Re: GET FILES

Ryan,
	Browsers are normally looking out for a MIME type which is what the
	server deduces from the .mime.types. So it's possible to do a number
	of things, such as specifying that the file is to be treated as binary
	data (whatever type it really is), and this will trigger the browser
	to popup the file save dialog (in the usual default configuration). 
	The browser can also deduce the MIME type locally, using the
	~/.mime.types file (UNIX). Put in the line

		application/octet-stream	type

	where "type" is the file extension of those files. The ~/.mailcap file
	is the one where you can associate MIME types to viewers; it should
	have no entry for this one tho. But just to complete the picture, if
	you have a file that is best viewed with some special program, then
	you can link it in by associating it to the MIME type thus:

		image/x-fits;   saoimage -fits %s

	If you are an astronomer then you might want to view FITS images with
	saoimage. There is currently no registered FITS MIME type (I believe
	there will be) but you can extend (x-) the standard types. The %s gets
	the data stream. -fits is an arg to saoimage.

	Alan.

Ryan Bernard wrote:
> 
> 
> Can anyone help?
> 
> We are trying to have a clickable hyperlink that will allow the user to 
> download a local file to disk and save it, WITHOUT using the Options menu. 
> 
> For instance:
> 
> 1. User clicks hyperlinked word.
> 2. File save dialog opens.
> 3. User specifies filename and clicks OK.
> 4. File is saved.
> 
> I know you can already accomplish this by the following:
> 
> 1. User anticipates downloading a file.
> 2. User prepares by selecting Load to Disk from Options menu.
> 3. User clicks hyperlinked word.
> 4. File save dialog opens.
> 5. User specifies filename and clicks OK.
> 6. File is saved.
> 
> We are really trying to do is save the user a couple of steps and/or save
> having to train the user on how to download files.  I recognize we can just
> include the instructions on the page, next to the link, but what the heck.
> 
> Ryan Bernard
> Western Atlas Software
> Houston 
> 
> 
> 

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Received on Thursday, 17 November 1994 21:46:03 UTC