Disk Images vs. Images of Disks

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2012, March 14 - 1:42pm

InkBlot

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Joined: 2009 Aug 6

Disk Images vs. Images of Disks

I was wondering if there is any way we could differentiate between formal disk images (images created from the actual media) and informal disk images (images created from folders or files). I myself am more interested in the disk images created from the original media. However, I realize that those who only have access to Macs via emulators prefer disk images regardless of their "authenticity." I am not here trying to suggest one is better than the other, or one should be removed.

It might just be a case of volunteering the information, but I would prefer going so far as creating a field where one could choose to label the disk image or images as authentic or not. Any thoughts on this? Is it worth the time going through everything already on the site, or am I just being picky?

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2012, March 14 - 5:25pm

bertyboy

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Joined: 2009 Jun 14

Not picky, and I would ask that those uploading volunteer the information. Like many here I prefer images of the original media, to be differentiated from disc images acquired over the internet, differentiated from compressed install folders, differentiated from compressed installed app folders.

I've always tried to be explicitly clear about where my uploads have come from. Some others do the same - it helps others know that if they have the original media, they can contribute it if it is not already uploaded.

2012, March 14 - 6:04pm

Arthegall

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Joined: 2011 Dec 31

In my opinion, the best practice is simply to include a text file as a part of your upload detailing when and how you acquired the images in it. You could never create a set of selectable website options with enough detail for true archival purposes; and formal archiving is the only reason the distinction matters.

For users who simply want to use the software, the distinction is not really that important.

2012, March 14 - 9:52pm

MCP

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Joined: 2010 Mar 12

Taking a look at the creation and modification dates of the image on the mac desktop (real or emulated) usually gives some clue. "Get Info"

2012, March 15 - 7:37am

bertyboy

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Joined: 2009 Jun 14

Yes, but i don't want to download stuff I already have original media for, just to check.

2012, March 15 - 11:10am

(Reply to #5) #6

Arthegall

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Joined: 2011 Dec 31

You've obviously been around the block a few times here at the Garden, and I'm new in town, so I don't want to speak out of turn, but that comment sounds too self-centered for a group-sourced site.

"I don't want to bother an extra download if I already have original media in my stash."

Again, that may be a mis-read (and if it is, I apologize) but that's how it sounds.

What this site needs is people who see a title and think. "Hey, I have original media for that. Let me check the current archive and see if what I have is better. Heck, let me upload images of my disks just to be safe. And while I'm at it, I'll scan my disks (or even take some photos with my phone) so everybody else can see what the disks look like."

This site is cool because of people who have the second attitude.

2012, March 15 - 5:22pm

bertyboy

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Joined: 2009 Jun 14

A good and valid point.

Of course my download can consume vast amounts of the sites bandwidth, and my bandwidth - which is paid for by the MB for the ssite and by many, many users.

When all I want is for the original uploader to clearly state honestly where the disks came from, "from the original media", "a disc image from a torrent or off a website", "from a folder offa magazine cover cd", etc, etc. Hopefully, every one of my, more than a few, uploads details exactly this. If I've uploaded a disc image from a torrent, I say so, hoping someone can upload the original media, and/or any patches.

Maybe it came out wrong from me, think of it differently - many of us constantly trawl eBay / TradeMe for missing software titles - do I bid $40 for an old Mac game original media if it's already uploaded ? Remember, I have no original media to compare the existing download to. This might happen 3x a week. Of course, there is a price point where I will buy the item regardless, but it's nowhere near $40.