Text 60057, 65 rader
Skriven 2010-02-22 06:40:00 av TOM WALKER (1:102/401)
     Kommentar till en text av BO SIMONSEN
Ärende: Re: .pif File
=====================
Here is a short clip from the internet on hte .pif file.
As I recall most of the functions of the old .pif file have been shifted
to the Registry file in windows 95 and later.

****

The program information file, normally referred to as a PIF file, is a
type of file extension that was developed in the days leading up to the
advent of Windows applications. Essentially, a PIF file  is d esigned to
hold information that will help an MS-DOS application kno how to run in
a Windows environment. The idea behind the PIF file is that the data
will tell the operating system how to run the application while using
the least amount of resources necessary. Today, the PIF file  serves a
similar function with any Windows based application as well.

An example of the information contained in the PIF file is the
amount of memory that is needed to drive the application that the
file extension corresponds with. A path to the executable file that
is associated with the PIF file is also designated, so the system
does not have to conduct a search in order to launch the program.
Generally, the PIF detail will also include a specification of the
type of window that should be used to open the application, such as
a full screen, or a smaller window size. This is accomplished by
designating the number of pixels that are to be used for the
display.

While developed originally as a non-Windows application, the value
of the PIF file was quickly realized and the protocols were
modified by Microsoft to allow PIF files to also function in a
Windows environment. The result was a full service application that
helped to make the best use of resources on the hard drive,
allowing computers to function at a higher rate of efficiency.

Unfortunately, hackers and others who create and distribute viruses
sometimes abuse the PIF file. Because of the relative ease of
creating a PIF file, it is easy to create an executable file that
appears to be innocuous, but in fact is embedded with a virus. The
infected PIF file is then sent out to a number of email addresses,
in anticipation of someone opening the file, infecting the hard
drive, and in turn propagating by using the system to send out
infected emails and attachments to everyone listed in the email
program address book. The attachments usually contain a virus of
some sort that will begin to infect the hard drive when the file is
opened. Great care should be taken before opening any attachment
that ends with "exe" or "pif". Even if the file appears to be from
a trusted source, make sure the anti-virus software on the hard
drive is up to date, and scan the attachment before opening the
document.

w**** BS>HG>BS>I guess I am asking a stupid question, but what
is a PIF file? BS>HG> BS>HG>Well, it's a long story and I would suggest
that you open your Windows BS>HG>manual and read about creating and
using *.PIF files. I'm no expert.

BS>I don't have such manual.. ;)

BS>Maybe I should read about it on wikipedia or so.

BS>Bo

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