.Zip or .rar?
A significant number of maps here on TWP are compressed in the .rar format. Although .zip has worse compression for most file types, my preference is .zip simply due to how nicely it integrates with Windows explorer in Vista and Win7. Which do you use, and why?
I use .zip because most of my maps aren't very big and it's accessible to anyone on Windows without anyone having to download a program to access it.
If there is a compression program that is compatible with both Windows and Mac without forcing people to download a program to un-compress it please let me know. I want people with both kinds of computers to play my maps without issues.
My Work
[spoiler]Maps:
Revenge of the Angry Turrets
Capture the Cube [Co-op]
Capture the Cube 2 [Co-op]
TPWEGTH Sample Map
Aperture Aquatic Testing Center
Aperture Aquatic Testing Center 2
Aperture Time Testing Center
ML's Halloween Trick - 1000 downloads!
ML's Halloween Treat
ML's Combination - 1000 downloads!
ML's Jailbreak Labyrinth
ML's Tricky Teamwork [Co-op]
WIP:
"Capture the Cube 3"
Workshop Maps Link: http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198008890579/myworkshopfiles/[/spoiler]
7zip. Best compression you can get.
Well my map installer will install maps from D) Any of the above (.zip, .rar and .7z) </shameless plug>
My Work:
FLAMING LEMONS
FUNRUN - COMING SOON
This. Don't know if you can use it on *Nix and I know you can't get it for Mac, but that's, to an extent, what you get for using a Mac in the first place.
Now with 100% more inline comments!
I use 7z due to the fact that it cuts the size of a file by 35% - 40%. And that helps when you have slow net like me an have to upload something 200MB. One time I had a 1.6 GB file to upload and the final size was 175 MB. <3
The more you give, the less appreciated it will be received.
I use 7zip too. Its compression ratio is awesome but its GUI sux (at least I don't get to use it often). However, my only map was released with RAR compression since I was using WinRAR at the time.
(percentage calculation sphere self-test failed!)
108.1% done, -8.1% remaining...
Released here!
All maps for Portal (1/2) worth playing are mirrored here.
I just found out that .zip compression works for Windows and Mac. Forget what I asked earlier.
To me, when it comes to compressing files, it must be as convenient as possible to the person downloading the file.
My Work
[spoiler]Maps:
Revenge of the Angry Turrets
Capture the Cube [Co-op]
Capture the Cube 2 [Co-op]
TPWEGTH Sample Map
Aperture Aquatic Testing Center
Aperture Aquatic Testing Center 2
Aperture Time Testing Center
ML's Halloween Trick - 1000 downloads!
ML's Halloween Treat
ML's Combination - 1000 downloads!
ML's Jailbreak Labyrinth
ML's Tricky Teamwork [Co-op]
WIP:
"Capture the Cube 3"
Workshop Maps Link: http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198008890579/myworkshopfiles/[/spoiler]
I love using .7z for my personal folders, but the maps I've uploaded so far use .zip because it seems to be the most available and convenient for a larger amount of people.
I just tried some different compression methods for my one and only uploaded map, Twin Pillars.
It includes two text documents, a .bsp, a .vmf, one .jpg image, and an internet shortcut.
Total Uncompressed Size: 8.96 MB (100%)
.Zip Size: 2.98 MB (33%)
.Rar Size: 2.64 MB (29%)
.7z Size: 2.08 MB (23%)
So .7z provides the best compression (at least for the file types used here), but .zip has the best compatibility and convenience. I just figured out that the .rar format is incredibly pointless considering that 7-Zip is free, has better compression, and is compatible with WinRAR anyway. Take note, TWP mappers.