Steps For Downloading Diskettes Via FTP
Kenn's
19980203: Steps For Downloading Diskettes Via FTP
February/1998
Tech
Notes
Tech Note #3
We have numerous disks available for download from the shop ftp site. They are in the /pub/disks directory. The software that is included there is proprietary division software and/or requires a bootable medium. Therefore, it is distributed in encrypted disk image format. Because the ftp site is freely available, it is necessary to password-protect this software. The password is not required to download the files; it is necessary to extract the software from the downloaded files.
That makes it a little more difficult for you to extract it for your use. Here's a review of how it works:
a. Connect. Access the shop ftp site via anonymous ftp. Use Netscape, or set your other ftp client to passive mode, for most reliable operation.
b. Read. Decide which files you need to download. Each disk image is stored in an .EXE file. The /pub/disks directory contains a file called !README!.TXT. Read this file for a listing of which files correspond to which disks.
c. Get the file. Download the disk image file (or files) you require to a new, empty directory on your hard drive. Or, if you've done this before, copy the files to the same directory you currently have your other disk images in. I suggest you make a directory called C:\MAKEDISK, but it doesn't matter what you call it.
d. Extract the setup utility. Run each .EXE file by typing its name at the command prompt, or by double-clicking it from Windows. Running the downloaded .EXE file does not create the disk. This creates the program to make the disk. It also creates a .TXT file with more information about the extraction process. Read it if you require more help.
e. Make the disk. For each .EXE file you have run, you will now have a program called SETUP###.EXE where ### is some three digit number. You must now run the SETUP###.EXE program. Run each SETUP###.EXE file by typing its name at the command prompt, or by double-clicking it from Windows. It is now that you will be asked for the password. Remember that the password is case-sensitive. When you have entered the correct password, the disk image will be decrypted and stored on your hard drive, and you will be given the opportunity to make the disk. Do so.
f. Cleanup. When you have run all the SETUP###.EXE programs you will notice that all the downloaded and intermediary files have been automatically removed. What is left is a program called MAKEDISK.EXE, as many .DSK disk image files as you have downloaded, and the support DCP files which are the disk imaging software. If you anticipate you will never need to make another copy of any of these diskettes, you can delete the entire directory. However, if you hang on to it, simply run MAKEDISK from the command prompt or double-click MAKEDISK.EXE from Windows, and you can make more copies of any of the disks whose images you have downloaded.
g. Now use the software! Remember, the preceding steps create the disks only. The function of the disks is not accessed until you run the appropriate program(s) from the disks you have made. For example, if you have followed the above steps to create a set of anti-virus installer/updater diskettes, you now have the diskettes, but you have not installed the anti-virus software. Use the diskettes you have created to do this.
DISCLAIMER: This document is intended for the reference of computer support personnel within Winnipeg School Division No. 1. There is no warranty or liability if procedures recommended here have an adverse affect on any systems. Use them at your own risk. Any trademarks mentioned are the property of their owners, none of whom have certified any information provided here. Opinions expressed here are personal only and do not represent the policy of Winnipeg School Division No. 1 or any other organization anywhere.
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