Software Library Files There are many files available for downloading in the IBM Download Libraries on the electronic services (America Online, Prodigy, CompuServe, and the IBM PS/1-Aptiva BBS). These include patches for using specific hardware or software on IBM PS/1, Aptiva, PS/Note or ThinkPad computers, updated drivers, tips or text files, and miscellaneous software. Files are available for downloading in a couple of different formats. Most files that are available are compressed or "zipped". "Zipped" refers to a specific method or program used in compressing the files. Files that are zipped, typically have the file extension of ZIP. These files need a program called PKUNZIP by PKWare (or compatible unzipping program) in order to unzip or uncompress them. Programs unzipped by PKUNZIP must be compatible with the version of PKZIP that compressed the file. If you have the latest version of PKUNZIP (2.04G as of this article), you can uncompress files compressed with an earlier version of PKZIP. PKUNZIP is available for download from the IBM Software Library areas on the electronic services. PKUNZIP is also available on many Bulletin Board Systems (BBS's). Another format of compressed files available for downloading is a self- extracting or self-executing file. These files typically have the extension of EXE, however, regular executable files also have the same extension. How can you tell the difference between a compressed executable and a non- compressed one? There is no easy way to tell the difference by simply looking at the file. One key to telling the difference is to read the downloading instructions that accompany the file. The description will typically mention that the file is self-extracting, needs to be expanded, or the file needs to be executed. Then run an install program or see further documentation (included in the original file) about installation or running. Sometimes, these files are expanded or extracted to a diskette. Depending upon the program, it may not function properly if not expanded or extracted to a diskette. Yet another form of file compression used is a Disk Image Format and uses the extension of DSK. This type of file contains the entire image for a diskette and can even create a bootable diskette. This type of file may require a program called: LoadDisk. Why Compression? Files are compressed to reduce the amount of time required to download the file. However, this generally adds an additional step in using these files. In the IBM Software Libraries, we try to make the instructions clear so that the file can be installed properly. Some times this means that you may have to read an additional file, included with the original file, to fully install or use the files that you downloaded. Most files in the IBM Software Library are self extracting (see above), in DSK format, or are ready to use as they are and do not need to be uncompressed. Therefore, you may not need PKUNZIP for any files obtained from our libraries. However, the electronic services provide many files that are zipped in their general software libraries. Files SWLIB.HLP is a Windows help file that describes all of the files that are available in the IBM Software Libraries. This file can also be downloaded. This file contains the filename, location, description, installation instructions, etc., for each file that is available for download. The files are organized by category, such as Drivers-Video, Drivers-Multimedia, Original Files - PS/1-Aptiva, etc. If you choose a category, you are provided with a list of files that are available along with a brief description. If you choose a file, you will see the complete file details. From here, if you click on the purple "AOL", "BBS", "CIS", or "Prodigy", near the top, you are able to see the file's details as it appears on each of the respective electronic services. The help file also allows searching using keywords. This help file is updated on a regular basis as files are changed. Questions? If you have questions about particular files, please post a question in the topic area that concerns the file. In addition, on America Online, you can use the "Ask the Staff" button at the bottom of the window when viewing the file's description. A staff member will get back to you with answers to your questions regarding the file. This feature/button is not a place or means to ask "How to" questions. This is strictly for information about the particular file that you are viewing. Please post "How to" questions in the Info Exchange. On Prodigy there is an Info Exchange topic area called Download Library in which you can ask questions about a particular file or the Libraries. On CompuServe, please post a question in the appropriate forum area. You can also post a question on the IBM PS/1-Aptiva BBS about a particular file.