Birth of LSPack

[NewsArchive]

This was when Dynazip was pretty much the only game in town.

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> MsgNo: 390721 Reply to MsgNo: 0 Date: 2-24-1997
> Forum: CLARION / 15 3rd Party Products
> Subject: LS_Pack for CW Toolkit
> From: jr.,Friedrich Linder 101737, 2760
> To: ALL,
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>================================================= ===================
> Product Announcement * Product Announcement * Product Announcement
>================================================= ===================
> LINDER SOFTWARE SYSTEMS
> 101737.2760@compuserve.com
> http://members.aol.com/LinderSoft
>================================================= ===================
> DOCUMENT VERSION: Feb.24, 1997
>
>Announcing the Compression/Decompression Tool-Kit (Beta-1) for CW
>
>The Beta-1 release of the Compression/Decompression Toolkit for
>Clarion for Windows 1.5 and 2.0 will be available on Feb. 26, 1997.
>
>http://members.aol.com/LinderSoft
>
>It will also be available in Lib 11 (but later).
>
>If you are on my Beta-List then I will send you the password to
>encrypt the files. If you have not received a password by Feb. 27,
>1997 please contact me again.
>
>If you are not a registered Beta-Tester but interested in testing
>LS_Pack please send an e-mail - SUBJECT: Beta-Test LS_Pack
>
>PLEASE NOTE: There is NO Beta-Test charge !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>================================================= ===================
>
>LS_Pack INFO
>============
>LS_Pack was planed to support compression/decompression functions
>from within CW. Because LS_Pack is not my "main-product" I cannot
>go into competition with the PKZIP(R) method.
>
>At the moment the LS_Pack system contains two compression algorithms:
>
>(1) FAST - maximal compression speed
>(2) EXTRA - maximal compression ratio
>
>The "EXTRA" compression ratio is much more better than the LZW
>algorithm but it is about + 2-5% of pkzips deflate method. The problem
>is the compression time (the de-compression time is always fine).
>The PKZIP method (for Windows - P5-120 - 32MB) needs about 40 seconds
>to compress all files of the Calgary/Canterbury compression corpus.
>The "EXTRA" algorithm of LS_Pack needs about 135 seconds! The "FAST"
>algorithm is faster than PKZIP but the compression ratio is about +40 %
>of the "EXTRA" mode.
>
>I am still working on an algorithm to handle the optimal SIZE/TIME
>combination automatically. For example if you compress the files
>BOOK1 (750K) and PIC (501K) using the "FAST" mode instead of the
>"EXTRA" mode, the compression time is about 59 !!! seconds faster but
>the archive size is about 160K larger.
>
>
>********** Calgary/Canterbury text compression corpus **********
>
>Original - Uncompressed Calgary/Canterbury file size
>PKZIP - PKZIP Method
>LSPACK(E) - Linder PACK 0.95 Toolkit for CW (EXTRA mode)
>LSPACK(F) - Linder PACK 0.95 Toolkit for CW (FAST mode)
>[s] - Seconds needed to compress
>
>Test-Date: Feb. 24, 1997 (18:00 CET)
>
>FILE Original PKZIP LSPACK(E) [s] LSPACK(F) [s]
>------------------------------------------------------------
>bib 111.261 35.925 36.783 [2] 72.941 [<1]
>book1 768.771 316.107 318.792 [18] 438.577 [<3]
>book2 610.856 209.169 213.160 [12] 368.521 [2]
>geo 102.400 69.021 68.392 [3] 73.084 [1]
>news 377.109 146.116 149.117 [7] 246.606 [<2]
>obj1 21.504 10.417 10.484 [1] 16.584 [<1]
>obj2 246.814 81.952 83.498 [4] 194.635 [<2]
>paper1 53.161 18.734 18.850 [1] 33.550 [<1]
>paper2 82.199 29.905 30.214 [2] 47.830 [<1]
>paper3 46.526 18.216 18.244 [1] 27.469 [<1]
>paper4 13.286 5.619 5.549 [<1] 8.042 [<1]
>paper5 11.954 5.072 5.095 [<1] 7.633 [<1]
>paper6 38.105 13.441 13.554 [1] 24.229 [<1]
>pic 513.216 54.292 59.377 [43] 106.949 [2]
>proc 39.611 13.448 13.490 [1] 26.110 [<1]
>progl 71.646 16.335 16.709 [1] 43.180 [<1]
>progp 49.379 19.356 11.576 [1] 30.416 [<1]
>trans 93.695 19.799 20.952 [2] 65.434 [<1]
>------------------------------------------------------------
> 3.251.493 1.074.924 1.093.836 1.831.790
>Compression Time ~45 s ~102 s <24 s
>Decompression Time *** TEST IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION ***
>
>NOTE: The de-compression algorithms are fast. For example to
> decompress the BOOK1 file in the "EXTRA" ["FAST"] mode
> LS_Pack needs only 3 [2] seconds. The PIC file needs
> only 1 [1] second to be decompressed.
>
>
>***** TOOLKIT PRICE FOR CW PROGRAMMERS *****
>
>LS_PACK 1.0 (16-Bit License) : US$ 50,-
>LS_PACK 1.0 (16-Bit License for Beta-Tester) : US$ 40,-
> End of the Special-Beta-Offer Period : Feb.28,'97
>
>
>Friedrich Linder jr.
>LINDER SOFTWARE SYSTEMS
>
>
>
>
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Jeff Slarve
www.jssoftware.com

Untie that A-String

[NewsArchive]

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> MsgNo: 392448 Reply to MsgNo: 0 Date: 3-02-1997
> Forum: CLARION / 15 3rd Party Products
> Subject: (FAQ) LS_Pack for CW
> From: jr.,Friedrich Linder 101737, 2760
> To: ALL,
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>================================================= ===================
> LS_Pack for CW - The compression Toolkit for CW Developer
>================================================= ===================
>Linder Software Systems * The right tool gets the job done faster
>101737.2760@compuserve.com * http://members.aol.com/LinderSoft
>================================================= ===================
> March 02, 1997
>
>During the last four days I received several e-mails containing
>similar questions. This is a list of some "Frequently Asked
>Questions".
>
>1. Why not make a public Beta of LS_Pack for CW?
>
> -- LS_Pack for CW **is** a public beta. You only have to send an
> e-mail and you are on my list.
>
>2. For what reason are the LS_Pack files in Library 11 and on your
> WWW-Site password protected?
>
> -- I want to know who is still working with LS_Pack for CW.
> This is very important because if there were critical errors
> found I will inform the Beta tester.
>
>3. I'd like to Beta LS-Pack. How will I pay?
>
> -- The LS_Pack Beta is **FREE OF CHARGE**. Please do **NOT**
> send a check or your credit card number <g>.
>
>4. Are there versions for LS_Pack 16 and 32 bit?
>
> -- At the moment the LS_Pack toolkit is still under construction
> and is available for 16-bit only. The 32-bit version will be
> my #1 priority after the 16-bit version works solid.
>
>5. Is it possible to ship the LS_Pack 1.0 for CW DLLs to my
> customers?
>
> -- Yes, of course. After registering the full featured LS_Pack
> 1.0 for CW (not the Beta versions) with Linder Software
> Systems, distribute the DLLs royalty free AS PART OF ONE OR
> MORE END-USER APPLICATIONS WITH THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS:
>
> a.) YOU MAY NOT PROVIDE THEM AS PART OF A DEVELOPER'S
> COMPRESSION / DECOMPRESSION TOOLKIT
>
> -and-
>
> b.) YOU MAY NOT DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION ABOUT THE API,
> STRUCTURES, OR RETURN CODES INHERENT IN THE LS_Pack DLLs.
>
>6. Can I create self-extracting archives (and do I have to pay
> royalties if distributing these files)?
>
> -- The Beta-1 of LS_Pack cannot create self-extracting archives
> (although the LS_SFX code is ready to run) because this will
> not be a standard version feature. Some developer do not
> need this function and why pay for something that will never
> be used? I think the LS_SFX add-on will cost US$15.
>
> -- You do not need a "Distributing License" to ship LS_SFX files.
>
>7. What are the sizes of the DLLs? The LS_Pack toolkit is not of
> interest if the decompression DLL size is over 80K !
>
> -- At the moment the decompression library is only about 25K and
> the compression library is about 30K.
>
>8. Do you make plans to upload a non-password protected demo of your
> product?
>
> -- I am thinking about publishing a LS_Pack Shell demo. Have a
> look to Library 11 within the next 10 or 12 days.
>
>9. Is it possible to use LS_Pack in combination with say Delphi?
>
> -- LS_Pack was developed for Clarion for Windows Developer.
> Because LS_Pack is written entirely in C and is distributed as
> DLL it is generally possible to use it with any language that
> can call DLLs.
>
>
>Friedrich Linder jr.
>LINDER SOFTWARE SYSTEMS
>http://members.aol.com/LinderSoft
>
>
>
>
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Jeff Slarve
www.jssoftware.com

Untie that A-String

[NewsArchive]

Jeff Slarve
www.jssoftware.com

Untie that A-String

[NewsArchive]

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> MsgNo: 418583 Reply to MsgNo: 0 Date: 6-09-1997
> Forum: CLARION / 15 3rd Party Products
> Subject: LSP Compression Test
> From: jr.,Friedrich Linder 101737, 2760
> To: ALL,
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>============================
>= LSPack for Clarion (LSP) =
>============================
>
>Here are the final test results for the **soon** coming compression
>toolkit for Clarion for Windows.
>
>To compare the ratio and compression time of LSP with PKZIP for Windows 2.5
>(16-Bit) and WinZIP 6.2 (32-Bit) we have compressed our whole WINDOWS
>directory into one archive.
>
>Our Windows directory contains at the moment 422 files (13,173,930 Bytes -
>without WIN386.SWP because this file cannot be handled).
>
>NOTE: PKZIP for Windows 2.5 and WinZIP 6.2 are compression utilities and
>it is not possible to compile such utilities into your application.
>The LSPack for CW (LSP) Toolkit is a comprehensive library of functions
>that allows you to incorporate sophisticated compression technology into
>your Clarion for Windows application - COMPILE IT TO YOUR APPLICATION !!!
>
>
>Compression System (*) Original Compressed Ratio Compression
>(normal compression mode) Size Size % Time
>================================================= ========================
>PKZIP for Windows 2.5 (16-Bit) 13,173,930 5,884,009 55% 1:37 min
>WinZIP 6.2 (32-Bit) 13,173,930 6,694,567 59% 1:18 min
>
>LSP 1.0 (Shell-Demo 16-Bit) 13,173,930 5,923,128 55% 1:16 min
>LSP 1.0 (Shell Demo 32-Bit) 13,173,930 5,923,128 55% 0:59 min
>================================================= ========================
>(*)We have not used wildcards!!
>
>
>If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us:
>
>Linder Software Systems - Programmer Tool Development
>http://members.aol.com/LinderSoft
>cis :101737,2760
>www :101737.2760@compuserve.com
>
>
>
>
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> MsgNo: 421105 Reply to MsgNo: 0 Date: 6-18-1997
> Forum: CLARION / 15 3rd Party Products
> Subject: *** LSPack for CW Info
> From: jr.,Friedrich Linder 101737, 2760
> To: ALL,
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>================================================= ===========================
>= L S P - T H E C O M P R E S S I O N T O O L K I T F O R C W =
>================================================= ===========================
>= Everything you need to start including sophisticated compression in your =
>= Clarion application TODAY ! - and ZIP compatibility TOMORROW ! =
>================================================= ===========================
> June 18, 1997
>
>-----------------------------
>- Compression the right way -
>-----------------------------
>
>LSPack for CW (LSP) is a comprehensive library of functions that allows you
>to incorporate sophisticated compression technology into your Clarion for
>Windows application. Using the robust LSP "API" ("Application Programmer's
>Interface"), you can write software to perform simple data in, data out
>compression as well as create multi-file archives supporting features
>normally associated with stand-alone utilities like PKZIP, ZOO, LHARC or
>others.
>
>By using LSP, you'll never have to shell out to the operation system again.
>You don't have to learn hundreds of calls or countless parameters. Only a
>few functions give you total control where you need it, simplicity where you
>want it. LSP differs from competitors by providing more than simple data
>in / data out compression. In addition to such functions, LSP also provides
>advanced support for multi-file archives, 32-bit CRC computations, file and
>directory management functions, text vs. binary data recognition, adjustable
>temp-files, automatic Long File Name to Short File Name conversion (under
>'Down Level Systems'), service functions (GetFreeDisk(), FileExists())
>royalty-free DLLs and much more...
>
>To aid in learning to use LSP, a full featured Windows LSP Shell program is
>provided with full Clarion source code, along with six sample applications
>and a Windows Help File system.
>
>
>---------------------------
>- Get lots of flexibility -
>---------------------------
>
>The LSP Toolkit is chock full of properties and methods which give you plenty
>of flexibility when you're building your Clarion application. Over 10
>properties can be set at design or runtime. Set the LSP_USE_TEMP_PATH to
>True and during the compression process the pathname will be stored along with
>the filename. Set the LSP_USE_TEMP_PATH to False during the decompression
>process the path will not be reconstructed.
>
>LSP is available in both 16 and 32 bit versions, for Windows 3.1x, Windows 95
>and Windows NT. Just add the LSP library to your project, set a few parameters
>and you'll be PACKing and UnPACKing in minutes! You can literally copy code
>from the online help or the sample applications right into your project and
>create a LSP archive without writing a single line of code !
>
>We have already formed the foundation to support the industry ZIP standard.
>The LSP v1.0 system already includes (and uses) the compression / decompression
>technology that makes it possible to read/write ZIP 2.04g files --BUT-- we are
>still working on the ZIP archive header logic and the encryption/decryption
>code.
>
>---------------------------------------
>- LSPack for CW (LSP) Feature Summary -
>---------------------------------------
>
>- Designed from the ground up for Clarion for Windows.
>- LSPack-Demo-Interface (with full Clarion source-code included) to demonstrate
> the power of LSPack for CW.
>- Available in both native Windows 16 & 32-Bit.
>- Full support for Windows 95 and NT
>- Full support for Long File Names (LFNs) under Win95, NT3.5x/4.0.
>- Conversion algorithm to mangle LFNs under 'Down Level Systems' (Win3.1x,
> Win32s) - we have cloned the Win95 conversion algorithm !
>- Highly optimized code for superior performance and compression ratio.
>- LSPack compresses files an average of 50-80% with many large text and
>database
> files compressing well over 90%.
>- Full support for multi-file archives.
>- File and directory management functions.
>- Get information about the LSP archive.
>- Add/Update/Delete/Extract functions.
>- High-Speed-Backup function.
>- Text vs. binary data recognation.
>- Adjustable temp-file support.
>- LSPACK.DLL (compression) is small at only 36K.
>- LSUNPACK.DLL (de-compression) is small at only 33K.
>- Includes CRC-32 calculation routine for data integrity verification.
>- Service functions (GetFreeDisk, FileExists, ...).
>- LSPack Function Library for CW.
>- No runtime royalties.
>- And much more...
>
>
>-------------------
>- Future Features -
>-------------------
>
>- Self-extracting archives.
>- Disk-spanning.
>- ZIP compatibility.
>
>
>----------------------------
>- Pricing and Availability -
>----------------------------
>
>LSPack for CW (16-Bit) is US$40 and the 32-Bit version is US$50 (both
>16&32-Bit only US$70). This is a special 'Introductory Price' valid only
>until July 14, 1997.
>
>The regular LSPack for CW (16-Bit) price is US$65 and the 32-Bit version is
>US$80 (both 16&32-Bit US$110).
>
>You can purchase and immediately receive the Registered Version of the
>software from our "Try and Buy" corporation, via SWREG or directly from us.
>
>- To purchase via SWREG:
> LSP 16-Bit version : GO SWREG #15565
> LSP 32-Bit version : GO SWREG #15566
> LSP 16&32-Bit COMBO: GO SWREG #15567
>
>- To purchase from our "Try and Buy" corporation or directly from us
> visit our WWW page: http://members.aol.com/LinderSoft
> (the link to our "Try and Buy" corporation will be available on June 19,
>1997).
>
>
>If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us:
>
>Linder Software Systems - Programmer Tool Development
>http://members.aol.com/LinderSoft
>cis :101737,2760
>www :101737.2760@compuserve.com
>
>
>
>
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> MsgNo: 421106 Reply to MsgNo: 0 Date: 6-18-1997
> Forum: CLARION / 15 3rd Party Products
> Subject: LSPack NOW AVAILABLE
> From: jr.,Friedrich Linder 101737, 2760
> To: ALL,
----------------------------------------------------------------
>========================================
>= LSP - The Compression Toolkit for CW =
>========================================
>
>Linder Software is pleased to announce the release of LSPack for CW
>Version 1.0 - The Compression Toolkit for Clarion for Windows.
>
>A local compiled Shell-Demo (powered by LSP) is now available for
>download from the Linder Software WWW page.
>
>Aim your browser toward http://members.aol.com/LinderSoft
>to download the demo, additional payment options and ordering
>information.
>
>------------------------
>Pricing and Availability
>------------------------
>
>LSPack for CW (16-Bit) is US$40 and the 32-Bit version is US$50
>(both 16&32-Bit only US$70). This is a special 'Introductory
>Price' valid only until July 14, 1997.
>
>The regular LSPack for CW (16-Bit) price is US$65 and the 32-Bit
>version is US$80 (both 16&32-Bit US$110).
>
>You can purchase and immediately receive the Registered Version of
>the software from our "Try and Buy" corporation, via SWREG or
>directly from us.
>
>- To purchase via SWREG:
> LSPack 16-Bit version : GO SWREG #15565
> LSPack 32-Bit version : GO SWREG #15566
> LSPack 16&32-Bit COMBO: GO SWREG #15567
>
>- To purchase from our "Try and Buy" corporation or directly from us
> visit our WWW page: http://members.aol.com/LinderSoft
> (the link to our "Try and Buy" corporation will be available on
> June 19, 1997).
>
>If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us:
>
>Linder Software Systems - Programmer Tool Development
>http://members.aol.com/LinderSoft
>cis :101737,2760
>www :101737.2760@compuserve.com
>
>
>
>
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Jeff Slarve
www.jssoftware.com

Untie that A-String

[NewsArchive]

Wow, cool! Thanks, Jeff.

Friedrich

[NewsArchive]

Hi Jeff and Friedrich

I still have my earliest LSPack1.C file dated 4-May-1998
Here are the first few lines....

/*------------------------------------------------------------
Simple LSPack-32 (Compression) Demo - (Quick and Dirty)
LSPack Compression Library 1.50
Linder Software Systems
www.lindersoftware.com
------------------------------------------------------------*/
#include <windows.h>

LRESULT CALLBACK WndProc (HWND, UINT, WPARAM, LPARAM) ;

//Define LSP_Pack function
typedef int (WINAPI *LSP_PACK)(LPSTR , LPSTR , LPSTR , int , unsigned long );
LSP_PACK LSP_Pack;

//program parameters
HANDLE lspack_library; //library handle

=============== >8 =============

JohnG

[NewsArchive]

Hi John - Thanks. I have that as well.

Jeff Slarve
www.jssoftware.com

Untie that A-String