[OS X TeX] Web hosting etc

[Bernhard Barkow]

On 2007-10-10, at 20:51, Alain Schremmer wrote:
>> On 2007-10-10, at 11:51, Geoff Searby wrote:
>>> I my opinion, for his usage, Alain Schremmer should *not* try to  
>>> retain resource forks and hidden files for three reasons
>>>
>>> 1) They are totally useless to non-Mac users
>>> 2) They become visible to non-mac users and can create confusion,  
>>> or even panic
>>> 3) He can be sure that users on all plate-forms will get the same  
>>> results
>>
>> I totally agree; there are rare exceptions regarding resource  
>> forks, but for most files they are really useless.
>
> OK, I am totally convinced.
>
> Except: what about Mac users? Should I have separate downloads for  
> Wintel and for OS X?

Not having the OSX-specific hidden files and resource forks does  
normally not cause any problems.

> To be a bit more specific, I plan to have pdf downloads for those  
> who want a ready-made "product" and LaTeX source download for both  
> those who want to /configure/ the stuff—e.g. have the questions on  
> exams in straight or random order etc—as well as for those who want  
> to /rewrite/ the stuff. (Under a GNU Free Documentation License)

Especially in this case, I cannot think of any harm.

>>> To upload zillions of files at once, the best way is to make a  
>>> zip archive, and upload that.
>>> I can recommend CleanArchiver : http://www.sopht.jp/cleanarchiver/
>>>
>>> It is simple a drag&drop application that can  
>>> create .zip, .gzip .bzip or .dmg archives from a folder including  
>>> or excluding whatever hidden stuff that suits you. Launch it only  
>>> to set/change the preferences.
>
> Once upon a time, I bought Stuffit but would be delighted giving it  
> up. I will look CleanArchiver up.
>
> By the way, after spending a couple of hours looking at and reading  
> about "not so free" web hosting, e.g. GooglePages, I am leaning  
> more and more towards having my own server. Anything I should know  
> about that route?

Seems reasonable! I assume that having a shared hosting configuration  
would be the appropriate (and most painless) choice; managing your  
own server is probably too much over the top (and too troublesome if  
the purpose is only a storage space for downloading; I would not be  
surprised if you would master the necessary skills, but on the other  
hand there are more rewarding ways to spend one's time).
And since you asked, just my personal opinion: if you are willing to  
afford it, don't go for super-cheap hosting offers. And I don't know  
about the final file sizes and the expected download volume, but a  
data transfer limit might be something to watch out for.
Just some thoughts…

Regards,
Bernhard
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