CSV (comma-separated values) is a file that is created by the
original Scanner and/or a Collection manager that enables you to check the files
that you download for accuracy. If you just want to look at the pics then read
no further but if you're interested in collecting complete collections then you
must read on. The CSV format is widely used for different
applications, but for our purposes, that is, scan collecting, csv's are
standardized lists containing data about scans. There are 4 main categories that
make up a csv file which includes the name, size (bytes), crc32 (32 bit cyclic
redundancy check) and comments. Also gaining
popularity are the ECSV's which also include a path as a fifth category. However
the first three fields are the most important when it comes to collecting and
distributing collection scans. The name and size categories speak for themselves
but the crc32 field is in my opinion the most important as it is basically a
fingerprint of the scan and it is very rare that two different scans have the
same crc32 value.
Ok so you've downloaded a few scans and you want to check them
for accuracy so how do I go about it. First you need to get yourself a CSV
checker and loll and behold I just happen to have a couple right here.
The!Checker - is a good File Collection checker that has all the
features you could want and some you may never need. It is relatively easy to
setup and runs on Win9x and NT and best of all it is freeware. Another useful
program is Hunter 1d which can sort through
your collections for duplicates and can also hunt down wrongly named files using
the crc and match it against csv files. A new Hunter is available but I would
recommend it for the experienced or someone willing to take the time to set it
up properly. Hunter 2.1 (Win 2000
Compliant)
The two programs mentioned are easy to setup and use so
therefore I will not be going into great details on how to use these programs.
However I have created a page for newbies to see how easy it is to use
The!Checker to create a miss_wrong.csv file that can be posted to the newsgroups to greatly
help out the people filling their requests.
The!Checker - graphical help page is
here!! - How to create a miss_wrong.csv and
how to gather files for upload to the newsgroups using The!Checker and/or
Hunter.
CSV's and M$. Excel - A Word Of Caution
It is highly recommended that you Do Not save a csv file
after viewing or altering it using Microsoft Excel. Chances are you'll end up
with some incorrect crc32 values which stated earlier is the most important
component of the csv file. Although it is ok to view csv files with Excel it is
safer to use either Notepad or Wordpad if you have to make any alterations.
There is a way to use Excel but you'll have to follow the instructions found in
this text file. (Thanks Dave Cybe!)
The NEW Excel XP apparently does not have this conflict but as I
don't have that program I'm only going by what has been passed my way. (Thanks
PP_Floppy)
CSV Files
Ok now that were ready to start using CSV's where & which
ones should I use? Let me say straight off that I will not try to influence your
decision in any way. You can get different CSV's by asking for them in the
newsgroups and/or it's always a good idea to lurk and watch out for posted CSV's
for the collections your after. At this time there are a couple of major
contributors that maintain up to date CSV's for PCC. LidVolf
and CTP being the
longest running and very reliable contributors. (See links page for url's) So why did I get in to the act? Basically because I
liked the way that Gully Folye (retired) maintained his CSV's and I also felt
there was a need for those out there that wanted to collect only the main Playmate Portfolio's (L-Ports) , L-Heads, Covers, Centerfolds
(BCF's) and Chippy Data's. At the writing of this page that collection alone was
over 21,000 pics and growing monthly. I also have a very limited Theme's
collection that basically covers anything Playmate and the Cyber Girls. If you
want everything (Themes) from the PCC web site then I would recommend using
CTP's csvs as they have the most in depth coverage to date. My CSV's are a direct take off of Gully's
and I also maintain or at least try to an exact match that's on the PCC web
site. I have changed a couple of naming scheme's that make a little more sense
to me but other than that there are no other changes and they will always be
available and up to date on this web page.
