file extension BSQ

Binscii is a method of turning Apple II files into pieces that can be safely transmitted by the internet, such as usenet and email, and restored to the Apple II file later. It is used for two major reasons: Since it splits files up into manageable pieces, it lets huge files be transmitted without fear of being cut short. Since it translates files to strictly printable characters, mediums that cannot safely send binary files (i.e. files put through Shrinkit) such as email and usenet can send binscii'd files.

Binscii is similar to the unix 'uuencode' encoding, but it is not identical, and far superior. It allows Apple II filetype information to be restored when the file is unpacked. Secondly, binscii is usually not concerned about email or news headers (it ignores them when unpacking), and also can unpack the various pieces of a binscii'd file in any order, and the original file will be be intact as long as all the pieces were unpacked. Finally, you do not have to rejoin all the binscii pieces into one file before unpacking.

ShrinkIt is a utility program for archiving files and disks. "Archiving", in this usage, refers to the process of placing files or disks "within" another file -- the archive file. Archiving is usually done to prepare the files/disks for transmission via modem, or for storage purposes. Thus, an archive file, whether created with ShrinkIt or another archiving utility, will be a file which serves as an envelope, containing one or more other files, or complete disks. There are a number of reasons for archiving files before transmitting them with a modem. The principal reason is that an archive provides a means of sending the "attributes" of a file -- its filetype and other information -- along with the file itself. An archive also allows several related files (or an entire disk) to be packed together into a single file. True archiving utilities will also have the capability of compressing the files they contain to minimize the transmission time and disk space the archive requires.

ShrinkIt uses a highly efficient compression algorithm known as dynamic LZW, and creates archive files with a format called NuFX. For technical documentation of the format of NuFX archives, refer to the File Type Note for filetype $E0, auxtype $8002. (File Type Notes are available from Apple Programmers and Developers Association.) ShrinkIt and ShrinkIt-GS are currently the standard archiving utilities for Apple II telecommunications. ShrinkIt can unpack files which have been archived with ShrinkIt, as well as those which have been packed with certain other file-packing utilities, such as BLU and ACU.