It decodes both uuencoded and base 64 encoded messages. Just drop a message, or messages, onto it, or open from the menu, and it (they) will be decoded. The program can determine the encoding method and decode accordingly.
What it does better than similar programs:
It decodes files faster than any other similar programs now available. On my 7100, it can decode a 2 MB uuencoded file in about 5 seconds. Anything smaller than 128K will be decoded on a PPC instantaneously. Your mileage may vary. Actually, you'll never get 2MB decoded in 5 seconds. I've added some calls to make Decoder more friendly to other processes and to display a progress bar for large files. This effectively doubles the run time to 10 seconds for a 2MB files. But smaller files are now decoded even more quickly than earlier versions.
It can handle files of any size.
Some braindead newsreaders put all kinds out junk into messages. When downloading, they sometimes concatenate all the segments into one big file, with junk in between. This program can make sense out of files like that and decode correctly.
It can handle "imperfect" files much better than other decoding programs. Some programs give up if the encoded format isn't just perfect. This one keeps trying and trying and ....
It will decode segmented files automatically. Just make sure the segments have file names that are in correct alphabetical order. Then, just drop them on the program. Feel free to decode UUencoded and base64 files at the same time.
There is a preferences option that provides a facility to assign creator codes and file types to decoded files. Case is insensitive for the extension field in the preferences section. You can also specify if you want the decoded file opened automatically.
Installation:
Just put the Decoder program where you want it. I have included a preferences file to handle some of the most common image files. Place this file in the Preferences folder inside your system folder.
What it does not do:
Lots of stuff. This program is not intended to be a mail reader or complete MIME parser. Check out Cyberdog, Claris Emailer, or Eudora Pro for that functionality. All it does is extract binary data from encoded files.
About Shareware:
This program is being released as shareware. I know, I like freeware as much as the next person, but my goal is to make a living as a Mac programmer. I've already gotten paid for writing Mac programs and I like it! I'm also very poor and I need the money. This program won't change those last two points, but it might help alleviate them.
This program will only run 50 times. After that, you will have to reinstall it.
Your responsibilities:
If you try this program, like it, and want to continue to use it, please fill out the registration form, enclose $10 and send it to:
Harmony Software
P.O. Box 202401
Denver, CO 80220-8401
Pay by Credit Card!
Also, you can now register with a credit card by using the included Register program. Please note, if you use the Register program, you are actually paying Kagi Software, not Harmony Software. Kagi processes all the credit card stuff and sends me about $9.00 out of the $10.00. It's worth it though. They are a great outfit. You can also use other payment methods with the Register program too.
If you use the Register program, you must send your payment directly to Kagi as instructed by the program. If you send it to Harmony Software, it will only delay things.
You will receive a registration number via email or snail mail. Just enter it and you're legal.
Registration entitles you to free upgrades and free tech support via email at
info@harmony.cnchost.com
Look for updates and other programs at:
http://www.harmony.cnchost.com
If, during the process of evaluation, you find a file that Decoder cannot decode. Please let me know and, preferably, send me a copy of the file. I'll be ever so grateful.
Revision History:
Decoder 1.3.5
Some people have had problems with e-mail programs not creating TEXT files. They should, but sometimes they don't. This really isn't my bug, but I will change my program to deal with it. Aren't I nice? Now, Decoder will open absolutely any kind of file. Of course, it can only extract attachments if there are some present.
Decoder 1.3.4
Fixed a bug that causes a system hang on rare occasions. No one had ever encountered the bug after over a year of use so I can consider that to be "rare." Anyway, an alert user spotted it and told me about it. I fixed it right away and all is now happy.
Decoder 1.3.3
Very minor fixes. Upgrade only if you want to.
Finally fixes that awful icon. It is now respectable.
Included the Register program for registration via Kagi.
Updated the pitiful excuse for a user's manual.
Changes my address to the new Denver address.
Decoder 1.3.2
Decoder 1.3.1 would cut off the last character of the file name on some poorly formed MIME messages.
Decoder 1.3.1
Fixed a problem with path and file names from Windows machines.
Decoder 1.3
Frustrated with UU and Base64 decoding routines, I moved the code that had been planned for the 2.0 release into the 1.3 release. Should be much more stable.
Users can now set file preferences by finding "example files."
Decoder 1.2
Various bug fixes.
Allows a default file type and creator.
Handles entering file extensions better.
Decoder 1.1
Added an option to delete a file that has been decoded.
