-====================================ALT.BINARIES.OLD.GAMES FAQ v0.3====================================-
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===-
THIS HOLDS TRUE FOR MOST GROUPS
- ==================================================

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(a * denotes a new category or change to an existing FAQ)

[1.0] General USENET Issues
* [1.0.1] News Servers
[1.1.0] Newsreaders
[1.1.1] Posting Utilities
[1.1.2] Downloading Binary Files
[1.2.0] File Compression
[1.2.1] Compression Utilities
[1.2.2] SFV Utilities
[1.2.3] Using Downloaded Files
[1.3.0] CD Images
[1.3.1] CD Burning Utilities
[1.3.2] Virtual CD/Emulation
* [1.3.3] CD Image Integrity

[2.0] alt.binaries.old.games
[2.1] Requesting a Game **** IMPORTANT FOR NEW VISITORS****
*[2.2] Posting to the Group **** IMPORTANT FOR NEW POSTERS***

[1.0] General USENET Issues - What is USENET?
---------------------------
So here you are online, exploring the internet and you find out about USENET, and you wonder..."What
the heck is this thing?". Well, hopefully you have yourself a decent internet service provider (ISP).
If not, you are starting at a disadvantage. But fear not, this is just the beginning and hopefully
it will be a learning experience for you.

Second of all, you might be confused at first if you get your Newsreader all setup and start hitting
the groups only to find that you have no clue what's going on. Well, each group is named as closely
as possible to the subject which it focuses on. Start out by reading some posts and seeing what several
groups' current topics of discussion are. Usually, each group will also have a FAQ (frequently asked
questions) document that can help you out in this regard.

Finally, let me say that when you join the usenet community, try to get a feel for the groups you visit
and the spirit which they embrace. Learn what's expected and accepted in the group and live by those
rules. If you do this, the regulars will come to respect you and you will find some new friends and
have an enjoyable experience. If you don't like a particular group or its regular inhabitants, find
another group. There are thousands of them!

[1.0.1] News Servers - What's the best server to use?
--------------------
There are literally thousands of different USENET servers, and selecting the correct one can be
difficult. @Home users are suggested to try the following link (scroll down to the bottom):

- @Home Secrets Page - http://members.nbci.com/athomesecrets/
This page automatically updates on the status of several @Home news servers. All @Home users can access
these servers.

NOTE: If you find that your @Home server does not carry message headers long enough, try another
server from the list. Some servers have better retention than others.

For those who do not use @Home, there are several other solutions:

- Aaron's Free News Servers - http://www.newsservers.net/
This site allows you access to several free USENET servers as a non-member.

- Super News - http://www.supernews.com/
Generally considered to be one of the best for-pay news providers around.

- Newsguy - http://www.newsguy.com
Another for-pay provider. Reasonable speeds and extremely inexpensive compared to most.

[1.1.0] Newsreaders - How can I access USENET?
-------------------
First of all, if you are gonna plod your way through USENET, there are some things you should know in
order to browse the usenet groups with some degree of success and ease. What you need here is a decent
newsreader program (called a client). This client software will allow you to browse usenet groups (sort
of like using a web browser to visit websites). Some recommended newsgroup clients are:

- Forte News Agent - http://www.forteinc.com/
- MicroPlanet Gravity - http://www.microplanet.com/
- NewsBin News Robot - http://www.newsbin.com/

Note: Many people will stumble into the USENET world with Microsoft Outlook. While it may be suitable
for *other* purposes, if you are on USENET for games & applications then you really need to use
something besides Outlook which do the job much better.

[1.1.1] Posting - How can I Post to USENET?
---------------

If you decide that you would like to make a contribution to our group, there are several programs you
can use to post a game. You can either use your own newsreader, or use a posting program dedicated to
uploading binary files to USENET. The general consensus among most posters is that PowerPost 2000 is
the most efficient way to post binaries.

- PowerPost 2000 - http://net-toys.8k.com/

[1.1.2] Downloading Binary Files - What are all "@(*#)(@)!@)#JFLKSFJ()AU)(@FJAJ@!&#N(YF*" characters?
--------------------------------

So, next you try and read some posts in a particular group and find only a few that seem to belong to
any recognizable human language. The rest are all garbage, consisting of scrambled text!!! However
obvious it may seem to you that the poster is insane, I assure you that what you are most likely seeing
is an encoded posting of some type of data file. This encoding is necessary for any type of posting on
usenet because it is not graphic based like the web.
Depending on the Newreader you are using, most of the good ones will automatically combine these
encoded messages into a usable file. Please refer to the specific program's Help file to do this.
Microsoft Outlook is not very efficient for downloading binary files, and we strongly suggest using
something else (see 1.1.0).

[1.2.0] File Compression - What are these .RAR/.ZIP/.ACE files?
------------------------

Most of the games/apps you will find on usenet are not just encoded, they are also
compressed and split into multipart archives. This is done for several reasons:

- Compressed data takes up less space.
- Splitting up the data makes it easier to post over a period of time instead of posting a whole CD
or solid archive all at once.
- The resulting split files can be "filled" much easier than huge files can if reposts are required.

[1.2.1] Compression Utilities -- How do I use .RAR/.ZIP/.ACE files?
-----------------------------

In order to use these files in the original manner they were intended, it is necessary to "decompress"
them with their respective programs.

The standard compression utilities that most posters use are:

- WinZip (file extensions of .zip) - http://www.winzip.com/
- WinRar (file extensions of .rar or .r00 .r01 etc) - http://www.rarsoft.com/
- WinAce (file extensions of .ace or .c00 .c01 etc) - http://www.winace.com/

[1.2.2] SFV Utilities - What is this .SFV file used for anyway?
---------------------

SFV is a type of CRC checking (error checking) which allows you to pinpoint which RAR file went bad
if WinRAR reports a "CRC Error". Newer versions of WinRAR automatically can use this file (if present),
or you can manually check all the files to verify their integrity with WinSFV:

Win-SFV32 - http://www.peregate.com/anvil/freebies/sfv32w.zip

[1.2.3] Using Downloaded Files - I've downloaded all the files, now how do I play game XXX?
------------------------------

In general, there are 4 types of files posted to the group (listed in most common order):

- CD Image: Either burned to CDR or used with a "cd emulation" program (see sections [1.3.0] & [1.3.2]).
- Directory ZIP: Generally for smaller/older games. Just a ZIP of the game's original directory.
- RIP: A "stripped-down" version of the game in question. Usually you must refer to the game's NFO
to determine what has been "ripped" from the game (usually music, videos, intros, outros, or sounds).
Add-ons are sometimes available for these games, which allow you to add-in the stripped-out components
of the game.
- Floppy Image: Either extracted to a real floppy disk, or extracted to a directory with WinImage:
WinImage - http://www.winimage.com/winimage.htm

[1.3.0] CD Images -- What is this ISO/BIN/CCD file for?
-----------------

And now you're thinking, "Finally, I'm done!" but not quite. The files you end up with, even after
decoding, downloading and decompressing may still require some special handling to be used.

In general, there are 3 standard CD Image types:

- ISO: a single-track copy of the files contained on a disc. Rarely used on USENET.
- BIN/CUE: a track-by-track copy of the files and/or music contained on a disc. Most commonly used.
- CCD: a bit-by-bit *exact* copy of the disc. Not used often because not everyone can use CloneCD.

[1.3.1] CD Burning Utilities -- How do I use this ISO/BIN/CCD file?
----------------------------

Depending on the type of CD Image file you are using, the following programs work for most people:
(Listed in order of preference)

Burn BIN/CUE/ISO:
- CDRWin - http://www.goldenhawk.com
- FireBurner - http://www.fireburner.com/

Burn ISO:
- Nero Burning Rom - http://www.ahead.de/
- Adaptec Easy CD Creator - http://www.easy-cd-creator-4-deluxe.com/ <- Not Recommended

Burn CCD:
- CloneCD - http://www.elby.de/CloneCD/english/welcome.htm

[1.3.2] Virtual CD/Emulation -- I don't have a CD Burner, but I want to play these games. How can I?
----------------------------

In general, the best way to accomplish this is to use Daemon Tools' utility "DaeMount". This program
allows you to "mount" (load) a BIN/ISO/CCD image onto your hard drive, and have it pretend its a
"virtual CD-ROM". Refer to Daemon Tools' web site for instructions on using this utility.

- Daemon Tools - http://www.daemon-tools.com/

[1.3.3] CD Image Integrity -- How can I be sure that XXX BIN/CUE will work properly?
--------------------------

The best way to ensure that the cd image you're about to burn (or about to post to a.b.o.g) will not
have errors is to check it with CD Mage. The program analyzes the sectors on the disc image and
determines where you might run into errors. Medium sector errors aren't a big issue, but start
worrying when you see Severe errors.. that might mean that users will be unable to properly
load/install the game. Its hard to say exactly if this is true or not, but it increases the
chance of it.

NOTE: CD Mage's web site (http://cdmage.tripod.com) is currently down. The following link is a direct
download of the program from a mirror site

http://freehp.hypermart.net/pub/cdmage/CDmage1-01-4.exe

[2.0] alt.binaries.old.games -- Welcome
----------------------------

Our group is a friendly place for both game discussion and binary posts. Anyone is welcome to both
request or make a contribution to the group, as long as they are both tasteful and within the group's
guidelines. We hope you enjoy our group as much as everyone else seem to!

[2.1] Requesting a Game -- Someone post "Some Game 2 THX!@#*(@"
-----------------------

One of the biggest irritants that regular posters run into are unreasonable or somewhat rude people
asking others to post games they want. Here are some important things to consider before you make
a "REQ".

- **** Please only request games which are at least 1 year old ****
- Be polite. "Please" and "Thank You" go far in the underworld of USENET. Pretend you're asking your
grandmother for madd gamez.
- Request only a game at a time in general. Most people will ignore your post completely if you've
decided to name off the top 100 games that you've always wanted
- Post once. Most posters frown upon seeing "I WANT GAME XXXXX" posted 10 times to the group.
- Check your Caps-Lock key before you start typing. It sounds silly, but all-caps are irritating!
- Finally, please wait a couple of days before you ask again. Most requests are filled within days.

Given those guidelines, please feel free to ask for anything you'd like! Most of us are avid gamers,
and many enjoy making a contribution in whatever way they can, either to pay back the group or just
make someone's day!

[2.2] Posting to the Group -- MADD JUAREZMASTER POSTS GAME XXX, 0-DAY JUAREZ, [001/998]

So you've decided that you want to post a game, but you're not sure how. Refer to section [1.1.1]
to find a program capable of posting files in an orderly fashion here.

The group has (in the past) generally been CD Image posts, but smaller (older) games from floppy
disks, or "rips" (see section [1.2.3]) are also more than welcome.

Now that you have the programs you need, here are some guidelines to follow:

- Make sure the game/app is at least a year old. There are several other groups which are dedicated
to newer programs.
- Compress your files first with RAR/ZIP/ACE. Here are some ideas for reasonable file sizes:
- CD Image: 5-15 megabyte parts using RAR or ACE.
- Small non-CD Image: A reasonably sized single ZIP file, or multiple RAR files.
** NOTE: When using RAR, it is suggested that you do NOT use WinRAR to compress the file(s).
The command-line version of RAR (RAR-32) is far faster (almost twice the speed!) of
WinRAR, and it will likely save you a lot of time.
http://www.rarsoft.com/download.htm
- Create a "SFV" file (see section [1.2.2]) just in case some files have CRC errors.
- When configuring your news poster, please keep the "lines per post" between approx. 4000 to 10000.
Your newsposter "breaks up" each RAR/ZIP file into seperate parts in order to make it easier to pass
through the many USENET servers there are in the world. By limiting the number of lines per post,
you increase the chance that the servers won't "lose" pieces of the files in transit.
- Posting an "NFO" with your post makes things far simpler for others to know what you're posting,
and if you are willing to re-post files which they did not receive.
- Please spread a post over multiple days if its an entire CD Image. Posting in small parts ensures
best header retention and transfer.
- Refer to guideline #1.
- Do not talk about Fight Club.

- ==================================================

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Have patience, Learn To Post Properly !! Think about Dialup's !!
Why Be Called A Lamer !!

A highspeed modem in the hands of a experienced poster is a Tool,
in the hands of a Lamer, it's a weapon of destruction"

Help yourself and the groups! Keep them alive and running smooth!
Read their FAQ's! Read them until you understand them AND THEIR
REASON FOR BEING THERE! Then ask for help if you don't!
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------------------------------------
unpacking a multi-segment video file
------------------------------------

To get an object indicated by a subject line like

What a great video - dramatica.mpg (23/48)

you have to select ALL the segments, for example:

What a great video - dramatica.mpg (01/48)
through
What a great video - dramatica.mpg (48/48)

and then right-click the set and choose "combine and decode"
or whatever your newsreader calls that sort of thing.

The vids are posted in many segments 'cause they're huge,
and each segment file is encoded (typically "uuencode")
so it can pass through the Internet. Jpegs, gifs, and all
other binaries are encoded too, but when they are small
enough to be posted as a single file you don't notice;
a single file posting is simply automatically decoded
when you "open" it. But to decode the set of files into
its target, you need to "open" the whole set.

If you open only a single segment of a multi-segment post
you will see only the textually encoded data, many lines
of apparently senseless letters and numbers.

Some newsreaders like "Free Agent" can open an entire set
by simply right-clicking on an individual file and selecting
"combine and decode". But in Outlook Express, for example,
you have to manually click the first file in the set and
the last file to highlight them all. Then decode.

Obviously, using a newsreader more powerful than OutLook
Express is highly recommended. Some are free. The better ones
cost money. One free one is "Free Agent" and a link for that
(and other things) is at the end of this article.

------------------------------
un-packing a RAR'd archive set
------------------------------

When a large video is posted as an archive set it gets a little
more complicated. You have to first download the entire set of
RAR files (each file being individually composed of many
segments as just explained). After you have downloaded every
file in the set, from
somefile.r00
through
somefile.rNN (if rNN gets past 99 this will continue as s00)
and
somefile.rar

you use WinRAR or PowerArchiver2000 or a similar program and
un-RAR the "somefile.rar" file. When you un-RAR the set you will
be unpacking whatever file or files were stored in that archive.

Important: all the other files in the set must be in the same
folder, but you unpack the RAR file. It holds the index as well
as some data.

Notice the numbered portion of the RAR set always starts with
file number ZERO, as opposed to the "segment set" for any posted
file which always starts with segment number ONE. You need file
zero; you don't usually need segment zero. If a "segment zero"
is listed, it is supposedly a text message worth reading.

A very large posting - like a movie - often comes in two or
more RAR sets. The poster should supply this info in the
subject line.

It is easy to flood servers such that postings are lost, so a
lengthy posting often occurs over a number of days to avoid
pushing the early files off the server too soon. Don't start
worrying about "missing files" if the post is not completed in a
single day, so long as you are getting files more or less in order.

Sometimes the last file posted in any one day is not itself
complete. And the segments can arrive out of order, or be
delayed for hours. Don't ask for reposts too quickly. Give the
net a chance.

-------------------------------------
un-packing a simple split archive set
-------------------------------------

Sometimes a post will be divided into simple files using a
simple split program like MasterSplitter or MaxSplitter
instead of WinRAR.

The idea supports the same basic concept - when a large video
is posted as many files (to be combined on the user's computer
into the original video) it allows people to download "complete
files", one at a time, with each "complete file" being only a
portion of the original video.

If a segment of one of these files gets lost, you don't have
to ask for a repost of the entire original video, as you would
if it were posted as one huge file with hundreds of segments.

With a simple split you glue the files back together without
having to uncompress them. The segments are just pieces of the
file. Paste them together (in the correct sequence) to produce
the original file.

If a BAT file is available in the posted set, it provides the
glue for Windows people: pasting the files together with
COPY and sometimes renaming the result with REN.

You should read the BAT file with a text editor like notepad
before running it. BATs can do anything on your computer that
you can type on a DOS command-line. Normally there should
only be a (probably lengthy or multi-line) COPY command and
possibly a REN command. Anything else deserves consideration.

If you ever create one of these yourself to make up for a
missing one, the copy command must use the "/B" option to
invoke a "binary" copy or the system would convert what it
thinks are text line endings and ruin the result.

Mac systems can use "Virtual PC" to emulate a DOS environment
and run the BAT file in there. If you don't have Virtual PC
another solution is ChunkJoiner (URL at bottom of text).

Linux system people type something like this in their shell:
cat FuturamaEp04.mpg.??? > FuturamaEp04.mpg
but I can't say from here if your Linux shell automatically
sorts the filenames in proper order for you. If that simple
command-line doesn't work, try something like
cat `ls FuturamaEp04.mpg.???` > FuturamaEp04.mpg
which internally runs the "ls" (list files) command to
sort the filenames and hands that list to "cat" to join.

--------------------------
error correction utilities
--------------------------

If the set comes with a "something.sfv" file, WinRAR or some
other program like QuickSFV can verify the CRC integrity of
each file. The Internet is a chaotic place to transport large
data files and it is always worth performing the check whenever
there is an SFV file. You often cannot unpack into a usable
video if any segment flipped a bit. WinRAR is praiseworthy for
being able to repair many CRC errors. Or you can try to download
the offending file again - maybe the file on your server is ok
and there was a local connection problem. Or you can put up a
repost request. Some posters require a specific method for
repost requests. Read any info file given to see what kind of
subject line they will be looking for.

--------------------------------------
ok - I unpacked it - how do I view it?
--------------------------------------

Once you have decoded or unRARed a movie or a cartoon or
a music video you have a file with an extension indicating
the type of data.

Some video display programs can handle more types than others,
but the three most common players are

Windows Media Player (from Microsoft)
RealPlayer (from RealMedia)
QuickTime (from Apple)

All are free for downloading from their respective companies.
RealMedia and QuickTime will try to encourage you to purchase
a more adept version (with better color controls, etc) but
the freebies work just fine.

.mpg, .avi - Windows Media Player

.ra, .rm, .ram - RealPlayer

.mov - QuickTime

----------------------------------------------
but I know all that and it still doesn't work!
----------------------------------------------
special compression codecs
--------------------------

Most people having trouble playing an AVI movie are stumbling
on a format that standard media players do not understand
without a special codec being installed. You may get video
without sound. You may get garbage.

Avi videos subjectmarked as "DivX avi" or "DivX;-)" require
a codec installed with a file called "divx_311alpha.exe".
There are other codecs for other operating systems.

An avi video subjectmarked "[smr]" or "SmR" requires a codec
installed with the setup program in a zipfile called
"smrpatchsetup.zip".

----------------------------------------
but I unpacked only a bin and a cue file
----------------------------------------

You can burn these to a CD if you have the equipment, and
software like Nero.

Or you can turn them into an MPEG (my personal preference)
using VCDGEAR 2.0, downloaded for free (ain't life grand)
from http://www.vcdgear.com

Do NOT get the plain vanilla "vcdgear" misleadingly listed
near the top of the page, go down a little lower for
"vcdgear 2.0" - it has a windowing interface and is
practically foolproof.

With the plain "vcdgear" you almost always have to edit
the cue file and correct a pathname, but in "vcdgear 2.0"
you target the cue file - it nags you about the incorrect
setting therein and gives you a chance to point directly
to the bin file.

Then press "start" and soon you will have an MPEG and can
discard the bin+cue or burn it to CD-R.

------------------------------------
hey - where have all the files gone?
------------------------------------

News servers only have so much room. To allow them to
continually add incoming files to their lists, they
must continually discard old files. The more people
post, the faster this turnover occurs. If you are going
to post many files, consider spreading them out over
a number of days so everyone has time to pick them up
before their server discards them.

There is a great magic involved in getting all these
files onto every server on the Internet, and sometimes
the magic fails. When your server does not acquire a
complete set of articles to complete a file, you may
ask for a "fill".

However, if you have not started to pick up your files
before your server starts discarding them, you may never
get enough fills to assemble the movie. If you come in
late, it is better to wait until the movie is reposted
than to download half the movie and beg like a dog for
the rest.

Many of us are quite happy to provide a fill now and
then for those people who are trying to pull their own
weight, but nobody wants to repost half a movie just
because you took some time off. No excuse is good enough
for massive filling. Wait for the next complete repost.
If it doesn't occur within a week or so, post a request.
One request per object per day will do fine. Multiple
requests for the same object in one day will get you an
entry on many people's "kill list" which means they will
never see any of your requests again.

Try to be patient and watch this group daily if you want
to successfully complete a movie.

Try to keep up, and don't attempt to download too many
movies at once or some of your targets will vanish while
you are getting pieces of the others.

------------------------------------------------------------
Ok - that's about it for downloading. Uploading is all of
that in reverse and more. It is best to use a dedicated
program like "PowerPost 2000" so that you do not end up
with broken uncompleted posts when your ISP cuts you off
in the middle of uploading. Neither "OutLook Express" nor
"Free Agent" have restart-in-the-middle capability.
------------------------------------------------------------

----------------
some handy links
----------------

divx_311alpha.exe (or your system's equivalent) from
http://divx.ctw.cc/ (original author's site) or
http://divx.vcdguide.com/files/

smrpatchsetup.zip from
http://smr-movies.com

QuickSFV (freeware) from
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconVal...4668/index.html

WinRAR (shareware) from
http://www.rarsoft.com/

PowerArchiver2000 (unRARing freeware) from
http://www.powerarchiver.com/

Mac users can get Macrar from
http://macrar.free.fr/

Mac users can join "split file sets" with ChunkJoiner from
http://www.kagi.com/authors/fab/cj.html

Free Agent can be obtained through NONAGS:
http://www.nonags.com
--> software free access
--> main site
--> Freeware - Browse
--> News Readers
--> Forte Free Agent

vcdgear 2.0 from
http://www.vcdgear.com

NFO Example
ALWAY'S READ ALL OF THE INFO FILE THERE IS ALL THE INFORMATION YOU
NEED SUCH AS HOW MANY PARTS THERE ARE,SN#'s & FILLS THE POSTER
MIGHT BE LOOKING FOR,SO EVERYONE CAN HELP OUT...............

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Information
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disc Type...................:
Program Platform............: Windows 98
Program Category............:
Image Is Cracked'?..........:
# Of Discs..................:
Serial Number...............:
Release Group...............:<<<------->>>Tracks<<<------->>> TIP <<<------->>>
Image creation application..:CDRWin
Test Burned With............:Fireburner

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disc 1 Information
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disc Volume Label...........:
Image Format................: Bin/Cue
Image Filename..............:
Image File Size In MB.......:
Archive Format..............: RAR
Archive Part Size In MB.....: 15 MB
# Of Parts For This Disc:...:
Fills.......................: "Help Each Other Out"
Full Repost.................: 5-7 Day's After First Post Then
Last Post...................: 10-14 Day's After First Post
80 min CDR required?........:
Image Has Been Burn Tested?.: Yes
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request Information
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is a NFO file and how do I view it?
#1 What is an NFO file?

It is a simple text file that contains all the pertinent
information about the game and posting information like:
How many files are there in the archive. 120, 300, 368
What was used to create the archive - Winrar Winzip ARJ ACE
What are the file sizes 1.2 meg, 1.4 meg, 2.8 meg
What is the archive size 288 meg, 488 meg 560 meg
what is the expanded size - You have to have enough room on
your hard drive to store the archive and the expanded files
How many days will it take to post it. 1, 2. 3. 5, 7 days
How many files will be posted each day. 35, 40, 45, 50
Will there be any repost? If so who will do it?

#2 How do I view it?

You can view a NFO file in several ways
You can rename it and change the suffix from NFO to TXT
you can drag and drop it on Windows Notepad
You can run any text editor and just open it
You can associate it in Winfile or Windows Explorer
I use the last option because I don't have to down load the file.
In Agent I just high lite the NFO file and RIGHT click on it.
A menu will appear and then select "Launch Attachment".
Agent will put the file in a temp directory and decode it and launch
what ever program is associated with it ( like Win NotePad )
To associate a NFO file in Winfile
go to "FILE" (top left) Type in NFO. Scroll down till you see Windows
NotePad in the window and high lite it. Then click OK
You will have now created an association to NFO files with Note Pad
To view a NFO file now just click on it and Note Pad will Display it

In Windows Explorer Click on a NFO file. A box will open on the left
and will say "What program would you like to view this file with?"
Just scroll down until you find Windows Notepad and select it.
Click on OK and your all set.
#3
You can install the NFO reader included in this folder. Just click on
Setup.exe and you are done.

proper way to request
Q: What is the proper way to request?

A: NO MORE THAN ONCE per day, per newsgroup. Multiple requests (i.e.
one right after the other- sometimes called a "billboard" or "vertical
spam") are rude and will be ignored or flamed by the most experienced
readers. This is very important! In extreme cases you may be added to
their kill filter which screens out all future messages from you. As
far as they are concerned you will simply disappear. This is
unfortunate as they are the ones most likely to be able to provide the
stuff you need. The generally accepted format is "REQ: Program X
version #.# disk #, [archive name] filename.xxx"

No quarantee that you will get your fills, but you may have better
luck geting a response if you learn the proper etiquette!

Some Good News Groups
alt.binaries.images
alt.binaries.w-software
alt.binaries.cd.image.highspeed
alt.binaries.cd.image
alt.binaries.cd.image.clonecd
alt.binaries.cd.image.games
alt.binaries.cd.image.repost
alt.binaries.games.kidstuff
alt.binaries.multimedia.utilities
alt.binaries.misc
alt.binaries.cd
alt.binaries.cd.image.other
alt.binaries.cd.image.parts
alt.binaries.ibm-pc

The Usenet Warez FAQ
The Usenet Warez FAQ

Welcome to alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc and the other warez-related groups. ABWI is the world's largest software evaluation library and is dedicated to the preservation of warez for EVERYONE. In the interest of education, the Warez (pronounced "wares") Community is bringing you these Frequently Asked Questions and guidelines for acceptable conduct. We wish to recognize the contributions of the Inner Circle to this document.
Q: Why should I read this lengthy FAQ?
A: Because this warez group is much more complicated than most other newsgroups. Therefore, there are more procedures to know and guidelines to observe. This FAQ is your guide to survival in Usenet Warez. Even more important is the fact that incorrect postings hurt everyone. The Usenet is a very big place. Posts which are faulty or which do not belong in a group simply increase the traffic. They also increase the requests for reposts and the actual reposts from those people who try to be helpful. All of this can cause the forest to get lost in the trees. If you wish to be a responsible Usenet netizen, and you would like the usefullness of the group to continue, you can only profit from following these simple guidelines.

General Procedures

Q: What is Rule #1?
A: Lurk, watch, read the FAQ and learn before jumping in. If you are new here, this will require a certain amount of restraint. Just relax, sit back, and pay attention. The guidelines are for the benefit of all. Most of all, you MUST learn to be patient. Warez are NOT available on demand.

Q: What is rule #2?
A: Get a well-connected server. Not only will this benefit you (because you will be able to get complete posts), but it will also benefit the group as a whole (since you will have fewer repost requests). How good is your present server? If you are missing more than 10% or so of the parts of multi-part messages, not good. Local ISPs have notoriously bad servers. You have two upgrade paths: (1) Get a new ISP with a well-connected news server. (2) Get an additional stand-alone subscription to another news server. Whatever you have to do or spend will be well worth it in the end. But still, be patient.

(1) Mindspring (in the opinion of some, this one has been falling in quality) GigaNews (2) Altopia/Altnet Newscene Newsguy (was Super Zippo) Remarq (was Supernews)

Q: What is rule #3
A: BE PATIENT! The point is that, if you don't follow the FAQ, no one has to be patient with you.

Q: What is the proper way to post?
A: See Appendix A for posting techniques. Do not experiment in the binary groups. Test post in alt.test or alt.binaries.test. Violators of posting techniques, or those who disregard the preferred conventions, generally get flamed.

Q: I've been flamed. What do I do about it?
A: Learn from your mistake. And don't take it personally. Shooting off your mouth only compounds your error and illustrates in clear detail how lame you really are instead of merely inexperienced. This is a rough and busy neighborhood, don't expect to have your hand held.

Q: What might I post in ABWI?
A: Reasonably current releases of IBM-PC compatible commercial software applications- NO games! NO CD images! NO freeware! NO shareware! NO Cracks! This generally means the current version of the software. Older commercial software applications (and even games too) can safely be posted elsewhere. One possibility is alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc.old. (Read their FAQ first.) Games and CD images have their own newsgroups. (see Appendix B for more warez news groups). Freeware and shareware can be found on the Web. Direct people there by giving the URL if you think the software is useful. Direct them to the cracks groups or other source you know of for the crack. Shareware that has been "re-engineered" so that it installs completely and does not require a crack qualifies as warez and is acceptable in this group as is an application which has shareware origins but has been released by a release group with a crack, patch, or keygen. If you don't know what a "release group" is, then the shareware you are dying to post does not come from one.

Q: Can I start posting as soon as I read this FAQ and learn how my newsreader works?
A: Well you CAN, but too many people do this already. Most people, when they begin, do not have a great deal of stuff to post. Perhaps the best thing to do is respond to requests (REQ) from others if you have managed to get pieces they have missed. If you have not been here very long, even if you have something fairly new, you wouldn't know that it was just posted two weeks ago. The release versions of many new applications are posted here before they are in the stores. The idea is not to show everyone how much you can post, but to post useful things. With technology being what it is, many newcomers have ISDN or cable modems (some even have access to T1s or better) and can literally flood the groups with posts. All this does is decrease the amount of time the posts stay on the servers, so fewer people get them and more repost requests are generated. If you have a high-speed connection be conscious of the fact that most people here do not, and shorter expire times get everyone agitated. Start SLOWLY. If you are not sure it will be welcomed, wait awhile. We know that many are anxious to contribute, to pay back the group for what they have been able to get. But another post of the current Office 2000 or Windows98SE will not really help. They already get posted a couple of times a week. If you are patient, you will eventually see everything you wanted and more. And you will learn what is needed and what is not. And NEVER post for the first time without first posting to a test group to insure that your settings are adjusted correctly. If you screw up, you will be flamed, and rightfully so for wasting so much bandwidth with a useless binary. Even most long-time regular contributors post to a test group first whenever they upgrade their newsreader.

Q: Should I post shareware or freeware?
A: ABSOLUTELY NOT. Shareware posting is inappropriate, unless the version you have is cracked or otherwise unavailable to the general public (instead just post a link to the shareware site).

Q: Should I post games?
A: ABSOLUTELY NOT. Games should be posted in alt.binaries.games (or a similar group - see Appendix B ). Requests for games should also be made there. If the game is unique or of special interest, just post a simple message with a subject line such as: "Attn all - New Game X posted in a.b.games."

Q: Should I post cracks or serial numbers?
A: ABSOLUTELY NOT. These should be posted in alt.binaries.cracks (or a similar group - see Appendix B ). Requests for cracks should also be made there. Check out the Crack FAQ(alt.cracks).

Q: Should I post CD Images?
A: ABSOLUTELY NOT. These should be posted in one of the image groups. (see Appendix B ) This group generally deals in what are called "rips" of the large applications. Not everyone has a CD Recorder, nor the space needed to store a 600MB CD. A "rip" is the basic application with most of the movies, clipart, extra sounds, demos, and things like Acrobat Reader and MSIE removed to save space. Of course the smaller applications are often posted complete.

Q: How long should I wait to post a repost request?
A: DAYS, not hours. Anything LESS than a MINIMUM of 5 days will be ignored or flamed by most experienced posters. No one owes you anything! The random nature of NNTP propagation means that parts of messages may come in days later. Posting requested files before they have a chance to expire from servers only places redundant files on the servers and drives up expiry rates. Be patient (also see Rules#1, 2 & 3). Further, if you have a weak news server, don't ask! Go get a new server instead (see Rule#2).

Q: If I only have parts of a program, should I post what I have with a request for the rest?
A: NO! Do this and and you will have your head handed to you on a platter! This is known as a HWIH post (Here's What I Have - fill in the rest). Do not post partials except to fill a specific request for those pieces. To do otherwise will simply result in more people missing the same pieces you are, and that generates more requests. But even more than that it is an egregious waste of valuable bandwidth which clogs up the group with worthless binaries that contribute to pushing complete programs off the servers and shortening expire times for everyone including you. If you are missing pieces of a program, simply request the parts you are missing. HWIH posts are THE supreme irritant for almost everyone in the groups and is an excellent way to be completely ignored by everyone (after they're done roasting you) who can help you.

Q: Can I ask for installation help?
A: First read any information files contained in the program zips. These are generally .nfo (info) files, but may be .txt or .doc. There may also be useful information in the 0/ file. If it won't run, read the information files again (RTFM ). If it still won't run, ask your question in the discussion group.

Be aware that some groups on usenet have companion groups for discussion. These normally have the same name as the main group with an additional ".d" at the end, or the word "discussion" in the group name. If such a group exists it is appropriate to ask your questions in that group, rather than the main one. Most of the readers are willing to offer help and advice on installation or any other relevant topic.

Q: What are .nfo files and how do I open them?
A: .nfo files contain related info about the program, such as install instructions or serial numbers, as well as information on the release groups and couriers who so graciously distribute the warez; people with access to 0-day (newly-released) warez ftp sites then post it to Usenet. These files can be viewed with notepad, quickview or any text editor. Inside a zip, they can also be viewed with WinZip's Internal ASCII Text Viewer. Always check file_id.diz for info as well. For easy viewing, create an association with notepad for .diz and .nfo files. It is considered a courtesy to leave these files intact if you plan on posting the archives.

Q: Should I worry about being embarrassed for asking a newbie question?
A: No. So long as you have read this FAQ and done your best to RTFM, most folks are willing to answer questions not covered here or in your PC and newsreader help files. Everyone here was a newbie once. But remember to ask in the discussion group (alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc.d), not in the main group. If you receive a facetious answer, ignore it. Most regulars in these groups are genuinely interested in helping others. Not every answer can be put into a FAQ, only the most frequently asked questions are intended to be here. However, if you fail to read your newsreader documentation or this FAQ carefully, and you ask a question answered in those places, you will get heated responses. RTFM!!!

Q: Should I respond to a "Warez FTP site" message?
A: No. Most are trolls designed to entice you in. By responding with your "me too," you expose yourself to the warez world as a total moron. At best you will begin receiving commercial e-mail (junk mail), at worst you may be subjected to harassment, mail bombing, or worse. You should never post your personal e-mail address anyway. You may be wondering, "But can ALL of these people replying be wrong?" A: YES! Just check this out!

Q: Should I respond to a message offering to send me anything via e-mail?
A: No. See the above question. Don't be foolish. Follow the link for hoax information.

Q: Should I request that someone e-mail files to me?
A: NO. Think about this one for a minute. Is your e-mailbox even large enough to hold the program? If not, it will be returned to the sender, taking him just as long to get it back from you as he did to send it. Why should anyone do this anyway? It would be much better for them to post it in the group, where everyone can enjoy it. It is considered foolish and marks you as a lamer even to ASK for files by e-mail.

Q: How do I decompress .zip files?
A: Get WinZip. The file you will get is a self-extracting archive. Setup is a snap. After downloading a .zip file, just double-click on it. Easy. Get Pkzip for DOS Some people prefer to work with the DOS version. If you take the time to learn it, it can be more flexible.

Q: How do I decompress these .arj and .a01, .a02, etc. files?
A: Get Arj.exe. ARJ is not as easy to use as WinZip, but is much more powerful. ARJ is typically used to split a large file into smaller, more postable pieces. Don't use WinARJ, use plain old DOS ARJ (widely available; follow the link at the beginning of this answer). Open a DOS box in the directory where the .arj files are located (MS Powertoys Command Prompt Here is great for this under Win95).

Q: How do I decompress these .001, .002, .003, etc. files?
A: That depends. They could be either ARJ files (see above), RAR files (see below) or even JAR or ACE files (see below). Try RAR first. If they don't decode, then try one of the others. Some posters will tell you which format in the .nfo files or the 0/ file of the post.

Q: How do I decode these .rar, .r01, .r02, etc. files?
A: Get RAR (or more specifically, its companion program, unrar) or WinRAR. The procedure and commands are much the same as for ARJs. An example might be: [unrar x -v -y msoffice.rar d:\temp]. if there is no .rar file, use the lowest numbered extension. Also, remember that unrar.exe must be in your PATH or present in the directory.

Q: How do I decode these Jar32 or Jar16 archive files?
A: Get JAR32 or JAR16. This is a relatively new archiving tool by the same author as ARJ. It is NOT in general use in the groups as of this writing, but it appears to have good compression and will preserve long file names.

Q: Why would someone zip an .arj or .rar archive?
A: Three reasons are usually given: (1) it allows the poster to enclose information files in the zip, (2) it is rumored that zips transmit more reliably than .arjs, and (3) damaged zips can sometimes be repaired (see Appendix C). Of these, #1 is probably the most accurate.

Q: How do I unzip more than one zip file at a time?
A: Get Pkzip for DOS. An example might be: [pkunzip -o -d *.zip d:\temp]. The [-o] switch ("oh" not "zero") overwrites previously existing files such as duplicate file_id.diz and .nfos. The [-d] switch restores/creates directory structure stored in the .ZIP file. Remember that pkunzip.exe must be in your PATH or present in the directory.

Q: I can't read the entire subject line. What should I do?
A: There are several ways to solve this problem if you are using Agent. First, make sure that Agent is displaying the headers as a full screen, not the multi-pane default view (just click on the maximize window icon). Second, reduce the size of the browser font [options | display preferences]. Third, make sure that the browser font is not bold. Finally, if you still can't read the entire subject line, just click the send-follow-up-message icon. You can read the entire line and scroll if necessary. Then, just click the close window box. If you are using another newsreader, refer to its documentation. And don't be part of the problem when you post. Try to keep your headers under 55 characters.

Q: I can't get a complete message in one group. Can I join sections of the same message from two different groups?
A: Usually. If using Agent, try this: Create a new folder under "Groups." Call the new folder "temp," "scratch," or anything you'd like. Use the "Manage Folder Menus" option to bring this new folder into the list that appears when you right click on a header. Then, simply retrieve the headers (simple retrieve, not launch or save attachments) from the different groups, right click on them after you have retrieved them, and send them to your "WORK" folder. You then can select them, right click, and select "manually decode attachments" to put them in the proper order. Note- this only works if they are in the same message or, frequently, a repost of the message BY THE SAME POSTER. If he/she has not changed the line length of the attachment section, it will generally work.

Q: What are all these meaningless combinations of letters I see in the articles?
A: They are a form of Internet Shorthand. Some common ones are: TIA - thanks in advance. Plz - please, Thx - thanks, - grin, - big grin, - big fucking grin, RTFM - Read The Fucking Manual, FOAD - Fuck Off And Die, ESAD - Eat Shit And Die, WTMKF - Welcome To My Kill File, PLONK! - Person Leaving Our Newsgroup: Killfiled (you have been kill filed), PITA - Pain In The Ass, KUTGW - Keep Up The Good Work, BTW - By The Way, IMHO - In My Humble Opinion, LMAO - Laughing My Ass Off, ROTFLMAO - Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Ass Off, [snip] - portions of the original message to which I'm replying, and which are unrelated to my reply, have been deleted.

For some of the more common acronyms you might see, check this out.

Netiquette

Q: What is the proper way to request?
A: NO MORE THAN ONCE per day, per newsgroup. Multiple requests (i.e. one right after the other- sometimes called a "billboard" or "vertical spam") are rude and will be ignored or flamed by the most experienced readers. This is very important! In extreme cases you may be added to their kill filter which screens out all future messages from you. As far as they are concerned you will simply disappear. This is unfortunate as they are the ones most likely to be able to provide the stuff you need. The generally accepted format is "REQ: Program X version #.# disk #, [archive name] filename.xxx"

Q: What considerations are important when posting?
A: Many people today have connections faster than a 56K modem. But there are also many who do not. If you have a fast connection, avoid the impulse to post as fast as you can. This is especially true if you are posting a single application which is, for example, 100MBs in size. So that everyone has an opportunity to download your post, try to spread it over several days and try not to exceed 50MBs per day.

Q: Should I signify how desperate/urgently/badly I want a program?
A: No. "Norton Utilities needed urgently" will totally discredit you. No one dies from software deficiency. If you need it that badly, then go out and buy it. Similarly, requests that beg and plead or say "I will eat/stuff/screw (fill in the blank) for XX prog", are the mark of a lamer and are generally ignored or flamed.

Q: iS it KewL tO Use fuNky TyPE or symbols in mY SubjECt liNES?
A: Not even close to cool. It is difficult to read and widely regarded as immature. For an example of a particularly poor header, someone once blessed us with: [Ð|Ð ÅÑ ;¥Øñë GÈT Â]_]_ 3Ð]\/[äx ßÿ Zög¿]. You are much more likely to get a response using standard type.

Q: IS ALL CAPS CONSIDERED OKAY?
A: NO. It is the Internet equivalent of SHOUTING. Use it sparingly.

Q: I have asked and asked, but no one has uploaded my REQ. What gives?
A: It could be any one of several things. Perhaps no one has what you asked for. Perhaps, before you got smart enough to read and follow these guidelines, you pissed everybody off and they kill filtered you. Perhaps nobody feels like uploading anything right now. This is Usenet, not real life. There is no "refund desk" or complaint department. Nobody owes you anything, and you don't owe them. If this fact is too hard for you, find another hobby. We really don't want to hear it.

Q: The Internet is a total anarchy, right? So is it okay to use racial slurs and other patently offensive language?
A: NO. This group is devoted to software. Not race, politics, religion, sexual preferences, etc. Just software. Period. End of discussion. Subject closed. Take it somewhere else.

Q: Is Intel better than Cyrix? Is the PC better than the Mac?
A: We don't care here. Take it somewhere else. And please don't cross post this kind of stuff to warez groups.

Q: Will I get a better response if I cross-post my REQ to all of the warez groups and crack groups?
A: NO. Experienced usenet readers do not like excessive cross-posts (ECP) and such posts can be detected by some of thecancelbots, so they will be eliminated and not reach any audience at all. There are always exceptions, but generally, if you MUST cross-post, try not to post to more than three groups at a time. ECP will subject you to flaming and land you in kill files.

Q: Do I have to follow all of these rules?
A: NO. No one owns the Internet and no rules are mandatory. However, newsgroups are based on voluntary association. If you don't like the folks here, simply leave. If they don't like you, you will be ignored. If, however, you are an intelligent and reasonable person who wants to make the most out of the time spent here, you would be well advised to stay within the yellow lines. And by all means, BE PATIENT! (see Rule#1)

This FAQ has been compiled by readers of alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc and its companion discussion group alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc.d.
Revision 2.2 8/13/99

The Usenet Warez FAQ
-Appendices-

Appendix A
POSTING TECHNIQUES

1) Get a suitable newsreader. Although some prefer MicroPlanet Gravity or WinVN, the overwhelming majority of the folks around here use Agent. Get it at ftp.forteinc.com/pub/agent. Learn it. Read the help files.

Free Agent is a freeware off-line newsreader. It offers limited send e-mail capability, but does not receive e-mail. Agent is the commercial version of Free Agent and contains many new features, including POP3 or SMTP e-mail reception, address books, kill/watch lists, URL launching, and cross-post management. Some of the more popular newsreaders are:

Free Agent
Agent (ftp.forteinc.com/pub/agent) (Also see the unofficial Agent FAQ and Agent Modified FAQ and official Forte Agent FAQ )
MicroPlanet Gravity

WinVN

2) Setting up Agent: Go to [Options | User and System Profile | User] and fill in ALL the fields. Don't leave any fields blank since friendly servers will put some default info in them. Additionally, many servers will not allow posting unless there is data in all fields. *’s work fine for most, but some servers require something in the format of [blahblah@blah.blah] in the e-mail address field.
3) Set your newsreader to post in no larger than 15,000 line messages. This is crucial! Any larger messages may be refused by your server, or a gateway along the route, any smaller messages just clutter screens. In Agent, go to [Group | Default Properties | Send Files]. Make sure that "send large messages as multiple messages is checked." Set the number of bytes per section to somewhere between 630000 and 945000. It is best to start higher and go lower only if required due to timing out when posting. Lower segment length means more individual messages and the chances increase that some will get lost in transmission. {At certain times a byte size of 500,000 (7936 lines) maximum is recommended.} If your server still refuses to cooperate, try changing these settings in your agent.ini file (in your Agent directory):
[Timing]
GetHostByNameTimeout=90
ConnectTimeout=60
ResponseTimeout=600
PostResponseTimeout=600
SendTimeout=300
PostTimeout=600
SplashTime=1
SMTPSessionTimeout=300

If your server still refuses to cooperate, get a better server (see Rule #2 )!
4) Post in manageable pieces. The commonly accepted size is 3½" floppy-sized pieces (for obvious reasons). DO NOT post in one big zip (OBZ) or attach multiple files to the same header (which is also an OBZ); this is universally despised by experienced readers and they will respond harshly for your waste of bandwidth with a useless binary. The reason behind this is simple: NNTP propagation is unreliable, especially on news servers that are not well connected. If someone gets 12 out of 13 parts of an OBZ, it is nearly impossible to recreate. There is NO way for you to repost this single segment. On the other hand, if this same program were posted in, say, 5 "disks," it would be a simple matter for you (or someone else) to upload the missing "disk."
If you've got a program in disk-sized pieces or disks, post it that way! If all you have is a CD or OBZ, use ARJ, JAR, ACE, or RAR to break it into manageable pieces (see Appendix C).

5) Test post to test groups ONLY. (e.g. alt.test, alt.binaries.test etc.) Do not test post to binary or discussion groups.
6) Use a descriptive and complete subject header. A good header would include the disk number being posted, the total number of disks, and the program's name and version number. A good subject line might read: "FILE:[or REPOST:] Program Name v3.0.5 -01 of 20- read 0/ file." Another similar considerate idea is to first post a message with a brief description of the program, the .nfo file from the packager, or any other information that a downloader might find useful. If you want to shorten the number of disks, use 3\12 (i.e. the backslash). Using the forward slash can confuse some news readers into thinking it is part 3 of 12 for a single segment and cause difficulty when decoding. But remember, people with 14" monitors have to read this; try to keep your headers under 55 characters and spaces.
7) Don't forget the serial #! If one is required, and it is not in the .nfo file, it is best included in the first zip as "serial.txt."
8) Include the version number in the subject line.
9) Make sure that the program works. If you are new and are unfamiliar with other ways to evaluate an untested program, install and try it out first. You should be aware, however, that people posting "zero-day/0-day" warez seldom have the time to test these programs. They bring you newly-released software often before it even hits the shelves in stores. There are no guarantees in warez and it does not ALWAYS work as advertized. With experience, the seasoned posters have found methods of evaluation which save time but are NOT foolproof. Always read a poster's 0/file, it will often mention whether or not a program has been tested. If you don't like it, then don't download it.
10) Scan the program for viruses. Even if you haven't installed the program yourself, someone else will and may infect their system. You then run the risk of catching that same virus from one of their infected uploads. (How much do you know about virii?)
11) Don't rename the files. There may be several versions of the program floating around. For instance, off9701.zip and MSO97_01.zip may actually be incompatible. Renaming either file to a third name can only make things worse.
12) Wait a MINIMUM of five days before reposting ANY files for ANY reason. Increased participation in everything 'internet' has made traffic a big problem. When a program is posted you may see pieces of it almost at once, but some pieces MAY take different routes and not arrive for days. Most (though not all) servers expire binary posts in five days or less. If you repost part or all of the app for some people in less time than that, it will be a duplicate on most of the servers which will then expire posts more quickly to make room for it. As expire times shorten, repost REQs rise, so everyone just has to WAIT.

Appendix B
OTHER RESOURCES

Usenet
There are many other newsgroups involved in the warez scene. By looking at the groups that messages are cross posted to, you can get a good idea of where the action is. There are also some documents that you should have read as soon as you came to the Usenet.

Some General Usenet Information; Omit this material from your education at your peril.

THE USENET FAQ
THE USENET POSTING FAQ
A PRIMER ON HOW TO WORK WITH THE USENET COMMUNITY
Other Usenet Groups related to warez, games, and cracks
alt.2600.warez
alt.binaries.cracks
alt.binaries.cracks.phrozen-crew
alt.binaries.games
alt.binaries.misc
alt.binaries.pictures.leek
alt.binaries.pictures.utilities
alt.binaries.warez
alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc.d (the "d" signifies a discussion group- even though the word "binaries" is there)
alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc (This is the binary group for which the preceding one is the discussion group)
alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc.dos
alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc.games
alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc.old
alt.binaries.warez.mac
alt.cracks
alt.warez
alt.warez.ibm-pc.apps
alt.warez.ibm-pc.games
alt.warez.ibm-pc.old

-----------------------------------------

The Usenet Warez FAQ...Continued
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Encrypted Groups:
alt.binaries.cracks.encrypted
alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc.encrypted
alt.binaries.games.encrypted
alt.ipl.discussion (start here)
These groups require a solid working knowledge of PGP encryption. If you haven't yet mastered both Usenet and PGP, just forget it for awhile. Don't even attempt to post there without first learning the ropes! Lurk in alt.ipl.discussion and ask your questions there if you
are interested. There are several who will be more than happy to help you out, and they will point you to their FAQ
CD Image Groups

alt.binaries.cd.image
alt.binaries.cd.image.parts
alt.binaries.cd.image.discussion.tools
alt.binaries.cd.image.other
alt.binaries.cd.image.other.parts
alt.binaries.cd.image.other.d

.

WWW
Do a Web search (AltaVista is highly recommended) using keywords such as: warez, cracks, crackz, serial numbers, serials, serialz. There is a staggering variety of information out there.

FTP
The best way to get reliable FTP information is to visit the warez channels in IRC. If someone posts an FTP site in the newsgroups, it is highly unlikely that it will be profitable to even try to connect. There are at least three reasons for this: (1) by the time the Usenet message gets to your server, the site is cold, (2) if the site is not cold, it will be jammed with hundreds of warez hounds, and (3) they are often bait for the ignorant. Don't waste your time.

ENCRYPTION & NYM CREATION
This is a complex subject that will require time and patience to master. The following links contain excellent information as well as additional links.

The best combined resource for PGP and Nym creation from Thanatopsis (A truly great resource.)

The MIT distribution site for PGP (You can obtain PGP here if you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen. It is free. Current U.S. law prohibits distribution to other countries.)

PGP & Remailers made simple (An excellent starting point for beginners.)

MIT Public Key Server (You can find someone's PGP Public key on a key server. All key servers exchange information daily.)

Appendix C
ARCHIVE PROCEDURES

COMPRESSION UTILITIES

WinZIP, WinRAR, ARJ v. 2.60 (released 10/97), and Jar32 will handle long file names; PKZIP and previous versions of ARJ will NOT.
Pkzip for DOS WinZip ARJ 2.60 for DOS ACE32E
RAR for DOS & WinRAR JAR32/16 for DOS and WIN95/NT ARJ User's Manual comes with ARJ 2.60 Less Common Archivers

Testing Archives:
It's a good idea to test ALL compressed files as you download them to check for CRC errors. Many posters include a verification file with their posts so that you can check them.

If you have a damaged zip file, try the procedures below. If that doesn't work, you must obviously get another copy. First try to download another copy to see if you simply had a transmission error during the last download. If the new copy is still corrupted, wait at least 5 days before requesting a repost.

Damaged Archives and CRC Errors:
If you test a zip file with the command [pkunzip -t filename.zip] and it reports errors, you have a 50-50 chance that you can fix it with the command [Pkzipfix filename.zip]. This procedure will create a new file called pkfixed.zip.

Now you test this file with the command [pkunzip -t pkfixed]. If it comes back with no errors, you give the command [copy /y pkfixed.zip filename.zip] to rename it back to the original filename. You may now erase pkfixed.zip.

This is considerable effort to salvage just one file, but if you've been searching for months for that last disk in a 50 disk set and you've finally found it and its got CRC errors, the effort is well worth it.

Alternate Procedure for Damaged Archives:
Some CRC errors are the result of the way Agent decodes the file. If the original file isn't damaged, some CRC errors can be resolved by doing the following:

In Agent, split the message into separate sections. Retrieve the first part of the message, and save it as a Unix text file with an extension of *.001. Next, retrieve the remaining sections (in order), and when saving, check the "Append to existing file" box, and save it to the .001 file.

Now run the *.001 file through Wincode 2.6 or higher (freeware), and it should yield a workable file. Test it to be sure.

Creating a Postable Archive from One Big Zip (or any archive):
RAR is used to split large files into manageable pieces. RAR can archive an entire directory into floppy-sized archive files. When the user on the other end unrars your volumes the original files are recreated with the directory structure intact.

This FAQ has been compiled by readers of alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc and its companion discussion group alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc.d.
Revision 2.2 8/13/99

Name: news1.rdc1.wa.home.com IP: 24.0.2.74
Name: news1.rdc1.sdca.home.com IP: 24.0.3.73
Name: news1.frmt1.sfba.home.com IP: 24.1.64.32
Name: news1.rdc1.occa.home.com IP: 24.1.128.73
Name: news1.rdc1.az.home.com IP: 24.1.240.74
Name: news1.rdc1.ct.home.com IP: 24.2.0.74
Name: news1.rdc1.il.home.com IP: 24.2.1.74
Name: news1.rdc1.md.home.com IP: 24.2.2.74
Name: news1.rdc1.fl.home.com IP: 24.2.3.74
Name: news1.rdc1.ne.home.com IP: 24.2.4.74
Name: news1.rdc2.pa.home.com IP: 24.2.5.74
Name: news1.rdc1.pa.home.com IP: 24.2.5.75
Name: news1.rdc1.on.home.com IP: 24.2.9.60
Name: news2.rdc1.on.home.com IP: 24.2.9.59
Name: news1.rdc1.bc.home.com IP: 24.2.10.79
Name: news1.rdc1.mi.home.com IP: 24.2.68.78
Name: news1.rdc1.nj.home.com IP: 24.3.128.74
Name: news1.rdc1.tx.home.com IP: 24.4.0.74
Name: news1.rdc1.tn.home.com IP: 24.7.143.118
Name: news1.rdc2.on.home.com IP: 24.9.0.17
Name: news2.rdc2.on.home.com IP: 24.9.0.18
Name: news1.rdc2.tx.home.com IP: 24.14.77.5
Name: news1.rdc1.ab.home.com IP: 24.64.2.57

IN THE BEGINNING
In the beginning there were eleven Super Computers,
Universities, were favored. to receive Federal money to stimulate the
Internet.
One of their functions is to serve as a compilation center for the
usenet.
Page 5
If Your ISP is a big company
-------------------------------------------
Then your ISP is also your News Server:
AT&T, NetCom, Mindspring, RemarQ, supernews...on and on....
This means you probably have the premium newsgroup service,
Your server saves files posted by it's clients, and
provides a link to the files stored by other servers.

If your ISP is a little guy,
------------------------------------
Your ISP simply subscribes ,to one of many available news servers
The ISP can purchase garbage or quality usenet access.

The Path
--------------------
When on line, notice the "Path" field in a header, you are always
the first address , always the source of the path.
You pull the file sections in to you, by manipulating the news
Servers,
You initiate and maintain a two way conversation with the server.
The server only blindly offers each data packet,
it does not send it to you, you have to suck it up.

Sorry if I offend you, but the truth must be told,
You only suck in the internet
unless you post. Page 6

---------------------------------------------------
The Super Computer Complex, maintains a directory of headers .
Every header, from every News Server, is updated, added or removed.
A header is a link to a section of a file.
Your using the Usenet to control file transfer, from News Servers.
Page 7
News Servers are groups of mass data storage and relay units.
The nodes are a bucket brigade, a multi-dimensional web
composed of millions of 600-byte memory buffers, hooked to com
ports.
All of which is still essentially hardwired through phone and cable,
distribution centers, and linked to satellite relays.

Pretty damn impressive
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 8

B) Usenet Browsing Software
******************************
E Mail
Except when you first log on,
Never give out your account name
Never give out your home email address.
Passwords Never , never
Use a free remote email service, on the web, to insulate and protect
your real email name(account name)
Always use a Nym(alias) , give bogus information to all
except
1 Once when you first log on
2 When you collect your e-mail
3 You can tell your "MOM" (if you trust her)
My mom doesn't know mine, she drinks too much
Page 9
WHY give bogus data out to all?
INTERNET CRIME is epidemic,

Name - Use a phony, protect your (e-mail) account name
A hacker could take over your account with the name,
passwords are easy to find, can be done in two
seconds, using password identification software.
it uses a list of 200 most common passcodes or/and
looks for words that are uncommon.

The best passwords are similar to codes used
by software,
Some examples of good passwords are:
KERNEL32
keyboard
mmsound
pifmgr
setup
StringFileInfo
CompanyName
Microsoft
FileDescription
I'm sure you get the idea.

Avoid being a victim
Once inside your account, you don't know they are there, they have
access to your e-mail..
Trust me, I know, because I've done it

1) Netscape
A superior Web Browser, but no good in the Usenet.
If you do use NScape you will need an extra decoder
Like "Wincode" Shareware on the Web,
Page 10
2) MS Outlook Express
It works good, Agent is better
Briefly - Further details below
Download, and Combine the messages
Use the left Mouse + [CTRL], select the sections of one file.
From the Tools menu, click Combine and Decode.
Arrange the sections in order, if needed
click the File menu,
click "Save Attachment".

3) ** Forte Agent - Recommended
A mouse click and files automatically download, combine, decode,
and are stored on your HD
Page 11
Agent is the registered version,it is available at
ftp://ftp.forteinc.com/pub/agent/a32-15.exe
(dbl click the above or cut&paste to your Web Browser
a32-15.exe is 2.4 Mb, get it now!)
Agent's Install code
VRXYNLB2-JK63794B-MSRD55CE-PNLV8K4D-DHWT67KA

4) Free Agent-is the shareware version available from
tucows, shareware.com, forteinc.

5 ) WinVN a good News browser

----------------------------------------------------

Page 12

C ) Posted Files - Downloading
==========================
1) Archives

Image that Quake2 is a 5 mb, game program.
Quake2 would be posted as:
Q2.rar 1.4 three 1.4 mb files
Q2.r01 1.4
Q2.r02 1.4
Q2.r03 0.7 one 0.7 mb file

The first file Q2.rar is further sectioned into 5 parts
Q2.RAR (1/5) 300KB
Q2.RAR (2/5) 300KB
Q2.RAR (3/5) 300KB
Q2.RAR (4/5) 300KB
Q2.RAR (5/5) 300KB
Page 13
1) Sections - also called "parts"
Size
Out of necessity, News servers restrict the "size" of the files
they will transfer.
So a poster sets the section size low enough to pass through the
gauntlet at each node.
It is similar to the card game of BlackJack
try to get the largest section possible, without going bust (over 21)

Too large of a section, the post gets filtered out by servers.

Too small of a section becomes a burden to those downloading.

Experience says keep files under 500 Kb
and over 250 Kb
However to post to an restricted area like Moscow, better go down to
100 Kb sections.
Page 14
If the posted file sizes and posted byte counts, don't seem to add
up?? , your right !! they won't

A 1.4 Mb file grows to over 2.1 Mb . Why?

Usenet - -is a text only system, with a 500 character vocabulary
uses 7 data bits and 1 parity bit.
Binary --- has a 65,000 character vocabulary
and uses 8 data bits

UUE, XXE, Base 64, MIME
These were binary files that are coded to the usenet text.
based system.
The encoding process increases file size by a third.

Page 15
File headers
----------------
The Software you choose should automatically
download, decode, combine, and save the sections.

Download only complete files, that have all the sections.
like the example below

Quake 2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (1/5) 300KB
Quake 2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (2/5) 300KB
Quake 2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (3/5) 300KB
Quake 2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (4/5) 300KB
Quake 2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (5/5) 300KB
Complete file contains all five sections

Page 16
2) RAR What the F!@#$%^ is a RAR
---------------------------------
A file with a RAR extension is one file of an archive.
Archive=one whole banana=one complete software title

An Archive of Quake 2
will have file headers that look like this.

Quake2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (*/5) 1.4mb
Quake2 2 of 4 -- Q2.R00 (*/5) 1.4mb
Quake2 3 of 4 -- Q2.R01 (*/5) 1.4mb
Quake2 4 of 4 -- Q2.R02 (*/3) 0.7mb

Page 17
A 5 MB Program is Archived into 4 files
Each file has 5 sections, except
the last file has only 3 section sections
that is 18 sections
Q2.RAR 1.44 Mb
Q2.R00 1.44 Mb
Q2.R01 1.44 Mb
Q2.R02 0.7 Mb
===========
5-MB

Headers may look like this.
Quake2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (*/5) 1.4 Mb
Quake2 2 of 4 -- Q2.R00 (*/5) 1.4MB
Quake2 3 of 4 -- Q2.R01 (*/5) 1.4MB
Quake2 4 of 4 -- Q2.R02 (*/3) 0.7MB
Page 18

OR
Headers may be strung out and look like this.
Quake2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (1/5) 300KB
Quake2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (2/5) 300KB
Quake2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (3/5) 300KB = 1.4MB
Quake2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (4/5) 300KB
Quake2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (5/5) 300KB

Quake2 2 of 4 -- Q2.R00 (1/5)
Quake2 2 of 4 -- Q2.R00 (2/5)
Quake2 2 of 4 -- Q2.R00 (3/5) =1.4 MB
Quake2 2 of 4 -- Q2.R00 (4/5)
Quake2 2 of 4 -- Q2.R00 (5/5)

Quake2 3 of 4 -- Q2.R01 (1/5)
Quake2 3 of 4 -- Q2.R01 (2/5)
Quake2 3 of 4 -- Q2.R01 (3/5) = 1.4 MB
Quake2 3 of 4 -- Q2.R01 (4/5)
Quake2 3 of 4 -- Q2.R01 (5/5)
Page 19
Quake2 4 of 4 -- Q2.R01 (1/3)
Quake2 4 of 4 -- Q2.R01 (2/3) = 0.7 MB
Quake2 4 of 4 -- Q2.R01 (3/3)

----------------------------------

Select all sections that make up one file. Q2.RAR
Quake2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (1/5)
Quake2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (2/5)
Quake2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (3/5)
Quake2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (4/5)
Quake2 1 of 4 -- Q2.RAR (5/5)
Page 20
These sections make up the next file Q2.R00
Quake2 2 of 4 -- Q2.R00 (1/5)
Quake2 2 of 4 -- Q2.R00 (2/5)
Quake2 2 of 4 -- Q2.R00 (3/5)
Quake2 2 of 4 -- Q2.R00 (4/5)
Quake2 2 of 4 -- Q2.R00 (5/5)

5)Indexing The Usenet is Indexed at
Dejanews http://www.dejanews.com
Alta Vista http://www.Altavista.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 21

D ) COMPRESSED ARCHIVES
==================================================

After your news browser finishes,
You should have a group of sequentially related,
compressed files, on your hard drive
formatted in either RAR, ARJ, ZIP, ACE, others.

WinRar for RAR archive (web-shareware)
WinArj for ARJ archive
WinZip for Zip, Z
or:
Unpackem - for all, arj, rar, ace , jar, z, zip)
Unpackem will open and test all of the various archive formats
is a small very useful utility
Page 22
-------------------------------------------------------

AGENT AGENT AGENT

Step by step on starting Agent for the first time
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
It is not to easy at first, but soon you will have all the
software you can store.
Print this out , it will save you a lot of fudging around

After installing Agent many details must be set up for optimal
operation.
This is a guide on how to do this, in a screen by screen format.
It will make sense only if you follow along in Agent screen by
screen.
Once again, I suggest printing this out, otherwise you will have to
go back and forth and end up lost.

------------------------------------
The opening screen
When installing Agent for the first time
(if already installed go down to "TOP MENU BAR")

NNTP Your Internet service provider has this info
SMTP...Your ISP has this info
The info below is publicly displayed, Enter fake information,
cleverness counts.
Your correct mail address gets entered later so it remains private
between you and your ISP.
E-mail Use a Nym (phony) Use the format xxxxx@xxxxxxx.com
Name Use a phony, protect your (e-mail) account name
A hacker could take over your account with the name,
passwords are sometimes easy to test.

NNTP (same as above)
this is the news server,
it is a number or a name
ex 206.112.193.112=News.geocities.com

SMTP is the mail server, it is a number or a name
Mail.geocities.com =(206.112.193.114

E-mail as long as it fits the format xxxxx@zzxxxx.com
Name use a phony

---------------------------------------------------
Getting Agent on line
Log on normally through your dial-up networking,
Then start Agent, it will go online as needed.

------------------------------------------
"TOP MENU BAR"
"TOP MENU BAR"
OPTIONS
USER AND SYSTEMS PROFILE
USER
Email address - A phony one
Full Name - Fake
Organization - Anything, do not leave blank,
if blank your sever will fill it in
Reply to - Fake address or remote mail address

News sever log in
mark - Log in with a username and....
Username: Your real username, may be your e-mail name
Check - Remember Password - enter your real password

Check no log in is required.?/? why do all that then turn it off?
You may or may not need to log to the newserver, but
either way You have it set up and ready,
Switch it if you get the error that says
" the server requires a login"

-----------------------------------
next screen
"TOP MENU BAR"
OPTIONS
USER and SYSTEMS PROFILE
SYSTEM
News server box "news.geocities.com" or whatever it is
Check Server creates messages out of order
Mark Send e-mail with SMPT
E-mail server box "mail.geocities.com". or whatever it is

The above is the simplest email retrieval set up, it checks for your
mail on log in only

--------------------------------------------
next screen
"TOP MENU BAR"
OPTIONS
USER and SYSTEMS PROFILE
ONLINE

button Use Online defaults
Times to retry fill in a 10
pause between retry .. 5
un-check Unload winsock.....
check Go off line automat. 360 sec=1 hour
check Send keep alive mess..60
check All The rest on page

Viewing un retrieved.....
Mark Go online ......

------------------------------------
next screen
"TOP MENU BAR"
OPTIONS
USER and SYSTEMS PROFILE
DIAL-UP tells Agent how to log on,

Check Open dial up.....
check Prompt before.....
Check If another connect
Connection Use the arrow to see the list, select one
User name fill in true log on user name
Password fill in true password
Un check Close dial up connect.....

---------------------------------------------------
next screen
"TOP MENU BAR"
OPTIONS
GENERAL PREFERENCES
NAVIGATION
Navigation un check the whole mess

select Only when message pane is...

--------------------------------------
next screen
"TOP MENU BAR"
OPTIONS
GENERAL PREFERENCES
MESSAGE LIST

Threading Check the first three
Sorting Check date sorts

-----------------------------------------------------
next screen
"TOP MENU BAR"
OPTIONS
INBOUND E-MAIL
SYSTEM
check on bottom - Receive e-mail with SMTP

*****************-----------------------------------
Finished with Options
Go To Group
****************------------------------------------
next screen
"TOP MENU BAR"
GROUP
DEFAULT PROPERTIES
DIRECTORY
Only seen from the browser screen, close the mail and outbox if you
don't see GROUP on the TOP MENU BAR
DIRECTORY (very important)
Select the Dir to save files into
Select a temp directory

-------------------------------------------------
next screen
"TOP MENU BAR"
GROUP
DEFAULT PROPERTIES
RECEIVE FILES
Check Save attachments auto.......
Check After saving an .........
Check Detect uu-encode...
Check Join multi part
Check Join Multi part.....
Check When launching....
Check Double click saves
Check Burst digests
Select arrow Retain original File Name

-------------------------------------------------------
next screen
"TOP MENU BAR"
GROUP
DEFAULT PROPERTIES
POST
check Prevent usenet.....
check Observe no .......

---------------------------------
next screen
"TOP MENU BAR"
GROUP
DEFAULT PROPERTIES
RECEIVE
Un Check Retrieve bodies.......
Check Limit number of headers
Fill in 1500
Check Do not keep unavailable

-----------------------------------------
The rest of it is important, but it will be OK for now
If you have not gone online to load the Newsgroups do it now.
This only needs to be done once in a great while, and may take up to 5
minutes, There are 76,000 newsgroups.
How many does your server pick up?
"TOP MENU BAR"
ONLINE
Select get new groups
---
Subscribe to several News groups
---
Select a news group from the list then hit Ctrl+S
These are some exceptional warez groups
Alt.binaries.cracks
Alt.binaries.games
Alt.binaries.games.adult
Alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc
Alt.binaries.warez.ibm-pc.games
Alt.binaries.warez.win95
Alt.binaries.warez.win95-games

--------------------------------------------
"TOP MENU BAR"
ONLINE
Select Get new headers in subscribed groups this will take a while
the first time

---------------------------
DOWNLOADING
See a Program you like?
Select file with a double mouse click will bring a single file to your
default directory

OR

Select several files with the [CTRL] and single mouse click.
then select
TOP MENU BAR
FILE
SAVE ATTACHMENTS

------------ E N D ------------

You now have a workable basic setup, that protects your privacy and
allows you to download easily and safely post messages.
Soon you will have lots of software.
Then you can begin posting warez.

To post large binary files, additional modification MAY be needed.
Then again, it may work great, just like it is.
The posting of large files becomes second nature, soon enough.
It is not hard,
Good posting is learned by lurking, then practice.
Lurking? How else will you know what looks good to you, and what works
for you.

******************************************
-------- end of cut, paste & print ---------------
*********************************************

b) Agent ini
If you are familiar with tweaking software, here is an INI from
hell.
Not difficult but huge,
Open Agent's help file to the INI section and a text editor
simultaneously, compare the help to the ini entry.
At the end of this intro is an INI you can cut and paste for your own

Agent, be sure to set your default downloading directory and you temp
directory

Page 23

"Need More Help ?"
--------------------
Observe first
Read the FAQ http://www.warezfaq.org
Then ASK for help.

Worlock
alt.binaries.warez....

yardbird
Alt.binaries.games adult
and many other Alt.binaries groups
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Page 24
the following is from a MS-OE user

E ) MS Outlook Express
==================================================

==============================
Note
After you combine and decode the message, it is displayed in
a separate window. The message will continue to be displayed
in the newsgroup as several smaller messages.

To save the re-combined message,
click the File menu,
click "Save Attachment".

Your objective, if you decide to accept - is to download the
chosen file groups - either individually, or by groups;
then use your newsgroup reader's 'built-in' capability
to "Combine and decode" the above list to create individual
files which will appear as an attachment at the end of the
"Combine and decode" process. Where you would "Save the
attachment" to the folder of your choice. Finally reproducing
he following:
Page 25
software.rar 1.457 MB
software.r00 1.457 MB
software.r01 1.457 MB
software.r02 573 KB
Note:
The main reason for using RAR or ARJ,...etc is:
1) file compression
2) organize the entire program into the equal sized,
sequential files.

If by some chance you are using Microsoft's Outlook Express -
then you may ask

C: How can I download a file with out having to copy each file??
A: "right click" and "mark for download" selected file groups,
then use "download all" under the "Tools" menu.
Page 26
This might be a little difficult at times, but I usually start out
with my "view" set to "view all", then if any other uploads are mixed
with the particular file group I want, I just "right click" on them,
and mark them as read. Then to clear them out you might have
to click on "view unread only" - "view all", and "view unread
again - to get the Outlook Express program to clear out the
files you've marked as read.

Note: Marking files as "read" will tend to take up storage space,
clearing this out maybe a problem, unless you just happen
to have made a copy of the files in the Outlook Express
directory where the where your newsgroup data is stored.
Then it is as easy as deleting the directory contents, and
copying in your old newsgroups, without having to download
the list of newsgroups again.

Having your "Option" - "Automatically view in preview pane" box under
the "read" options - unchecked will also give you some flexibility.
At least while you are in the this kind of newsgroup.
Page 27
Also, it seems if your "sort" was changed so that you view the latest
uploads from the top - seems once you start the downloads, the
order is a bit disoriented, but still effective. By having your
"sort"
set to "date: and "ascending", will speed the process some as when
you select the individual file groups to do the "combine and decode"
right click function - reordering the files will not be necessary.

But still after you have downloaded files for 8 hours, or even a
couple
of 8 hours sessions - even with having to re-dial into your ISP, you
still have to go back to each file group "combine and decode", then
"save the attachment" to a folder of your choosing.
Page 28
You just have to keep the Outlook Express program running when you
get disconnected from your ISP, to be able to re continue a group of
"marked for download" files - and of course re-connect to your ISP.

As for uploads, the default file size split, for Outlook Express is
set
for 60Kb - not sure what a good setting for that is - but seems most
are using about 450k to 600k, that can be set from your "options"
section. 536,000 is best for 1,457,000 size files.

On the Tools menu, click Accounts.

On either the Mail or News tab, click Properties.

On the Advanced tab, select the following check box: Break apart
messages larger than x KB, and then enter the maximum file size
you can send.

Page 29
Other than that, most are using a combination of Winrar and Winzip
to compact the files - not sure if this is correct as the resulting
Winzip
file will under-report the file size to your disk drive, and if you
keep
such files stored long on your hard drive and do a defragmentation -
this may cause you some trouble "down the road" with file corruption.