What are the forums feelings about zip files?

Hi! I have asked this question in several of my reply's and threads. I haven't been given a clear answer. I have heard that a virus can be hide in a zip folder. I agree if you get one in a email, you should know who sent it.
I like using PSR to explain things. It uses zip files. If I attach a zip file to a thread, trust me it is safe to open.
PSR is a great windows tool IMHO and can be used for trouble shooting and explaining step by step how to use a program. If the staff thinks zip files are not appropriate here, then I won't use them. I also think the Reliability Monitor is a good tool to see how my PC is performing. I don't seem to get anyone to agree with me on either of these windows features!
Steps Recorder records lots of information very useful to someone troubleshooting a problem including every mouse click and keyboard action.

PSR creates a screenshot of each action, describes each action in plain English, notes the exact date and time the action took place, and even allows the recorder to add comments at any time during the recording.
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/termsp/p/problem-steps-recorder.htm

 

Viruses can be hidden in anything!

On forums, I hate zip files.....If the file in question is some sort of software, why can't a link be used to the Vendor's website. Or even better a hyperlink....I'm a big fan of that. If the files are pictures, why not just attach them as such.....either as a thumbnail or full size, as is on most forums.

 

I don't think you understand the purpose of PSR. It's a trouble shooting tool, but it has other uses!
As far as links, I'm a big fan of them. As far as pictures, I'm also a big fan of Windows Snipping Tool.
I know how to hyperlink, but seldom use it and I just attach the link.
My question is "Does CHF approve of Zip files when using windows PSR!"
Read This

 

We each have our own methods of troubleshooting which may or may not include the Reliability Monitor (RELMON) and PSR.

In regards to the former, I do at times instruct OPs to check RELMON, but I prefer to get the actual WER (Windows Error Reporting) files that make up the RELMON entries + the Windows Event Viewer logs (SYSTEM + APPLICATION logs) and check them myself.

As for the latter - I have never used the PSR and doubt I ever will.

But.... to each his own.

EDIT: While I obviously cannot speak for the Admins here, I would say that if ZIP file attachments are allowed, then ZIP files are fine to use. At a different forum that I'm affiliated with, we allow up to ten 7.15 MB zip files to be attached per post.

 

Hey John! You really should check out Windows PSR. Here's a zip I made about Macrium Reflect!
Step by step how to create a back up image. I'm always preaching how important images are!
530KB. It can be used as a trouble shooting tool or to show grandma how to use Macrium Reflect.LOL Makes a neat little side show.
http://computerhelpforums.com/attachments/macrium-zip.7670/

 

You can use zip files but the average user will not open them. I am not average but I won't.

 

What is a average user? As was stated by another member "Viruses can be in any attachment"
I would never want you to change Rich. I like to think I will try new things. That's one reason I'm running W10.
Not because I like it better then W7, but because I love learning new things and new ways of doing things.
I try to keep this old mind open to new things and always ready to listen and learn with a open mind from others.

 

My thought is that a zip file is unknown and could contain anything. So if they are used I will only open them if the content is known.

 

Fair enough @GimboV How can this old country boy convince you that the PSR zip file is safe to open.
Do you all think I would attach a zip file that would infect your PC's
I don't think so. I love CHF. How will you know the content if you don't open it.
Dang guys if you really think I would attach a infected zip, check it out with Virus Total. LOL
https://www.virustotal.com/

 

My reply was to your question about zip files.....I don't really care about PSR. I'll use my AV to scan files/folder/cd/dvd/thumbdrives/attachments and zip files.

 

N/P bassfisher. That's a good tip to scan files with your AV! I never thought about doing that, but I'll remember the tip. That should work! If you never tired PSR, I don't understand your reluctance to even give it a look. Oh well N/P
What AV program do you use??

 

Gary I get the feeling that bassfisher and I are quite alike and I understand how much you want to explore Windows and extract and use every little feature and that is admirable, really. But you need to accept that he and I are issue oriented which means when we have an issue, we look for the solutions and aren't really interested in Windows utilities that we don't need at the moment, because we don't have any issues.
One thing you have never experienced which many of us have, is that our computers because they are custom built have hardware, Windows and programs and nothing else onboard so:
1) they are inherently faster than brand name pcs because there is no proprietary software onboard. Uninstalling that software is not the same as never having it been there because no uninstaller is perfect
2) Our pcs are more responsive because there never was any unnecessary software onboard and our components are hand picked for a reason. That reason being compatibility and speed most likely.
3) Because of the above, we have way fewer issues because there was only 1 cook" under the hood", rather than an assembly line of people who have no clue what they are assembling as they do only a few functions they were told to do and don't comprehend what those things do to the sum of the whole thing.

This is the importance of hardware on software that you always say you don't understand and have no interest in, but you see it does play in here in this discussion actually.

 

It seems you enjoy arguing and that's OK. I enjoy arguing also. PSR and Reliability monitor are features of windows and like my link's explain, they have been a part of windows for a long time. The aren't bloat ware. Thank you for your reply which has nothing to do with the windows features that I'm suggesting but makes very good reading.

 

Sorry my post should have said we both enjoy discussing things and not arguing!
Discussing is a good thing! Arguing is not!!

 

I didn't mean your zip's Doneato just zip's in general. Don't take it personal. For the benefit of everyone just provide an explanation of what it contains.

 

I hear you @GimboV I except your suggestion and I'll try to provide a explanation of all the zip files I attach.
I didn't take it personal and I fully understand your concern about a zip file. I would think the forum would have filters to protect this, but I don't know that.
Thanks @GimboV

 

Sorry about that forum software doesn't have filters for such things. We can either allow downloads and zip files or not
pure and simple.

 

I'm not going to attach any zip file that contains a Virus!
Pure and simple!

 

Can you show me exactly where I indicated anything was bloatware that is a Windows utility. I have read what I wrote 3 times and I don't see it.

 

I have no further comments friend!! The thread is about Zip files! PSR and Reliability Monitor are windows features and have been for a long time. When I attach a zip file, I will explain what it contains as @GimboV suggested
It has nothing to do with custom built Computers. If you don't wish to use them, that is your choice.

"Gary I get the feeling that bassfisher and I are quite alike and I understand how much you want to explore Windows and extract and use every little feature and that is admirable, really. But you need to accept that he and I are issue oriented which means when we have an issue, we look for the solutions and aren't really interested in Windows utilities that we don't need at the moment, because we don't have any issues.
One thing you have never experienced which many of us have, is that our computers because they are custom built have hardware, Windows and programs and nothing else onboard so:"