A disturbing trend has developed as of late. With the proliferation of multiple compression utilities, it seems that everyone has begun to create self-extracting archives (SEAs). While this is all-and-well, self-extracting archives add to the file sizes of files being transferred. While 10-20K for the self-extraction code isn’t much, it rapidly adds up over multiple transfers. In addition, for small files, often the use of self-extraction features cause the file to be larger than the original, uncompressed file.
WHAT IT DOES
DeSEA removes the overhead self-extraction code. What DeSEA does is first change the type and creator of the file to the program’s native format, rename the file from the self-extraction suffix to the native suffix, strip the resource fork of all the overhead code, and reset the finder flags. Since the compressed data is always stored in the data fork, no important data can ever be lost since the data fork is left completely intact. DeSEA can be run on a single file or on an entire folder of files. DeSEA is currently configured for the three most popular compression programs: Disk Doubler, Compact Pro, and StuffIt Classic/Deluxe. DeSEA is extensible as well, since new compession programs always seem to be emerging (see release notes).
THANKS TO…
The beta-testers on my local BBS’s: Boston Computer Society, The Graphics Factory, and Tom’s BBS. Special thanks to Barry Wolman and Masatsugu Nagata (both for numerous bug reports), and to those who have sent me postcards.
SYSTEM 6 CAVEAT…
System 6.0.x seems to have a problem with applications other than the Finder which change the Finder flags of an application. If a file which is being DeSEA’d under Multifinder (6.0.x) is currently displayed in an open window, its flags may not be set properly if the file is moved. It is therefore advisable under System 6.0.x to close the windows of files being DeSEA’d. System 7.0 doesn’t appear to display this obnoxious behavior.
DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION
DeSEA is Freeware. Online services, bulletin boards, and user-groups may distribute DeSEA without restriction. Companies like Educorp, which make money on programs which I have deemed “free” must request permission, in writing, to distribute DeSEA.
Use it in good health, cut down on your phone bills, and go on nice vacations. If you find DeSEA useful, why not send me postcard of your place of business, hometown, school, or where you most recently vacationed (from all the money you saved). Bug reports, comments, and suggestions are always welcome either by US Snail or electronic mail.
