download questions

[DesertCoder]

Hello All,

 

I was given this link to read up on the osc Digital Download settings:

 

scribd.com/doc/13684817/OSCommerce-Digital-Download-Settings

 

Apparently this is all configurable within the osc download and does not require a module. The problem I have is the setting apparently REQUIRES the download files to have a .zip extension, to wit:

 

"Changes to files supplied for download

 

All downloadable files must be placed in the ‘download’ directory on the server.

The files must have a .zip extensionThe file names must not have any spaces"

 

Well...I need a reason for this logic. We've all been warned to the n-th degree about downloading ANYTHING with a .zip extension, and how on Earth are we supposed to explain this to our customers who are far less knowledgeable about things who may be paranoid about .zip files?

 

And on top of that, this is just plain STUPID to mandate a file's extension for download. And it makes an inventory nightmare for the webmaster.

 

So I want to know if I can bypass this stupid setting and allow download of any file extension I want, .wmv, .mov, .avi, etc. The method described abobve seem scounterproductive and no reason is given as to WHY the files must be a certain type.

 

 

Second...

 

This document mentioned cPanel settings. Okay, I have a cPanel server, so all good there. But what about several of my clients who do NOT have cPanel servers?

 

Is there better information to read up on this?

 

Please help. Osc is my only hope for now. Thanks!

 

Cheers,

 

DesertCoder

[Guest]

@@DesertCoder

 

1) A .zip extension is far better than a .exe extension and at this time in, anyone who does not employ a GOOD anti-virus program is looking for trouble when downloading ANY file type. I personally offer ONLY .zip files to my customers and have never had an issue.

 

2) cPanel is not required. I think the document refers to site security and directory permissions, which can normally be set using an FTP client.

 

3) I know there was no third question, however I have one. What are you doing offering osCommerce services to 'clients' if you don't already know the answers to questions 1 and 2 ?

 

 

Chris

[DesertCoder]

Chris,

 

Be nice now. I am new to osc and I have the potential to offer this for two prospective clients.

 

You make good points in 1 and 2. But my overall question remains unanswered: what can I do to allow downloads of files with any extension I want?

 

And by the way, the snark about thecPanel question...I was reading documentation forwarded to me by the billing company (CCBill). When I read docs that say 'cPanel Settings' and nothing else, it's leading me to suspect there was some specific need for a cPanel server. Had the author been more through this would not have been a question.

Cheers,

 

DesertCoder

[teamshanni]

Hi guys ... Hope someone responds to this question:

I have all the download setting correct in OSCOMMERCE. I'm able to download .txt, .pdf, .jpg, .png files. But I cannot, for the life of me, get .mp4 files to download from the customer perspective. Is there some particular way I need to package the file or a setting I'm missing on OSC ADMIN?? Any help or insight would be fantastic! Thanks is advance!

 

Devon

[♥toyicebear]

make it into a .zip

[♥14steve14]

Chris,

 

You make good points in 1 and 2. But my overall question remains unanswered: what can I do to allow downloads of files with any extension I want?

 

 

DesertCoder

 

If oscommerce will not do what your clients want, then you are advising that they use the wrong software. Use something that will enable various file types to be downloaded.

 

I sell thousands of downloads a year, all .zip files and have only once or twice had any problems, and that was when the server was upgraded and download by redirect would not work. I have also never had a complaint from any customers about the file type ie .zip files.

[nilla]

Hi guys ... Hope someone responds to this question:

I have all the download setting correct in OSCOMMERCE. I'm able to download .txt, .pdf, .jpg, .png files. But I cannot, for the life of me, get .mp4 files to download from the customer perspective. Is there some particular way I need to package the file or a setting I'm missing on OSC ADMIN?? Any help or insight would be fantastic! Thanks is advance!

 

Devon

Which download settings did you use to be aable to download .pdf? /Nilla

[MrPhil]

When I read docs that say 'cPanel Settings' and nothing else, it's leading me to suspect there was some specific need for a cPanel server. Had the author been more through this would not have been a question.

Many ignorant people, unfortunately, use "cPanel" in a generic sense for "control panel". "cPanel" is actually a specific product name. This is like calling any adhesive strip bandage a "Band Aid", or any glass wool insulation "Fibreglas". Use "control panel" unless you're specifically talking about the cPanel product.

 

As for the original issue of "why only .zip?", it's an arbitrary choice. They could have chosen to allow any file extension, but chose to stick to one. Perhaps different MIME types are needed for others? Anyway, there's nothing to keep anyone from modifying the osC code to permit other kinds of files. Any binary file that can't be visually inspected by the customer, whether .mp3, .zip, or .exe; is potentially a virus vector or Trojan.