Integrated Download Program
 

I know that we have Downloads 1.0e by Ron1n and Downloads Area 1.2 by another author but both programs have a number of issues and are very low priorities by the authors. We really need a solid download program that's integrated with VB, uses the VB permission systems but is something more than a forum where people add attachments. The Downloads 1.0e is a good looking program but just really lacks any serious functionality. What it does do, it does well. But if someone could make a (as I call it) Download Manager akin to VBAdvanced's Gallery product, in terms of integration and features, I'm sure it's something ppl would pay for.

What I'm thinking about is another php program that gives admins a whole new dynamic. We could have categories and sub-categories (and so on). Users could leave feedback and ratings, we could provide security on a per-category (or sub category) basis. Screenshots could be attached (if screenshots were needed) and a detailed description could be left by the admin. Additionally, there could be the possibility of users uploading new files and then admins could (or disable if they didn't want to) moderate the files to cover their rear end from copyrighted material.

I was thinking that if someone could make something similar to Ron1n's program, give it the abilities and style of cinq's VBArticles 2.0 and then polish it and give it the features of VBA's Gallery...wow. I'd pay $50 for that, easily. And I'm sure there are quite a few others who would as well. I haven't touced code in 10 years and when I did, it required the use of a compiler and used the 3rd letter of the alphabet as it's name. While I can fix minor issues w/ PHP, I couldn't even being to do something like this on my own. So I'm appealing to the community so that someone might make this. If it's free, you're a good person but it's a lot of work and probably a lot of support so $$$ isn't a bad thing.

edit: Also, Andrew's Link's and Files 1.55 is a GREAT program but a perfect example of using the forums, something that would be nice to avoid. Don't get me wrong, Andrew has written an incredibly program but it wasn't intended for downloads and was modded to support them but again, it requires the use of a forum, not really clean in my opinion.

edit2: One very big thing that is missing from existing programs is the ability to read a directory on the server and let the admin create downloads from that. Yes, it's a manual process and yes, that's a function I would want. Say that someone was hosting large video files (no, not porn in my case but that's a valid application for this). Most of these other applications require you to upload it to the server via the forums but with PHP's limitations (and yes, I have my upload and max_post set to 16M) you can't upload files in the 100+ MB range. It's just not practical.

We're also missing anti-leeching technology. Granted, storing files on the filesystem means you might be vulnerable to that (mod_rewrite???? I dunno, I'm a dummy who barely remembers C much less PHP/Apache) but Andrew added a URL hiding function that if could be expanded upon and put into a seperate system (i.e. not the forums but an integrated application), how powerful would that be? Storing 100MB+ files in the database just isn't practical.

I don't personally need this but I'm sure sites that deal in file trading (which I'm sure are all legit :classic: ) would like things like upload/download ratios, just like the old dial-up BBS days: 4MB down for every 1MB up or whatever.

I can go on and make a sick laundry list of features and functions but I think those who *could* do this have an idea of what I'm getting at. Again, I know I'm not the only user who wants something like this and yes, paying for something like this is 100% reasonable assuming the price is also reasonable.

It could be done, but it would probably require someone with an already running site, which is trusted... (kinda like vbadvanced).

I could create this hack, but I currently have loads of other ideas which come first, so it could be 6 months before I actually start creating it...

$$$ doesn't motivate you? :) heh, I'm just ribbing you. I'm telling you though, this would be a HUGE contribution to the community, paid or not. Bigger than VBArcade, bigger than Geek Articles, bigger than VBGarage, etc. This is the one "big thing" that VB lacks. I mean sure, I *could* create my own html page with categories and what not and then use a simple login system but integrated would be SOOOOO much better.

$$$ does motivate me, my other projects planned also include $$$ ;).

This would be a huge mod, if you wanna do it right, so you'll need lots of time.

Time is something I don't have, atleast not these days :ermm:

I'm hoping other ppl reply and do the little MMO "/sign" to indicate that they too want/need something like this. The threads of the above mentioned hacks are full of ppl really needing said product. Now if they just come over here and
a) support the idea
b) give other ideas
that would be great. I agree 100% with you that what I've asked for isn't easy and will take time to create if you want it done in a way that's right, that scales, that someone can support and something that lasts longer than 3 months before it needs to be replaced.

I believe that the more people request the hack, the more people will be motivated to code it ;)

to everyone else:

I know I'm not the only one looking for such a program/hack/script. If you could drop a word of support AND/OR add some features you would like to see along w/ those that I've mentioned. I've received 5 PMs from ppl saying that if there is enough public support, they'd be willing to create such a monster. That means it won't be a free mod but I think those that create it would be reasonable w/ pricing such a creation.

thanks

I'd love to see something like this!

Here's what I'd like to see:

• Track downloads
• Rate & comment (using vBulletin member database)
• Allow meta data:
  • Title
  • Software author/company
  • URL for software home
  • Description
  • Version number
  • License (GPL, shareware, commercial, etc.)
• Allow linked files (URLs from other sites, rather than uploaded to your server, or files already stored on your server)
• User uploads (subject to review & approval)
• Permissions (by category, using vBulletin usergroups to manage)
  • Can see category?
  • Can download?
  • Can upload?
  • Can approve/edit uploaded files?
• Top downloads
• Top rated
• New downloads
• RSS feeds for all three lists (top/new downloads)
• Uses vBulletin phrases
• Uses vBulletin templates

Personally, I don't care about automatically adding files found in adirectory (which a number of download scripts do)... mainly because Ithink the meta data is important and you can't get most of thatautomatically.

And yes, I'd definitely be willing to pay for something like this.

its not about auto-adding files in a directory, but it would be nice as an admin to upload those 100MB+ files and then be able to point to a file on the filesystem rather than pray that PHP will allow for an upload of "x" MB. Setting the max_post_size and upload to 100MB+ isn't a reasonable item I think. So the ability to use a directory is a nice alternative.

Yay...one supporter. :)

Yes,that I TOTALLY agree with. Which reminds me of another nice feature...limiting file upload size by usergroup (i.e. Admin group can uploadlarger files than regular members).

I wud pay for something like this .. just as i paid for vBadvanced CMPS, Flashchat, Cinq's (donation) article.
someone pls make it... goddamn!

I've already paid $50 for an upload/download management system which was supposed to include vB3 integration - it didn't work and would require a huge amount of customisation to fit the rest of my site. as a result I'm currently using Ron1n's hack but unless the addons he talked about (stats, my files, etc) get added it doesn't go far enough. Would I be willing to pay another $50 for a script that fully integrates with vB3 and provides the facilities I need? Too damned right I would, I've been looking for one for a very long time and still there is no real solution.

what would be nice with regards to that is a seperate upload size than the one that's tied to the forums. For example, I give my users 20MB each on the forums to upload whatever they want. With a download system, they'd bust that cap fairly quickly. So the ability to have a seperate upload "monitor" than the one that's tied to the forums...if that's possible.

I have already spoke with AuroraMike on the subject via PM and am willing to seperate my Uploads/Downloads piece from vBWar 3.0 Portal as a standalone from vBWar, it is currently about 40% done but with enough interest I can get back to work on it. This will be a paid for hack....

Please start a thread over at vbwar.com with your suggestions as outlined above.

Edit: the more people that are interested the cheaper it becomes for everyone....

Hi

I can do this in a week or two the most, but not needing it myself really makes me not want to write it. But I could write it if others want to help with the template design and the logic. Logic meaning (how it will be accessed) will it be part of the User Cp or just a service accessed within the forum!

The coding part is easy, because we have the permissions container already, we only need to extend so it's more secure to deal with openly hostile files! All the other stuff is butter sitting in the bright sun!

If you really want to do this, then setup a forum, so it can be discussed in real detail, it will also allow the people coding it to post details of the scripting and design so everyone has some input on the complete development process! Doing this will always result in a better written, more robust finished service!

Sonia

You can use http://www.scriptworkz.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=3 for this.

This board is still empty, but it is ment for things like this.

Have you checked out Secure Downloads ?
Integrates with ( i think it's built for ) vBulletin.

Link please?

Yes please...VERY interested in a link. Doing a search for "Secure Downloads" on google...well, it's almost like typing "naked women". :) Too many hits.

edit: nvm - http://www.securedownloads.net/
interesting, I'll have to dork around with it. I've been playing w/ VBA Gallery as well, looking into modifying that but if this does it all

thanks to those who were going to look into building this however, for me at least, this looks like this is what I need. I'm gonna play w/ it for a day or two but so far it appears to be exactly what I was looking for.

I just checked this out and this is very nice...pretty close to what I have designed for vBWar 3.0 Portal and alot of the same features. If this is something you guys are looking for then grab it as it will take me a few more weeks to complete mine.

that hack costs 50 bucks for now support and 100 bucks for support if u do your hack will it be released here or on your site ? plus has any one ever thought of Integrating THIS i think this would be an awsome vbhack

you betcha, its not a cheap system but to be 100% honest, personally I wasn't expecting what I was looking for to be free or cheap. $60 is a bit steep but as I indicated above, I'd be willing to pay $50 so what's $10 in the grand scheme of things? I'm still hesitating to buy this for the moment. They're still in RC stages for the latest version and while that's better than beta, there's nothing I hate more than having to upgrade a product on a near monthly basis (*cough* like vbulletin *cough*).

Mine would be released on my site as it will be a pay for script...I agree on the pricing, $60 bucks for an unsupported version is wrong, they should at least provide 6 months with an option to renew the support as most places do.

yep that's the one :)
Pretty slick if you ask me.

DW, hurry along now, stop being the tease ! :D:p

I will, I will...need to finish the vBug Tracker Pro which is due out next week after that I will hurry it along...ok? ;)

i would love to see this as a vbhack here http://phpatm.free.fr/ or intergrade it into vbulletin or have some of the features as a vbhack like that fact you dont need a database or the fact it use opendir() and readdir() where people can upload files to a folder on there servers and the script will detect whats in the folder and use vbulletin images and templates to make up the rest of it all to display.... this would be a great idea

that's a start and then post #1 and post #9 by me in this thread fill in the details just not as nicely.

Main features


Time zone offset (depends on selected language)
Download counter
User can sort files by name, upload date, downloads
User can delete or modify its own files
User can give description to file
Administrator and Poweruser can delete all files and directories
Filename length limit
Appearance tuning (colors, font)
Is is possible to define header and footer
Possibility to view contents of ZIP archives without downloading
Possibility to view images and other type of files on the fly
Recent file list and top downloads list
User accounts support
IP Logging
Account management system
In order to check user e-mail addresses you can enable user activation system
User can subscribe on everyday digest of uploaded files list via e-mail (optional)
Users can get small files by e-mail (optional)
User statistics (uploaded/downloaded/e-mailed files, last access)
Administrator can show info message over the file list
Possibility to use server mailer or your own SMTP
Highly configurable (see include/conf.php)
Files can be securely stored outside of the web root so no direct linking
is possible.

Unlimited categories/subcategories.

No limit to the number of files that can be hosted as long as disk space
allows.

Each file has it's own it counter.

Files can be sorted by date, rating, download popularity, and name.

Users can post comments on files.

Users can review files.

User and administrators can upload files.

Uploaded files can be placed into a moderation queue.

Moderators can be assigned to categories for approving files, editing file
descriptions, and more.

Permissions are set at the category level by usergroup.
Sub-categories can inherit parent category permissions or have their own.

Permissions include CanDownload, CanUpload, CanView, CanSearch,
CanEditOwn, CanPostComments, and PostsRequiredToDownload.

Every download is logged to track abuse.

Download quotas can be set per-usergroup, including daily KB, monthly KB, daily count, and monthly count. Each usergroup can also be limited to a set number of simultaneous downloads to prevent leeching.

Fulltext search engine searches file names, descriptions, and upload
usernames to help users locate specific files.

Image attachment manager allows users to upload images to associate with files, such as screenshots, and rotate and resize if necessary.

Admins can create categories, move categories, move files between
categories in large batches, view the download log, and more.

File import wizard automatically imports files from any server directory,
or specify a URL and Secure Downloads will present a lit of files to import
from that location, then automatically download and add them into the database

good call. If that's possible though. If so...that would be powerful. again, something worth paying for in my book. One other thing that I'm not sure if it was mentioned - masking the URL (i.e. no direct linking to file). AndrewD has it in Links but it's not 100%. I supposed being able to store files outside of the webroot would help significantly.

It can be done...quotas is an easy piece. Masking the file is easy as well and yes it would be in the root. Btw...thats one big feature list....how much are you willing to spend for something like this? Money is a motivation factor here as far as how fast I can get it done. ;)

Natch would be a part of this as well...we make a great team!

Take this one: http://www.securedownloads.net/
It fully integrates into vBulletin without the need to change one file :d

Its a great script.

lol, welcome to last week. We've discussed this already. The problem that some ppl have with the app is the $$$ and the whole supported vs unsupported piece. Personally I'm semi-ok with it but it lacks a few features that I want. I can't speak for others which is why this discussion exists.

I have been away for a few weeks and I am very happy to see this thread. A download script is one reason keeping me from finishing the conversion from phpbb to vb. I own vwsport.com, and I use pafilesdb, I have used it for years now, and about a year ago they came out with a hack to get it to work with phpbb. its been a good program. bad thing is it uses alot of sql queries. anyhow, I played with ron1n's, and it seemed to work okay, but would not do subcats of subcats. anyhow I look forward to seeing how this progresses.

Dan

Natch and I have discussed this in detail and we are starting on it. I am starting a forum at vbwar.com for further discussions as this will be a paid hack and shouldn't be discussed here.

Who on vbulletin has time?
That is why the site is the way it is now.

cant get into that site.

That program is a big pile of dogturd.
Support is nonexistent, it wont even install. paid $60 for it and now charging back (even refund requests are ignored). Stay away from Secure Downloads

mili

I am working on a modification of cinq's article hack - with his permission - for downloads.

If all goes well, in a few weeks, I will have a beta version for people to try.
Exactly when depends on RL

was this project ever finished/released?

Another supporter here!!!!
We really need such a thing. All the current ones we've come across all lack in either functionality or looks or vB integration!
Currently we are using MKPortal with the downloads module but we want to switch to vBadvanced with the accompanying gallery & links and the downloads is the only thing that is holding us back! MKdownloads may not be the most functional downloads module but it looks nice and integrates perfectly.

yes I need download program.