Suggestion: download file names that make sense

[Oxides]

I just download the newest Atlast Loot and got this: 1188371084-1012414257-2128196588.zip. Why the cryptic name instead of something remotely identifiable? If i dl a few mods, i will have no idea what is what.

[Rushster]

There is a reason for this which is security. However, we are looking at workign on a solution that suits everyone.

[Ev_]

I'd also like to bring back nicely named files. I store all the latest versions of my mod zips in a folder. It was nice that I used to be able to just drag them in, but now I have to rename them first.

[Elly]

I realise the files are renamed to numbers because it increases security a lot but what about putting file name then some numbers so atleast it can sort in the correct order in file manager but you also get the added security with the numbers?

[iuwbgeiuewg]

Another possibilitie might be Filename_NUMBER.zip alternativly I think it should be possible to come up with a way that is based on PHP.

I think it should be possible to "rename" it just for sending. So if the "I wan to download" link is clicked the server initiats communication which tells the Client "I send you file MyModName.zip" while it's sending the contents of NUMBER.zip I think this should be possible though I'm not sure how (maybe just header() is needed?!) though I don't have a clue about the additional load :X

[mrdummy]

With PHP, it's possible to give name back to the file so you can download normally from it.
This is common technique inside download scripts, to prevent linking filenames from another sites. They must go through "download.php?fileid=xxxx" to make it possible. The real filename is still secret.
People upload normal file with readable name -> server stores original filename in DB, but saves for security and difference renamed filename (in numbers) -> on server is now numbered filename.

When user download it -> pass through php, put filename back, from DB, and give it as normal named filename to user -> user download it normally.

With download script, you can block easy special files from normal users and registered users, or make it only accessible for beta testers. Just for example.

[Amthea]

We are deliberately not using a download gateway like that, for performance. All downloads and screenshots go through a special server which is designed to handle bulk file downloads.

[Zidomo]

Originally Posted by Elly

I realise the files are renamed to numbers because it increases security a lot but what about putting file name then some numbers so atleast it can sort in the correct order in file manager but you also get the added security with the numbers?

Yep, I concur. Files with numbers only makes it impossible to either search or sort mods locally on a user's machine. Requires having to take extra time to find the mod and manually rename it.

Consequently--this combined with the new site losing 2+ years of personal file comments/bug reports--I won't be using or recommending this site anymore.

Bad job, folks.

[Krellmax]

Surely you can find a way to offer security while honoring the author's original file name. This is a little silly in my opinion. As a long time mod author and user of this site, I sure hope you get these things worked out Rushster (and company). I really miss the simplicity of the old site.

[Amthea]

This has been sorted out.