@TTG. RARing the installer to add checksums?
EDIT: IF YOU CAN'T UNDERSTAND THIS POST, IGNORE IT. AT LEAST DON'T START INSULTING PEOPLE
I just did a few short tests with WinRAR's self-extracting installer module and the results are encouraging. Especially in light of all the CRC errors we're currently getting all over the support forum.
The WinRAR module is capable of performing these checks during decompression. The drawback of course is that there's yet another installer containing the installer (WinRAR can't replace NSIS), which means another GUI (even if it only displays a message while extracting the setup to the temp directory), a delay until the normal installer launches and of course additional points of failure (like a full temp drive).
On the plus side, the compression actually shaves quite a bit of filesize from the NSIS installer (I guess they're still using deflate). Episode 2 came in 257MB and ended up 167MB.
I just did a few short tests with WinRAR's self-extracting installer module and the results are encouraging. Especially in light of all the CRC errors we're currently getting all over the support forum.
The WinRAR module is capable of performing these checks during decompression. The drawback of course is that there's yet another installer containing the installer (WinRAR can't replace NSIS), which means another GUI (even if it only displays a message while extracting the setup to the temp directory), a delay until the normal installer launches and of course additional points of failure (like a full temp drive).
On the plus side, the compression actually shaves quite a bit of filesize from the NSIS installer (I guess they're still using deflate). Episode 2 came in 257MB and ended up 167MB.
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I haven't looked into the license terms and structure of the installer yet, but I would imagine that it could be modified with a simple PE editor.
Edit: Just looked at it in the hex editor, seems like the strings are stored another way. But if you wanted to use it, you could just ask the developer. I'm sure he'd change the strings for you or tell you how to do it.
Hopes this helps anybody who does not speak nerd.
I did a few short tests with a feature of a program which makes installation files smaller, and the results are very niiiice.
Especially considering people get these errors about corrupt file sizes and stuff we get all over the support forum.
OR:
A few tests with a WinRAR feature has shown that, aside from a lower download size, it also adds a special check to ensure that you have the complete file downloaded.
This program is capable of checking the right file sizes after the file has been restored to its original size. The disadvantage of course is that you have to deal with another install program with its own interface, the added delay before the actual install program runs and of course some extra points where things can go wrong (for example, a full hard drive due to the extra files that are being made during installation).
OR:
It can check if the files are correct, with the drawback that you'll have to deal with an extra installer with its own problems.
On the plus side, compressing makes the installer smaller. Episode 2 was lowered from 257 MB to 167 MB.
OR:
Interesting, "Some installation files are corrupt. Please download a fresh copy and retry the installation." is apparently too complex for you. However I still think that the average user can understand it.
whats wrong with nerds?? i prefer the term "geek" btw =P
The public version is: These posts are unhelpful, insulting and unnecessary.
It's really only of use for the PC version as a quick fix for the corrupt download problems. It's not the ideal solution, it's just the easiest one.
Cheers for the info and the testing!
right, you wouldn't believe how often people ask me, why their zipped or rared jpg-files are bigger than the uncompressed ones.
Also, people don't really apreciate it if people act too smug about their own knowledge. Just because you know a lot doesn't mean others should, and people who don't understand do deserve at least some explanation. If you really wanted this tech talk to reach the Telltale staff you should have just PM'd them directly. They're not the kind to ignore those messages.
This was a followup to a previous talk I had with Will in another thread where it was entirely offtopic and I thought I'd move it to a new thread to not clutter it up anymore. I also PMd Will but I didn't see any benefit doing this in secret. Well, now I do. Thank you so much for making me realize that I should stick to the lowest common denominator and not post anything in the forums that some people may not understand because I will get random insults in return.
Wait, what, two people posting something moderate you take as offensive? Face it, you and I are geeks, nerds, whatever you call it. Stop being in denial.
Edit: I'm not working for Telltale... I'm just a guy who wants companies and products that he likes to succeed.
Not that difficult. The BitTorrent protocol offers that feature.
True. I just mentioned it out of geek habit.
I could do that, but that would be sad. How about cleaning it up and moving it to support instead?
It's usually a different atmosphere over there.
If you still want it deleted though just say so, then i'll do that right away.
A dedicated Telltale Download manager would ignore all that.
Of course an OPTIONAL download manager would be possible, but I'm not sure it would be worth the costs just for an option. WinRAR on the other hand is cheap and solves most issues.
But an optional .torrent file would be great for those who know how to use it. But that would probably confuse a lot of people.
i just wouldnt require a torrent program. if they were to just have the .torrent thatd be fine(and id probably use that one) but dont make it mandatory. the more software you need to install, the more of a hassle it is. especially if you happen to already be low on disk space.
I think torrents are a bit dangerous because a lot of people become very, very afraid when they even see a torrent file. Suddenly you get a lot of questions in the forums whether this site is legal.
From a purely technological point of view torrents are fine and almost perfectly suited for this kind of thing, but users sometimes perceive things differently.
I think if we really wanted torrents, we'd need an official TTG torrent client that basically hides that we're using BitTorrent.
It would add to the appeal, and it doesn't even have to be all that extensive as STEAM. The games still work independent from the client, so you could at all time close the client and still play the games.
However, I do forsee that it does take a fair bit more server load, as well as the development cost for such client.
Also:
Bandwidth-wise it would very likely be actually be an improvement as you can integrate whatever technology you like in order to optimize the transfer (P2P, compression, ???).
I would use the .torrent too.
It usually results in fast downloads, which would be nice especially shortly after a new Episode release.
It would also reduce TTGs traffic. Assuming traffic dictates the filesize that could be another way to make the "...compressed petition" people happier.
No, you will never get me to use that button for anything but fixing mistakes. I actually like threads lighting up when new content is added.
i just wonder how many people would use this and if it would be worth the cost to telltale. of course i could be wrong here
Absolutely. The main point is getting the game to the customer. That feature already exists, but could be technologically improved.
A telltale downloader would be a bit overkill to achieve the same goal considering how seldom you would use it.
Me too. Acceptance is a big '?'.