I think we should be able to attach more than just pictures.

Some files that would be nice to be able to attach:

• Excel
• Word
• Files for HPTuners

Comments? Reasons against?

Excel files are good for hiding nasty little boogers in them. I'm sure AV programs wouldn't know what to do with the tuning files. Could see them as virus'* and quarintine them.

Word docs are the same way. You can embed something into them and they would become malicious.

Although I do like the idea, we must consider server space. I do feel those are good choices for files and would cover most types.

If you don't use good anti-virus then you deserve it

Maybe the forum could be set up to allow those file types to be attached after 200+ posts or something similar, so that any Joe Blow cant put stuff full of viruses

That also depends on if the server is running AV. It would get really nasty to have a server hosting infected files. Probably one of the main reasons that you see most forums not enabling those file extensions.

It costs a pretty penny to host a dedicated server, then it costs more to lease the software.

Although I can agree with Trents assessment on individual computers and viruses, we are taking about our own servers which hold 10 years of data. AntiViralWare? Pffft None of it is great. Good is arbitrary. There is new breeds of Rogueware that have shown themselves to tromp over any commercial offerings out there. I myself had such not only slip through Norton, It took over the registry and marked Norton as a virus. And Norton stayed mum about it for over a week while it ran rampant across the torrent world. It came in on a video codec. BTW, I'm still waiting for my refund and expense to reformat from them. F'in thieves are what they are. For every smart kid that works for the good, there is an equal or better working for the bad. The bad are usually more motivated.

So to condense that, it looks like I will supply off site means of sharing HPTuners files?

That would be fine. Actually great of you to provide something like that. I want the Forum to be all it can, I just don't want to lose sleep over 10 years of Data vs some geek idiot who'* one step ahead of the crowd.

Dan, how were you and Bill doing bin files at Club Barney? Is this something we can loosen our grip and remain 100% safe?

I think if we only allow people with over X number of posts to attach those files it would be fine, or only gearheads (mods and admins). If someone wants to get say 500 posts racked up just to attach a malicious excel file then they can take the site down without any attachments.

The problem in a Forum is permissions like those are in usergroups. And I don't see how I can assign them to individuals or by post counts. We have to play by vB formatting/options. Considering the number of gearheads, and a few that have gone astray and actually done things malicious. I would only consider the option for Admins. If Dan is comfortable with doing the extra work, giving credit to the submitter, I could deal with it. It isn't you Trent. But my experience with people in general stops me from allowing us to loosen our guard. I've had both Mods and Gearheads go nuts on powertrips and become people we never expected. Then turn vindivctive long after 500 posts. I'm not real familiar with Bin files, or how far files in general/which ones are considered dangerous. But Rick, the owner is. I will take this up with Him and Dan and we will get you/other tuners something workable. We are in the process right now of putting up a new Tuner Section in Tech Info hoping to both serve members who use them, and generate more interest in them.