Home Theater Connection eBook.

[PromoDept]

Thinking of purchasing a HomeTheater this Holiday Season, but not sure what
you need, how to hook it up, or if you can use some things you already own?

Check out our fully-self-extracting, downloadable e-Book, with practical
tips & Flash-animations on setting up/connecting the components of a Basic
Home Theater System.

http://www.visual-cue.com/HTEBOOK.htm.

Other "practical Home Theater PDF guides" and info concerning Home Theater
can be found here: http://www.visual-cue.com/PHTT.htm.

[Ethan Winer]

From the referenced site:

"Our Home Theater eBook is NOT a PDF file; but a totally self-extracting
FREE* Home Theater eBook (.exe)."

So why NOT a PDF file? Why should I have to install yet another stupid
program just to read your advice?

[Badger]

Ethan, I don't believe I've ever seen an animated PDF.
Clay
--
There are 10 kinds of people in the world:
Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

Post by Ethan Winer
"Our Home Theater eBook is NOT a PDF file; but a totally self-extracting
FREE* Home Theater eBook (.exe)."
So why NOT a PDF file? Why should I have to install yet another stupid
program just to read your advice?

[Ethan Winer]

Clay and CJ,

I don't believe I've ever seen an animated PDF. <

Now that everyone has a browser that can read HTML I don't understand why
PDF is even still so popular. I'm not opposed to PDF or HTML or even Flash
when their use is justified. But I'm a computing professional who cares how
many programs are installed in my computer, and what resources all those
program uses. So it irks me to see more and more proprietary formats being
pushed on the public.

Maybe I'm being unreasonable, and maybe e-Books are a useful format. But I
find it unreasonable for a site to offer information in the form of an EXE
file. For all I know the file on that site is a virus. After all, the
original post was basically unsolicited spam.

--Ethan

[C G]

Post by Ethan Winer
Clay and CJ,

I don't believe I've ever seen an animated PDF. <

Now that everyone has a browser that can read HTML I don't understand why
PDF is even still so popular. I'm not opposed to PDF or HTML or even Flash
when their use is justified. But I'm a computing professional who cares how
many programs are installed in my computer, and what resources all those
program uses. So it irks me to see more and more proprietary formats being
pushed on the public.

HTML is a terrible way to deliver books. PDF format has been around for
a long time. It works well, has good features, continues to evolve with
new features and a free viewer is provided.

I agree with the comment about "more and more proprietary formats".
Quite often these proprietary formats are used as a way to control the
market. Unfortunately, people continue to blindly support companies who
create proprietary standards, often as a way of crushing a more open
standard. An example of this blind support is people who use Outlook
Express for their newsreader and Internet Explorer for browsing.
Creates a great opening for MS to insert their own proprietary solutions
in what should be an industry standard.

Post by Ethan Winer
Maybe I'm being unreasonable, and maybe e-Books are a useful format. But I
find it unreasonable for a site to offer information in the form of an EXE
file. For all I know the file on that site is a virus. After all, the
original post was basically unsolicited spam.

Complete agreement with this part. Content should be provided in a
non-executable format and viewed with a standard, and trusted tool.

[James Gifford]

Post by C G
HTML is a terrible way to deliver books.

Yep.

Post by C G
I agree with the comment about "more and more proprietary formats".
Quite often these proprietary formats are used as a way to control the
market.

And until there is a way to "control the market" with respect to
security and piracy, ebooks will remain a niche populated by relatively
low-quality, low-value productions. Adobe has had the chance to evolve
PDF - which is a wonderful format, but completely immune to security -
into the Adobe eBook format, and so far they've blown the job. So it's
going to take someone else's "proprietary format" to make it work.

[Ethan Winer]

CG,

HTML is a terrible way to deliver books. <

Why? I'm not saying HTML is perfect, but one thing I really like about HTML
over PDF is that the text, pages, and formatting are all user scalable. You
widen your browser window, and more text is displayed on each line.
Ctrl-mouse wheel makes the text shrink and grow.

I deal with PDF files all the time, and mostly find them a nuisance. My
company advertises in 14 different audio magazines, and most have a PDF file
of rates and such. I hate when they pack four separate pages into each huge
PDF page, so I have to constantly zoom in and then out back and forth to
read tiny text and scroll around.

--Ethan

[C G]

Post by Ethan Winer
CG,

HTML is a terrible way to deliver books. <

Why? I'm not saying HTML is perfect, but one thing I really like about HTML
over PDF is that the text, pages, and formatting are all user scalable. You
widen your browser window, and more text is displayed on each line.
Ctrl-mouse wheel makes the text shrink and grow.

What I like about PDF is when you stretch the window, the text and
pictures get larger rather than just reflowing to make the lines
longer.

Post by Ethan Winer
I deal with PDF files all the time, and mostly find them a nuisance. My
company advertises in 14 different audio magazines, and most have a PDF file
of rates and such. I hate when they pack four separate pages into each huge
PDF page, so I have to constantly zoom in and then out back and forth to
read tiny text and scroll around.

I think you are shooting the messanger when you blame the PDF technology
for the problems you are describing.

[Ethan Winer]

CG,

What I like about PDF is <

And that's what makes the world go 'round. You are absolutely correct that
everyone has preferences, and what I like might be exactly what you don't
like.

I think you are shooting the messanger when you blame the PDF technology

for the problems you are describing. <

Agreed. Valid point for sure.

The real issue here is text provided as a .exe file. :->)

--Ethan

[C G]

Post by Ethan Winer
The real issue here is text provided as a .exe file. :->)

Gone around in a circle, back to the original problem.

Complete agreement.

[Badger]

Post by C G

Post by Ethan Winer
The real issue here is text provided as a .exe file. :->)

Gone around in a circle, back to the original problem.
Complete agreement.

Which brings around the graphics and animations question.
I'm done with this thread.

Good discussion.
Clay

[Robert L. Bass]

Post by Badger

Post by C G

Post by Ethan Winer
The real issue here is text provided as a .exe file. :->)

Gone around in a circle, back to the original problem.
Complete agreement.

Which brings around the graphics and animations question.
I'm done with this thread.
Good discussion.
Clay

Hmm. Perhaps it's a bit late to ask but what is the problem with someone
distributing information in an eBook or PDF? I'm not endorsing or
disagreeing with using eBooks. I just don't understand why it would bother
someone either way. Did I miss something???

[C G]

Post by Robert L. Bass

Post by Badger

Post by C G

Post by Ethan Winer
The real issue here is text provided as a .exe file. :->)

Gone around in a circle, back to the original problem.
Complete agreement.

Which brings around the graphics and animations question.
I'm done with this thread.
Good discussion.
Clay

Hmm. Perhaps it's a bit late to ask but what is the problem with someone
distributing information in an eBook or PDF? I'm not endorsing or
disagreeing with using eBooks. I just don't understand why it would bother
someone either way. Did I miss something???

This thread started when someone was trying to sell a book that was in
an exe. Several people complained.

[Robert L. Bass]

Post by C G
This thread started when someone was trying to sell a
book that was in an exe. Several people complained.

Why complain? If the gentleman wants to distribute it that way, that's his
decision. I've been working on a book which will eventually be distributed
as a PDF. I *might* decide to do an eBook if it makes sense economically.
I'm curious why anyone would object though.

Regards,
Robert

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
2291 Pine View Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34231
877-722-8900 Sales & Tech Support
941-925-9747 Fax
941-232-0791 Wireless
Nextel Private ID - 161*21755*1
http://www.bass-home.com
=============================>

[C G]

Post by Robert L. Bass

Post by C G
This thread started when someone was trying to sell a
book that was in an exe. Several people complained.

Why complain? If the gentleman wants to distribute it that way, that's his
decision. I've been working on a book which will eventually be distributed
as a PDF. I *might* decide to do an eBook if it makes sense economically.
I'm curious why anyone would object though.

It's all been discussed. Perhaps you can look the thread up in google?

[Robert L. Bass]

Post by C G
It's all been discussed. Perhaps you can look the thread up in google?

I looked at the thread as it developed but didn't post until later. I still
don't understand why anyone should object. If I wanted to read the
gentleman's book I'd buy it, download it and open the exe file. If not, it
wouldn't make any difference to me how it's formatted.

Regards,
Robert

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
2291 Pine View Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34231
877-722-8900 Sales & Tech Support
941-925-9747 Fax
941-232-0791 Wireless
Nextel Private ID - 161*21755*1
http://www.bass-home.com
=============================>

[C G]

Post by Robert L. Bass

Post by C G
It's all been discussed. Perhaps you can look the thread up in google?

I looked at the thread as it developed but didn't post until later. I still
don't understand why anyone should object. If I wanted to read the
gentleman's book I'd buy it, download it and open the exe file. If not, it
wouldn't make any difference to me how it's formatted.

Then you do not share our concerns. That's fine, they are called
"personal" computers.

Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of shipping a book in the
form of a program you have to run. It's too easy for the executable to
have a virus, spyware, etc within. A book is just content. There are
many ways of delivering content in a non-executable format.

[Robert L. Bass]

Post by C G
Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of shipping a book in the
form of a program you have to run. It's too easy for the executable to
have a virus, spyware, etc within. A book is just content. There are
many ways of delivering content in a non-executable format.

I scan all downloaded files with anti-virus software. So far so good.

[C G]

Post by Robert L. Bass

Post by C G
Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of shipping a book in the
form of a program you have to run. It's too easy for the executable to
have a virus, spyware, etc within. A book is just content. There are
many ways of delivering content in a non-executable format.

I scan all downloaded files with anti-virus software. So far so good.

And usually that is enough for a diligent person. Unfortunately, many
people are not so diligent, as is proven over and over. Also, the virus
software does not always catch the latest and greatest virus. It also
does nothing for spyware, which some people seem to be very paranoid
about. The vendors who deliver books in a non-executable format avoid
all these risks.

[Robert L. Bass]

Post by C G
The vendors who deliver books in a non-executable format avoid
all these risks.

I think you've got it around the wrong way, Chuck. Honest vendors who use
executables are not exposing themselves or their clients to risks. Jerks
who imbed spyware and such in their executables are a problem but that
doesn't make executables as a group less safe.

Anyone who uses due diligence can usually remain virus free. I update my
anti-virus software regularly and I only DL from vendors I know and trust.
Whenever a hole is discovered in my OS or any of the SW I use I install the
appropriate patch. While no system is truly perfect, I feel I'm reasonably
safe.

Getting back to the subject, if you don't want to DL an EXE, then don't.
But that doesn't mean that the author has done something wrong. It just
means that you are nervous about executables. That's nothing to object to
IMO.

Regards,
Robert

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
2291 Pine View Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34231
877-722-8900 Sales & Tech Support
941-925-9747 Fax
941-232-0791 Wireless
Nextel Private ID - 161*21755*1
http://www.bass-home.com
=============================>

[Lenroc]

Post by Robert L. Bass
I think you've got it around the wrong way, Chuck. Honest vendors who use
executables are not exposing themselves or their clients to risks. Jerks
who imbed spyware and such in their executables are a problem but that
doesn't make executables as a group less safe.

Yes, it does. Using an executable for content delivery just does _not_
make sense.

There is no good reason for it.

Deliver content in a document format (PDF, HTML, SWF, ...).

How can I tell if you are reputable or not? One surefire way is to look at
what your distributing: If it's supposed to be content, but you're
distributing it as an executable, I'll assume you are _not_ reputable.

[Robert L. Bass]

Post by Lenroc
Yes, it does. Using an executable for content delivery
just does _not_ make sense.

I sometimes use self-extracting executables to deliver large groups of
related files (PDF, HTML, DOCs, images, etc.). It makes it easier to
maintain links if the component parts are unzipped into the specific
directories I designed them for.

Post by Lenroc
There is no good reason for it.

What if the eBook includes integrated flash or other apps?

Post by Lenroc
Deliver content in a document format (PDF, HTML, SWF, ...).

Most of the tim I do. But there are things I'd like to include in a future
release that *may* (I'm not sure yet) be better served via an exe.

Post by Lenroc
How can I tell if you are reputable or not? One surefire
way is to look at what your distributing: If it's supposed
to be content, but you're distributing it as an executable,
I'll assume you are _not_ reputable.

If you scan it and it's got some nasties inside, sure. If it's stated on
the page that "this is an executable" then the vendor may indeed be
reputable (or not).

[Lenroc]

Post by Robert L. Bass
I sometimes use self-extracting executables to deliver large groups of
related files (PDF, HTML, DOCs, images, etc.). It makes it easier to
maintain links if the component parts are unzipped into the specific
directories I designed them for.

A ZIP file can do that too. I hesitate to download an .exe even if it is
just an executable self expanding .zip...

Post by Robert L. Bass
What if the eBook includes integrated flash

HTML can handle this...

Post by Robert L. Bass
or other apps?

What sort of app are you talking about? If it's an app it's not content...

Post by Robert L. Bass
Most of the tim I do. But there are things I'd like to include in a
future release that *may* (I'm not sure yet) be better served via an
exe.

There's no content that is better delivered as an executable. There's no
reason to do it.

Post by Robert L. Bass
If you scan it and it's got some nasties inside, sure.

I don't trust a scanner to tell me if an executable is safe. An
executable, by it's nature, can do just about anything, and my scanner may
not be able to tell me about it.

Post by Robert L. Bass
If it's stated on the page that "this is an executable" then the vendor
may indeed be reputable (or not).

If I trusted the vendor it wouldn't be an issue. I don't trust most
vendors.

Bottom line: I would never download an executable that was supposed to
contain content (a book, a picture, etc.).

I would recommend to anyone else out there to follow the same guideline ;)

[Ethan Winer]

Lenroc,

I hesitate to download an .exe even if it is just an executable self

expanding .zip. <

I agree. The good news, if you have Winzip, is you can save it to your hard
drive then right-click in Windows Explorer and have Winzip display its
contents as if it were a normal Zip file.

--Ethan

[C G]

Post by Robert L. Bass

Post by C G
The vendors who deliver books in a non-executable format avoid
all these risks.

I think you've got it around the wrong way, Chuck. Honest vendors who use
executables are not exposing themselves or their clients to risks. Jerks
who imbed spyware and such in their executables are a problem but that
doesn't make executables as a group less safe.

Yes, executables are less safe. It is IMPOSSIBLE to imbed anything,
virus or spyware, in a PDF. The same is not true of an exe. How do you
know the "honest" vendor from the one who might be deciding to use
spyware, or who accidently ends up with a virus?

Post by Robert L. Bass
Anyone who uses due diligence can usually remain virus free.

For the most part, agreed.

Post by Robert L. Bass
I update my
anti-virus software regularly and I only DL from vendors I know and trust.

Me too, but I have still ended up with two viruses. And how can you
really know who to trust?

Post by Robert L. Bass
Whenever a hole is discovered in my OS or any of the SW I use I install the
appropriate patch. While no system is truly perfect, I feel I'm reasonably
safe.

Yes, reasonably, unless you are running windows, and then all bets are
off :-)

Post by Robert L. Bass
Getting back to the subject, if you don't want to DL an EXE, then don't.
But that doesn't mean that the author has done something wrong. It just
means that you are nervous about executables. That's nothing to object to
IMO.

This is a free forum, right? People are permitted to voice an opinion,
right? It is perfectly reasonable to comment on and object to the use
of an exe to deliver a book. It's also perfectly reasonable for others,
such as yourself, to voice counter opinions. If the author is
listening, he might choose to keep using an exe in the future, or
perhaps not...

Chuck

[Robert L. Bass]

Post by C G
It is IMPOSSIBLE to imbed anything,
virus or spyware, in a PDF.

For now perhaps. Until a few weeks ago most folks would have said the same
thing about JPG images.

Post by C G

Post by Robert L. Bass
Whenever a hole is discovered in my OS or any of the
SW I use I install the appropriate patch. While no system
is truly perfect, I feel I'm reasonably safe.

Yes, reasonably, unless you are running windows, and then
all bets are off :-)

Let's not go there again or this thread will go into overtime.

Post by C G

Post by Robert L. Bass
Getting back to the subject, if you don't want to DL an
EXE, then don't. But that doesn't mean that the author
has done something wrong. It just means that you are
nervous about executables. That's nothing to object to
IMO.

This is a free forum, right? People are permitted to voice
an opinion, right?

Awe, c'mon, Chuck. You know me well enough to know I don't deny anyone the
right to speak his mind. I just don't happen to believe that all executabes
are dangerous.

Regards,
Robert

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
2291 Pine View Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34231
877-722-8900 Sales & Tech Support
941-925-9747 Fax
941-232-0791 Wireless
Nextel Private ID - 161*21755*1
http://www.bass-home.com
=============================>

[C G]

Post by Robert L. Bass

Post by C G
It is IMPOSSIBLE to imbed anything,
virus or spyware, in a PDF.

For now perhaps. Until a few weeks ago most folks would have said the same
thing about JPG images.

Not that one again.

Post by Robert L. Bass

Post by C G

Post by Robert L. Bass
Whenever a hole is discovered in my OS or any of the
SW I use I install the appropriate patch. While no system
is truly perfect, I feel I'm reasonably safe.

Yes, reasonably, unless you are running windows, and then
all bets are off :-)

Let's not go there again or this thread will go into overtime.

Agreed.

Post by Robert L. Bass

Post by C G

Post by Robert L. Bass
Getting back to the subject, if you don't want to DL an
EXE, then don't. But that doesn't mean that the author
has done something wrong. It just means that you are
nervous about executables. That's nothing to object to
IMO.

This is a free forum, right? People are permitted to voice
an opinion, right?

Awe, c'mon, Chuck. You know me well enough to know I don't deny anyone the
right to speak his mind. I just don't happen to believe that all executabes
are dangerous.

:-)

[Ethan Winer]

Robert,

I just don't understand why it would bother someone <

CG already listed the key points. Beyond the risk of viruses and spyware, I
am very careful about what I install on my computer. It's not so much disk
space, which these days is basically free, but all the registry entries
(Windows) that are kept in memory whether needed or not that contribute to
slowing down the computer. And every new program you install is just one
more chance to screw up what is now a stable system.

Another big issue with me is copy protection - I'll have none of that on my
computer. Earlier this year I shopped for a particular Acoustics reference,
and the online book vendors have it in printed and eBook formats. At first I
thought the eBook version would be great - I could put it on my main
computer and also my laptop to take with me, and print out portions as
needed. But no. When you buy an eBook (this one, anyway) it can't be
printed, and it can be used on only one computer. So what do I do in three
years when I get my next computer? What a joke. So I bought the printed
version, which I'll be able to read in thirty years (if I'm still alive), or
give to someone else.

--Ethan

[Alan]

On an slightly off topic note, I'd like to ask what news reader you do like
for use with windows. I have never been a fan of OE, I use to use Pine back
in the day when I had a shell account but that is no longer feasible for me.
I realize there are 100's to choose from and I could find them by
searching... I just want to see what you have to say.
--
Alan

Post by C G

Post by Ethan Winer
Clay and CJ,

I don't believe I've ever seen an animated PDF. <

Now that everyone has a browser that can read HTML I don't understand why
PDF is even still so popular. I'm not opposed to PDF or HTML or even Flash
when their use is justified. But I'm a computing professional who cares how
many programs are installed in my computer, and what resources all those
program uses. So it irks me to see more and more proprietary formats being
pushed on the public.

HTML is a terrible way to deliver books. PDF format has been around for
a long time. It works well, has good features, continues to evolve with
new features and a free viewer is provided.
I agree with the comment about "more and more proprietary formats".
Quite often these proprietary formats are used as a way to control the
market. Unfortunately, people continue to blindly support companies who
create proprietary standards, often as a way of crushing a more open
standard. An example of this blind support is people who use Outlook
Express for their newsreader and Internet Explorer for browsing.
Creates a great opening for MS to insert their own proprietary solutions
in what should be an industry standard.

Post by Ethan Winer
Maybe I'm being unreasonable, and maybe e-Books are a useful format. But I
find it unreasonable for a site to offer information in the form of an EXE
file. For all I know the file on that site is a virus. After all, the
original post was basically unsolicited spam.

Complete agreement with this part. Content should be provided in a
non-executable format and viewed with a standard, and trusted tool.

[C G]

Post by Alan
On an slightly off topic note, I'd like to ask what news reader you do like
for use with windows. I have never been a fan of OE, I use to use Pine back
in the day when I had a shell account but that is no longer feasible for me.
I realize there are 100's to choose from and I could find them by
searching... I just want to see what you have to say.

For the most part I use Netscape 4.77. I realize there may be better
ones out there, but I am familiar with the shortcuts, it's quick and
does what I need. For browsing I have the latest version of Netscape.
MSIE only gets opened when I hit the occasional page that does not work
under Netscape or when I need to install Windows security patches (which
seems to be about twice a month these days...

[Lenroc]

Post by Alan
On an slightly off topic note, I'd like to ask what news reader you do like
for use with windows.

I use Pan (http://pan.rebelbase.com), and think it's fantastic.

But, not everyone wants to use a Linux based tool in actively developed
beta (it does have a Windows port, which is what I use most of the time).

So, other popular ones are:

Agent
Xnews
MicroPlanet Gravity

Any of those should do you good.

[Mr. E. Mann]

Post by C G
HTML is a terrible way to deliver books. PDF format has been around
for a long time. It works well, has good features, continues to
evolve with new features and a free viewer is provided.

I'll take HTML ove PDF or any E-book any day of the week. PDF is just plain
awful for anything other than printing (and there are several formats that
are better than PDF for print).