Here's a bundle of Frequently asked Questions [FAQ] :: ::
This complilation of questions and anwsers come from newsgroup FAQs, Warez forums, Usenet groups, and other sources.
There's plenty here to get you started in newsgroups in general, and warez specifically. The list is fairly long, the top portion deals
primarily with newsgroup and forum procedures, and the bottom portion deals with common warez file formats and un-archiving questions.
First: Never respond to a
"Warez FTP site" or "Warez Sign-up List" message. Most are trolls (come-ons) designed to entice you to respond
with a "me too" and expose yourself to the warez world as a total newbie. At best you'll begin receiving commercial
e-mail (junk mail or spam) and at worst you may be subjected to harassment, mail bombing, virii, Trojans, or worse.
You should never post your personal e-mail address on Usenet anyway. Now you may be wondering, "But can ALL of these
people replying be wrong?" Unfortunately the answer is YES! Be sure to check out http://www.netmeg.net/faq/internet/net-abuse/troll-faq/ if you're still in doubt.
Lurk: Watch in the background for a while, getting an overview of the lay of the land and a feeling for the general climate. Learn - Browse through this
FAQ to pick up the pointers you'll need to get the most of out of things. Success in the binary newsgroups takes a
certain amount of persistence and patience on your part. as Warez are NOT available on demand. Sometimes it's just a matter of timing or "catch as catch can".
Q: How do I get the application I want?
A: Ask for it by name. Ask once per day, not more. Multiple requests in one day are
called "hammering", and tend to aggravate the people who have what you
want, as though they were too stupid to read it the first time. Be
persistent though, and search the list of headers for replies. Very often
a file or application you are looking for can either be had elsewhere on
Usenet, or on the Web, or even on an FTP somewhere, and someone is giving
you a head's-up as to where it is. Also, don't use "TIA" (for "thanks in
advance") in the header- because a lot of people (especially people who
have been around a while and are very likely to have what you need,) have
all "TIA" headers automatically kill-filed! "TIA" is considered the mark
of a "gimme gimme" newbie, and really isn't going to help you get your
files; just the opposite in fact, it will often prevent your request from
even being seen by many people.
Q: What are the best applications to use for downloading binaries and
reading text?
A: There are many good apps for reading/posting text and downloading binaries (too many to list here) ,
visit our tools section to see reviews and overviews of the most used or highly recommend brands.
Q: Can I ask for a game to be posted in an apps group or vice-versa?
A: You could ask, but since most groups specialize in either applications or games, you
shouldn't. It's not likely to be posted, you open yourself up to flames, and may possibly decrease the chances
of getting the an on topic request later. You will have the greatest chance of
success if your request is properly targeted.
Q: What is meant by "rip"?
A: A "rip" is the result of taking a full CD application and extracting
just the necessary files; testing them, cracking them if need be,
packaging them, and releasing them. All the files that are not essential
to running the application have been removed. This means things like the
umpteenth copies of Adobe Acrobat Reader, Internet Explorer, etc. It
sometimes means that handy files such as extra fonts, templates, patterns,
clipart, etc. have also been ripped-out. In most cases that doesn't affect
the application's ability to execute, but if you need the extras then you
should seek the full CD image in the image groups, or buy the program if
you find that it meets your needs.
Q: I got a file with the extension "nfo" what is it and what do I do with
it?
A: "nfo" is short for i-nfo-rmation file. It's pure text and you can read
it with any text-reader such as notepad, or an application that can
properly show the "ASCII-ART" which nfos often contain. The nfo file
contains handy, and very often essential information that you may need in
order to make the application work- such as installation instructions,
serial numbers, cracking instructions, etc.
Q: What is an "SFV" file, do I need it, how do I use it, and where do I
get it?
A: An SFV (Simple File Verification) is a
cyclic-redundancy-check listing which is created in such a way that each
file has a nearly unique "fingerprint", which is recorded in an SFV file
created by the poster from his original file set. That SFV can be compared
to one generated "on-the-fly" by the SFV program using the files you
downloaded. If the program says the two match, then you got the
bit-for-bit identical file that the poster uploaded. If they don't, you
will most likely have problems, and will need to try downloading the bad
file(s) again; or, if it's a RAR archive and the archive was made with
recovery information included, and is not short of bytes, WinRAR might be
able to repair it. At this time the most commonly used program for
generating and checking SFV files is QuickSFV by Mercedes, though there
are several others as well, such as Win-SFV by Alcatraz.
You can find reviews, overviews, and links to QuickSFV and Win-SFV in our tools section
Q: There is a multipart post that I want, but all the parts aren't
complete. How do I get it all?
A: In case the parts didn't all make it to your server you can ask for the
file or files that are missing, but it's best to give them a fair chance
to complete by themselves. Since all the parts of a file may take
different paths, give it two full days to try to complete. Usenet propagation is
dynamic, which means that a file may be split into many parts, and each
part may take a different route to your news server, which stores each
segment individually. Most newsreaders can assemble these parts
automatically; some need a little help. Since they are all different, and
this FAQ can't tell which reader you will be using, the best advice we can
give you is to read the manual that came with your news-reader program. If
you still can't figure out how to join the parts, ask in
alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc.d. The "regulars" there will walk you through
it.
The best friend you have in completing posts is patience!
Q: How long should I wait to post a repost request?
A: DAYS, not hours. Two days seems about right at this time, but read the
poster's "0/" or "NFO" file to see if the poster has specifically
mentioned fills. Some posters announce that they are going to do a repost
in "X" days for instance, others ask you to wait a certain number of days
before asking for fills. If the poster has no specific policy then use the
following guide: Usenet propagation is such that if a file is not complete
after two (2) days, waiting longer won't usually help. So if after two
days the file or files remain incomplete, then it is reasonable to make a
request for fills. You can request a fill by addressing the request to the
poster. Usually something like. ATTN: Postername RE: Application/post name
file 2 of 8 epxtrn07.zip missing, please repost! But remember, no one owes you anything! The random
nature of NNTP propagation means that parts of messages still may come in
several days later!
Q: I have asked and asked, but no one has uploaded my REQ. What gives?
A: It could be any one of several things. Perhaps no one has what you
asked for. Perhaps, before you got smart enough to read and follow these
guidelines, you made some mistakes (such as requesting a file many times
in one day, called "hammering") which made people kill filter you. Perhaps
nobody feels like uploading anything right now. This is Usenet, not real
life. There is no "refund desk" or complaint department. Remember, nobody
owes you anything, and you don't owe them.
Q: Can I ask for installation help?
A: First read any information files contained in the program zips. These are generally .nfo
(info) files, but may be .txt or .doc. There also may be useful information in the 0/ file. If it won't run,
read the information files again (RTFM). If it still won't run, ask your question in the discussion group.
Q: Should I worry about being embarrassed for asking a newbie question?
A: No. So long as you have read their FAQ and done your best to RTFM, most
folks are willing to answer questions not covered here or in your PC and
newsreader help files. If you receive a facetious answer, ignore it. Most regulars in these groups
are genuinely interested in helping others. Not every answer can be put
into a FAQ; only the most frequently asked questions are intended to be
here. However, if you fail to read your newsreader documentation or this
FAQ carefully, and you ask a question answered in those places, you may
see heated responses. Remember RTFM.
Q: How do I download and use these files? I'm using Outlook Express.
A: You have to do it one .zip at a time in Outlook Express. First choose
the file you are trying to download and select all of its parts (make sure
they are all there, or else you're wasting your time.) You will probably
need to hit the "Stop" button, because when you select the first part of
the file, Outlook will try to download it. Once you have all of the parts
of the file selected, from the "Message" menu on top, choose "Combine and
Decode". A window titled "Order for Decoding" will open. This is where you
can make sure that you selected all the parts necessary, and that they are
in the proper order before you download it. Once you have it arranged,
choose "OK". The file will now download. When it is finished, another
dialog will open asking you whether you want to open the file or to save
it to disk. Choose "Save to disk", and remember where you saved it.
You have to do this for every file you want, so if there are a lot of
them, this is a long and tedious process. It will, however, get you what
you want- eventually. There are much better clients to deal with binary
files than Outlook Express. See the question "What are the best
applications to use for downloading binaries and reading text?" for
recommendations.
Q: Should I say how desperate/urgently/badly I want a program?
A: If you say something like "Norton Utilities needed urgently" people
will tell you to buy it! Just make a normal request, anything else marks
you as a newbie/gimme-gimme/lamer.
Q: IS ALL CAPS OKAY?
A: Please don't. Its the Internet equivalent of SHOUTING, and is only done
with individual words, as emphasis.
Un-archiving file formats :: ::
Check in our tools section for links to the programs mentioned below and more.
Q: How do I decompress .zip files?
A: Get WinZip. Setup is a snap. After downloading a .zip file, just
double-click on it. It's very easy. WinRAR will also unzip zip files (see
the entry below for WinRAR.)
Q: How do I decode these ".rar", .r01, .r02, etc. files?
A: Get WinRAR. If there is no ".rar" file, use the lowest- numbered
extension. Many release groups/packagers/posters start the archive set
with a ".001" file which is functionally identical with RAR.
Starting with WinRAR v3.0 the default naming convention for WinRAR
archives is filename.part1.rar filename.part2.rar...filename.partXXX.rar -
but WinRAR treats them the same as it does the .rar..r99, etc. files. Just
open "filename.part1.rar" and when you extract WinRAR gets all the parts
and extracts them all.
Also starting with WinRAR v3.0 versions of WinRAR earlier than 2.9 may
return an "unknown method" error when decompressing archives made with
with WinRAR 3.0 or later. The only solution is to upgrade to at least
version 2.9.
Q: How do I decompress these .001, .002, .003, etc. files?
A: They are almost certainly RAR files, or ACE files (see below). Try RAR
first. If they don't decode, then try the other. Most posters will tell
you which format in the .nfo files or the 0/ file of the post.
Double-click on the 001 file if you have WinRAR installed, it will treat
it just as though the 001 was the RAR.
Q: How do I unpack the "ace", c01, c02, etc. files?
A: Get WinACE. Some release groups use ACE compression because it packs
some types of files the best.
Q: What are PAR files, and P01, P02, etc?
A: They are Parity files, generated from the original archive set of RAR
files. They are used by programs such as SmartPAR, to complete posts where
one or more files is missing, at a ratio of 1 to1, where one PAR file can
recreate any missing RAR file, and so on. If you have all the RARs, you
don't need any of the PARS. Par sets come with a rather small PAR file
itself (an index/CRC which isn't absolutely necessary) and P01, P02..,PXX,
etc. Any PXX file can be used to recreate any missing or damaged RAR file.
We have a indepth analysis of PAR files in the "obsessive geek" section.
Q: What are REV files, and how do I use them?
A: They are also Reed-Solomon parity files (like PAR files) created by
WinRAR V3.0 or later. The REV stands for "REcovery Volume". WinRAR uses
them to repair damaged archives, including the replacement of missing
RARs. They are created by WinRAR at the time of the creation of the RARs,
if that option is selected by the creator of the archive.
Q: Why would someone zip an .ace or .rar archive?
A: Three reasons are usually given:
- it allows the poster to enclose information files in the zip,
- it is rumored that zips transmit more reliably than .aces and rars
- damaged zips can sometimes (rarely!) be repaired.
Of these, only #1 appears to make sense, the others were included for historical continuity.
Q: How do I unzip more than one zip file at a time?
A: The easiest way is with WinRAR. If you have WinRAR properly installed,
simply highlight them all, right click, and the WinRAR options should be
there to allow you to unzip them all in one shot. Or start WinRAR and
navigate to where the files are, highlight them, select Extract To.
Versions of WinZip starting with version 8.1 will also unzip multiple
files at once.
Q: The subject line is way too long for me to read. What should I do?
A: Just act like you're going to reply to the post; in the reply window
you can see the whole subject line -- just click the
"send-follow-up-message" icon. You can read the entire line and scroll if
necessary. Then, just click the close window box. If you are using another
newsreader, refer to its documentation. And don't be part of the problem
when you post. Try to keep your 'Subject:' header as short as possible.
Q: How do I join sections of a binary file?
A: Simply: Highlight all the sections you have downloaded and wish to
join, right click, and select "Join Sections" from that pop-up menu.
Another window will then pop up where you can adjust the ordering of the
sections. When ready, click "Join". Then you can "Save" the joined file to
disk.
Q: Can I join sections of the same binary file from two different groups?
A: Yes, usually. If using Agent, try this: Create a new folder under
"Groups." Call the new folder anything you like. Use the "Manage Folder
Menus" option to bring this new folder into the list that appears when you
right-click on a header. Then, simply retrieve the headers (simple
retrieve, not launch or save attachments) from the different groups,
right-click on them after you have retrieved them, and send them to your
"WORK" folder. You then can select them, right-click, and select "Join
Sections" to put them in the proper order. Note- this only works if they
are in the same message or, frequently, a repost of the message BY THE
SAME POSTER. If he/she has not changed the line length of the attachment
section, it will generally work.
This can also work for segments from
different servers, if you have Agent set-up for using multiple servers. If
using a multi-server program it 'automagically' joins
parts from different servers to create complete files.
Q: I have a file with the extension ISO. What do I do with it?
A: You have a CD-image file. There are several formats for CD image files: ISO, BIN, IMG, NRG, and CIF
are the main ones. There are others, but they're seldom seen.
ISO (from ISO-9660) is the most common type of CD image file. This can be
burned to CD with almost all burning programs, including EZCD Creator,
CDRWin, Nero, Stomp, and others. BIN (BIN=binary) is a binary image file created by either CDRWin or
Fireburner. BIN files need a .CUE file also, but if you don't have one
BINs can still be burned by creating a simple CUE file. CDRWin's help file
gives clear directions on how to write a CUE file using notepad.
IMG is a file created by CloneCD, but which is usually the same as a BIN
file. IMG files can be burned by either CloneCD, Fireburner, CDRWin, or
Nero. If you're not using CloneCD, just treat an IMG file like a BIN file
in the other programs. NRG is a proprietary format used by Nero for CD images, and must be burned
using Nero. CIF is also a proprietary format and is used by EZCD Creator, which you
must use to burn a CIF.
Some of the main "burning" applications, and the image formats they handle
follows:
- CDRWin: BIN, ISO, IMG
- CloneCD: IMG, BIN, ISO
- EZCD Creator: ISO, CIF
- Fireburner: BIN, ISO
- Nero Burning ROM: BIN, ISO, NRG
- Stomp Click-n-Burn: ISO
- NTI-CDmaker
- FantomCD
You also can extract files from most of these image format files by using
- WinISO
- ISOBuster
- WinImage
- CDmage (freeware)
Check in our tools section for links to these programs and more.
For more information on CD-images go to:
alt.binaries.cd.image FAQ:
http://www.oocities.org/d_allegheri/0.html
How to articles:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/archive/bin_cue_with_nero.cfm (software links here also)
http://www.cyrus.troy.btinternet.co.uk/bincue.htm
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