Re: Why file content sniffing sucks

[Blomberg David <dblomber Libertec com>]

On Mon, 2003-12-29 at 23:55, Jason A. Pfeil wrote:
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> On Fri, 26 Dec 2003, Blomberg David wrote:
> 

> That's not necessarily the case.  It would be rather simple for GNOME to
> *verify* that the file extension matches the file content when the file is
> accessed.  That would add a level of user interaction which would help to
> minimize the risk.  The problem with this line of thought is that we are
> trying to save the user from himself.  That is just not possible.
Agreed
>   Enough
> information should be given to the user, augmented with clear warnings about
> what they are about to do, to help users make the right decision.  That is
> a much cleaner approach and does not have the software trying to make the
> decision for the user.
Yes but as we know users dont read the warnings even if we force them to
click through them
> 
> Quite often, in Windows, I change the extension on a file so that it will
> be opened by a different application.  That is not possible when the software
> decides what is best for me.
> 
Windows often decides whats best.  Linux/Unix imposes no such
restriction.  I can open flash in vi if I like try doing that in Winodws
without jumping through hoops.

The issue still remains "time to preview" will not be helped by imposing
file extension requirements. (if you are not planning to require all
files to have extensions then this whole conversation is moot as many
will continue on as before.



> - --Jason
> 
> > 
> > On Thu, 2003-12-25 at 06:22, Charles Goodwin wrote:
> > > On Wed, 2003-12-24 at 20:39, Geoffrey wrote:
> > > > Personally, I think extension approaches suck.  Then again, I've been a 
> > > > UNIX guy for 25 years.  I think that maybe the file determination needs 
> > > > to be refined.
> > > > 
> > > > Actually, the best solution would be to support both and let the user 
> > > > choose.
> > > 
> > > Yes, but hasn't the HIG taught you anything? :P
> > > 
> > > Which should be the default if this is supported?
> > > 
> > > I think file content is the _right_ method, but if it's blocking usage
> > > of Nautilus then it is being _badly_ implemented.  It should just chug
> > > along in the background, detecting the files and repainting the icons
> > > without interrupting the user.
> > > 
> > > - Charlie
> > 
> 
> - -- 
> Jason A. Pfeil
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-- 
David Blomberg
AIS, APS, ASE, CCNA, LCP, LCA, Linux+, LPI I, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, RHCE, Server+
Nihon Libertec
dblomber libertec com