.dmg compatability on Windows?

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Level 1

8 points

.dmg compatability on Windows?

Hi, I'm wondering what the best way to package files is so they're easily readable/compatible with both Mac & Windows users? I'm in the process of putting together some of my own artwork that I want to distribute via P2P, and I was recently told by a friend who uses a PC that a .dmg file would not be able to be read/opened easily by most PC users. I always thought this wouldn't be a problem, since Mac OS X can open .iso's as well as .dmg's quite happily and assumed there would be a PC equivalent to allow PC users to do the same with regard to .dmg's. However, apparently not. So would .iso's be a better choice, and is there any special settings that would help aid compatability etc. Thanks for any help.

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Apr 6, 2009 7:16 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 6, 2009 7:24 AM in response to Nualor

Your friend is correct. DMG files cannot be opened on Windows. ISO should work fine.

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Answer 2

Nualor Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 6, 2009 9:52 AM in response to Templeton Peck

Hi Templeton, thanks for your advice. I'm using DMGConverter to do the converting (unless there's a better option out there), but it has several different selection options to choose from as far as ISO's go:

File Format

ISO9660
Joliet extensions to ISO9660
UDF filesystem
Cross-platform Hybrid Images
Mac OS Extended/ISO (Joliet) Hybrid Images
Mac OS Extended/UFD Hybrid Images
ISO (Joliet)/UFD Hybrid Images

I haven't a clue what most of these are - which would be the best choice? Just a guess, but, Cross-platform Hybrid Images? Thanks again for your help. Hopefully this will let me get started.

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Answer 3

Nualor Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 7, 2009 3:16 AM in response to Nualor

I've since found out that ISO9660 is fine for short single word filenames, and ISO9660 w/joliet extensions is better for longer filenames with or without spaces. Either of those would be the ones to choose for the broadest compatibilty between OS X/Windows/Linux. Hope that helps anyone who may read this at a later date.

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Answer 4

TpcTone

Level 1

0 points

Jun 1, 2009 9:35 AM in response to Templeton Peck

How about actually storing (not opening) .dmg files on a Windows machine? I have noticed .dmg files that I created from older apps can be stored on my windows storage location, but some recent app's .dmg give me this error while copying to a Windows box: "Sorry, the operation could not be completed because an unexpected error occurred (Error code -1309)"

Thanks

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