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Base64 FAQ

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Base...@uff.edu

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Nov 1, 2002, 3:01:28 PM11/1/02

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BASE64 FAQ
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WHAT IS "BASE64"?
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"Base64" is an encoding scheme that converts data into text which looks like
encrypted gibberish. This meaningless-looking text can subsequently be "decoded"
by software which in turn converts the data back into its original form.

WHY POST BASE64 ENCODED MATERIAL ON GOOGLE?
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Graphics such as GIF or JPG files need to be encoded before they can be archived
on Google. Google will only archive text, not binaries. Base64 encoding produces
text equivalents of binary graphic images, which Google will archive.

Google's bots also have difficulty interpreting spaces, tabs and certain other
characters during the actual archiving process. If even one error such as this
is made when Google archives PGP signed material, the PGP signature will fail.
"Base64 Encoding" PGP signed blocks allows them to be preserved in their precise
original form, so that they can pass signature check.

DECODING FILES THAT HAVE BEEN ENCODED WITH BASE64
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To make use of a file which has been "Base64 Encoded" for archiving on Google,
you must decode it. To do this:

1. Use your mouse to highlight the encoded block, starting with
the line that says "MIME-Version: 1.0".

2. Cut and paste that block into any text editor such as Notepad,
and save it to a text file. But when you name that file, give
it a name ending in ".b64" instead of ".txt". (IMPORTANT: BE
SURE YOU SAVE THE FILE AS PLAIN TEXT, don't save it in any
word processing format.)

3. Input that text file into a Base64 decoder such as "WinCode".
The encoded material will be decoded and generated for you
immediately!

This process may sound tedious at first, but it's easy after you get used to it.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS OF VIRUSES?
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Unfortunately, yes. "Base64 Encoding" is used transparently by millions of
people in email software and newsreaders such as "Forte Agent", because of its
versatility. Base64 is nothing "new" or "dangerous", and you don't need to be
afraid of it. In fact, chances are you already have Base64 decoding abilities
built in to software you already own right now. But when you use a standalone
Base64 decoder as you will be doing here, you need to be extra aware that since
Base64 can encode almost anything, it can encode infected material too.

Files that were "Base64 Encoded" by UFF for archiving on Google are guaranteed
virus free, however it will usually be impossible for you to know whether the
file you see was truly archived by UFF or was a spoofed forgery, possibly
archived by an enemy. Therefore, assume nothing and scan all decoded files
before running them.

For help and recommendations on good virus scanning software:
http://groups.google.com/groups?as_ugroup=alt.comp.anti-virus
http://www.google.com/search?q=%2B%22antivirus+software%22

WHAT BASE64 DECODER IS BEST? WHERE CAN I FIND A BASE64 DECODER?
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We recommend "WinCode" or "UUDeview" for decoding Base64 text files. Both are
freeware.

As of the date of this article, these links worked for downloading WinCode:
http://www.winsite.com/info/pc/win3/util/wincode.zip/
http://ftp.pcworld.com/pub/new/internet/internet_tools/wc273r16.zip

As of the date of this article, this link worked for downloading UUDeview:
http://www.miken.com/uud/

If those links don't work:

Find other download locations for WinCode here:
http://www.google.com/search?q=wc273r16.zip
http://www.google.com/search?q=WinCode+download

Find other download locations for UUDeview here:
http://www.google.com/search?q=UUDeview

If you prefer to try out some other Base64 decoders:
http://www.google.com/search?q=Base64+decoder+download

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