I was downloading the updated A320 FDE file over at Flightsim.com and it dawned on me that I find myself constantly renaming the many zip files I have on my hard drive (as I download them of course) to names in which I can actually go back and remember what they were.My question is why are people still naming their files useless names like 'pra32090.zip'??? I've been around since the days of DOS and understood the reasoning for this back then. In the day of WindowsXP there's is no excuse for this. Why couldn't this file have a name like, 'A320 FDE V2.zip'??? I know some developers give files names that make since but the vast majority of files I've downloaded here at Avsim and Flightsim.com make me feel like we're still in the days of DOS. I was flightsimming back in those days and remembered the OS (MSDOS) couldn't recognize certain characters when we would name files. We had to work around this and that's why names like 'ss34d.zip' came into being. Spaces etc weren't allowed. Today we've come past the old naming convention and although things have to travel back and forth over the NET, simple file names that make since like 'AA CRJ.zip' for an American Eagle repaint of the CRJ could really help out the guy on the receiving end of the freeware or shareware download. Names like 'C4646JA.zip' doesn't make since to me... I'm not complaining just wondering why this is. Is it because people see what others name their files and think this is how things are done or is there something really interesting going through someone

Having just recently uploaded my update to Byron Warwick's Jabiru there, I can just say that Flightsim.com requires an 8+3 file name format--just like the good 'ol days of DOS... Believe me, I'd name my files in the longer format if I could. Anyway, because of the number of files on their server, it sometimes means you have to get "creative" to find a zip name not already used.-John

For me, Flightsim.com is the only reason for keeping names to eight digits, as it is an important site to be at and yet still has that requirement as JohnCi says. The really annoying thing is when someone uploads to Avsim as B747400_Splonkydonky_Air_mostly_POSKY_with_bits_I_added_on.zip and then finds they have to rename it to B744SDPB.zip to get it on Flightsim.com. Idiots like me with vague memories end up downloading the same thing twice.Mark "Dark Moment" Beaumonthttp://www.swiremariners.com/newlogo.jpg

Hello,Mark, I just want to let you know your not alone. I have downloaded the same thing twice for the same reason. There are also lot of people who like to keep the filename the same. And that's why you'll see the strange filename on Avsim as well.Regards,Jim

let's see:pra is likely the name of the developer that they use for themselves.320 is clear enough.090 might hint that it's version 0.09 or 09.0Nothing wrong with that filename...I might put in some separators, making it pra_320_090.zip and maybe append a timestamp for the file creation date but that's it.C4646JA.zip? Is the aircraft given registration N4646JA and is a CRJ?

I have a system which helps me to remember what I have downloaded. It's pretty simple:If I am downloading something like xy235rt.zip, I add my own comment to the file name. So the above file would become xy235rt_NEW_CLOUDS_TEX.zip if it contains replacement clouds textures. This way I keep the original name and after the underline comes my description in caps which tells me what it is. :)Regards,Jurehttp://www.panelshop.com/RFP_Junior_Pilot.jpg

Hi All,The right mouse click, RENAME function of any Windows version still works. You should see how it works with FSUIPC, which always downloads with the same name: FSUIPC.Hope this helps,JimActiveSky Supporthttp://www.hifisim.com/images/as2004proudsupporter.jpg

I always rename a file prior to D/L. I D/L a lot of stuff and may not get around to installing for some time. This way I can structure my back log in a readable fashion.and know the contents w/o having to open the file.One of the easiest ways to do it -- IMHO -- is simply copy the main title for the plane/scenery on the D/L page and use that to rename the file. Piece of cake.I usually go one step further and give it a prefix like: PMDG, iFDG, FFX, etc. That way common birds are grouped for ease of reference.-------------------Racartronit means something, but I just can't remember what

dilloll0Thats a strange name too....I receive all my file to a folder named c:receive. There is a really nice feature of windows that allows you to arrange the files in groups. The folder that you use to store your files in, go there and right click on the inside of the folder... Choose "Arrange icons by" then "show in groups" ..... then go up to the "date modified" and click on that. Now what that does is arrange all the zips in that folder in the order of the dates that you received them with todays downloads at the top. All the files you've downloaded today will be at the top.... no brainer...Easy as pie...Now to go back.... just right click on the inside of the folder and reverse what you just did.Joe W.

I've been thinking the same Dillon, but didn't like to mention it, being a relative newcomer to FS. I thought that there might be a glaringly obvious reason which I hadn't seen, for people to continue using arcane DOS lingo. I rename files but even then, it's still possible to encounter problems! No need IMHO even to use underline to separate eitheryk_YAK_diddly_bonk_ my Ar*e04.zip :-bla