The Octavian Micro Development hereby releases UUTool, a program for encoding and decoding UUENCODED format files, as 'freeware' on the following conditions. The user understands that UUTool is the property of Octavian Micro Development, and that Octavian Micro Development is not responsible for any damages incurred through the use of said tool. UUTool is for the personal and private use of individuals. It can not be sold, or distributed on/in any media for profit (including mail order) without the prior consent of Octavian Micro Development. When distributed, this document must accompany the application. Use or distribution of said tool implies this agreement is understood and abided by.
2.0 Purpose of UUTool
UUTool is an implementation of the 'uuencode' and 'uudecode' binary to text file utilities for the Macintosh™. Its purpose is to translate binary files into text for transmission over some electronic medium (i.e. electronic mail). It is compatible with many UNIX™ implementations, with extra coding to support the two file fork Macintosh™ architecture.
Why did I write UUTool? I deal a lot with UNIX™ based machines from my Macintosh™ and was not able to find any comparable utility for encoding and decoding uu-type files using the Macintosh's native operating system. UUTool seems to work fine when transferring data files between the two systems.
One very nice new feature is the multiple text file decode support on open of application.
3.0 Preferences
Macintosh™ Preferences
By default Macintosh™ files are encoded in their entirety. UUTool's decode can see Macintosh™ formatted files and restore them to their original condition. The data fork of a file is the first part in the encoded text file, bounded by a 'begin' and 'end' statement. This is followed by the resource fork, and finally finder information (i.e. the file's icon, etc.) When the check box for data fork only is on, only the data fork of a file is encoded. Either way, on a UNIX™ system only the data fork will be decoded.
The "use original coding" check box will use the standard uu**coding method, necessary for many PC implementations. I suggest not using original coding when using UNIX™ machines, since some electronic mailors reformat white space.
Default creator and file type are only used if UUTool does not see a 'begin' statement immediately following the data's 'end' marker. It assumes the file is in a data only format (normal for UNIX™ systems). The default creator and type are set in the file's Finder information.
UNIX Preferences
UNIX™ permission defines the file's permission modes if the file is to be decoded on a UNIX™ machine. For example, '0700' stands for read/write/execute for owner only. This is ignored on the Mac side.
You can put whatever text you like before the first 'begin' statement or after the last 'end' statement (except those tokens must start on a new-line!) UUTool should be able to decode files with headers. Try not to fiddle with information between those tokens.
Split Preferences
These are currently ignored.
4.0 Revision Log
v1.1 - fixed drawing into a NIL window brought about by file errors.
v1.2 - fixed SysBeep problem under finder (not having enough memory to be loaded back in).
v1.2.2 - fixed some port problems
v1.2.3 - fixed an addressing problem for 68000 machines
v2.0b - stream i/o completely removed with faster new engine (UENG)
- added encode/decode status (allowed with new engine)
- no longer uses all memory but works with 110K
- no longer supports CR/LF encoding (CR only)
v2.0b1 - corrected dialogue problem under system 7.0
- added app. file open support
2.0.1 - added 'mstr' support
- added keyboard shortcuts to prefs. as well as their feedback
- uses UENG 1.0.1 which allows for variable buffers (still uses old sizes)
- removed debug traps in UENG
- all code is 32 bit clean and 68000 compatible (I hope :-)
2.0.2 - fixed ignore EOF in uudecode UENG
- added user abort to encode/decode
2.0.3 - uses UENG 1.0.3, nicer abort
2.0.4 - added original coding option
If you find any bugs or have any comments, feel free to write me a letter (address below) or send me electronic mail via wieser@acs.ucalgary.ca.
5.0 Miscellany
Octavian Micro Development is a small software/hardware development company specializing in Macintosh™ and UNIX™ based systems.
My address is:
Octavian Micro Development
ATTN: B. Wieser
10516 Bradbury Dr. S.W.
Calgary, Ab., Canada
T2W-1A6
Office# (403)259 4907
Credits:
I would like to thank Leonard Rosenthol for reminding me to follow all the Macintosh™ UI guidelines, and Bill Johnston for his valuable comments.
Macintosh™ is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc.
UNIX is a registered trademark of AT&T Information Systems.
