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Board » Technical Support » linking execulables?

Posted by kroppyer Posts 346 Registered at 2010-02-05 15:25:55	2013-10-01 14:34:46 - linking execulables?
	[suggestion of RC to post this, so that everyone can have a say] Hi all, So let's say I have an executable file on my website. In this case it's a .jar (java program), but it could as well be a .exe (windows executable), a .user.js (userscript for browsers), or even .py, .perl, .sh, .bat And let's say I wanted to share this handy program with other SOLers. Can I just post a link on the forum? Or should admins first check it? What if I upload it to the forum? And is that any different from the rules in the chat? [my opinion] I would say, linking is OK. It's peoples own responsibility if they download viruses or arrive at "black magic"-pages. Admins should take the link down when it appears to link to something bad, but I don't think admins should check every external link before it's posted. Uploading is different. We should be able to upload images without having them checked by admins beforehand, and take the image down if it's inappropriate (of course), but if it's an executable I think admins should check it beforehand, so that the SOL server never supplies a shady file to the unknowing internet people. External links pose another question, how often should it be checked? Because it can be a link to a completely harmless page in the beginning, but the page can change once the admins have given their permission And last but not least, it all depends on the kind of file, a .user.js script can't do any more harm than normal websites can. But a .exe file can very effectively make people very sad or angry. [/my opinion] But hey, I'm not an admin, so it's not up to me. What do you think? -- In my case: MM told me that RC says that hmm and/or brainaid should speak their verdict. So I sent them a link to the download by mail. Cheers, -kroppyer
Poll: should admins check all files beforehand? yes, even images only links to executables and uploaded executables only uploaded executables no, but they should take it down as soon as it appears to be harmfull no, own responsibility, not the admin's Show Results (You won't be able to vote.) You need to be logged in to vote.
Posted by RainbowChaser Posts 2656 Registered at 2009-06-14 09:44:50	2013-10-02 07:25:49 - Re: linking execulables?
	My view is that scripts or programs or executables for use with Sailonline should really only be posted here in the Forums when the developer believes it has reached the point of being safe for "public" testing. HOWEVER if the developer wants people to help with development (and not just check out a finished product) then it must be abundantly clear from the subject/title of the thread and the way it is introduced that the "product" in question is in development. Many of those on SOL are highly computer literate and testing/developing new software is something they are comfortable doing. Many of those on SOL are users of computers but trust and rely on others to provide them with fully-functioning and non-"buggy" products (be they bought from a store or downloaded from a friend, oo-worker or SOL-chum)!! When posting new "program" (you know what I mean) the burden rests firmly on the developer/person posting to manage the expectations of their target audience. Obviously if something posted is manifestly un-developed, unworkable and causing problems then the specific links or downloadables may well need to be removed - hopefully by the developer recognising that the matter was brought to market too soon! Does that help? __________ edited for clarification --- Last Edited by RainbowChaser at 2013-10-02 09:54:35 ---
Posted by hmm Posts 118 Registered at 2011-11-03 13:35:22	2013-10-02 10:28:56 - Re: linking execulables?
	As every program need it's beta testing I don't see problems in linking programs here. I think many SOLer's are open to new tools for helping their sailing and making them publicly available gives everyone an even chance to use the same tools in races and also give the developer ideas how to improve them. In kroppyer's case he actually contacted me first and I reviewed the program before it was linked here so everything went fine. Maybe that could be encouraged from others possibly doing the in the future but I don't think it can be required.
Posted by kroppyer Posts 346 Registered at 2010-02-05 15:25:55	2013-10-02 10:46:50 - Re: linking execulables?
	Two things I've learned from experience and from others: - Software is never bug free - Software is never finished But I agree (with RC), the developer should either make it bug free enough that users do not encounter bugs, or mention clearly that there are bugs. When posing the question I was primarily thinking of viruses, session hijacking stuff or other hacking business. I think SOL should prevent having links to those on its website. And I think this should form the base for a rule/regulation regarding posting external links. For scripts and programs developed by SOL, I fully agree with you (RC), but if it's not "official" software (it should be clear what is and what isn't somehow) I think it's people own responsibility to trust it as bug free, or to be critical about its results. Of course, when the link is surrounded by misleading text (telling users it's working and so on), should (I think) take action against the misleading (not the link). A forum (in antiquity) was a place for buying/selling, socialisation and discussion. If one was selling or giving away poisoned wine, they should be removed from the forum. If one was selling or giving away harmless magic beans, telling that they would cure whatever, that person should be recognised as charlatan (not necessarily banned from the forum). Poisoned wind being viruses and virus-like thing, magic beans being programs that don't really do what they should. Should all wine be checked for poison before it can be "sold" or the forum? Or only when people start to die? Should magic beans be prohibited on the forum? And people who, while chatting, mention a place to get magic beans from? (possibly poisoned magic beans). Might it be the best to: - ban "deadly" viruses as soon as they are discovered being "deadly" - have a "product approved by admin" -label for genuine products --- Last Edited by kroppyer at 2013-10-02 10:48:06 ---
Posted by RainbowChaser Posts 2656 Registered at 2009-06-14 09:44:50	2013-10-02 20:41:26 - Re: linking execulables?
	kroppyer - what a brilliant post. I just love it ... not only does it make eminent sense but it is an entertaining read, very rare for "computer safety" material usually (not that I have much experience of it)!! Thanks!

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