Date   : Thu Aug 12 08:54:55 1993
From   : jbye@acorn.co.uk (James)
To     : All   
Subject: Requesting filetypes (was Re: file type 7fe clash)

People,

If any third party (commercial or PD developer) requires a filetype then
they should request it from Acorn.  We address all request on their own
merits, and if we feel that the allocation is justified then a filetype will
be allocated (this all depends on what the allocation is for and how much
information has been sent to us).

The way that filetypes are currently requested is via an application called
!Request.  We use an application to ensure that all the correct information
for the request is sent to us.  The details that we insist upon are as
follows :-

        1. Name, address etc.. of requestor
        2. Name of application that filetype is required for
        3. Preferred name of Filetype (max. 8 chars)
        4. The sprite for the filetype icon
        5. Description of the file format
        6. Description of the product

If you have a piece of software that causes a filetype clash on your machine
then it is the fault of the author for not requesting a proper filetype from
Acorn.

The filetype numbers are currently split as follows :-
                                
  There are only 4096 distinct file types available, they are numbered
  from &000 to &FFF.  Each file type has an associated name of up to 8
  characters in length.  The name is displayed in directory viewers and
  file information boxes.  It is also an acceptable argument to *SetType.
 
    The numbering space is divided up as follows;
 
   &000 - &0FF  For user's personal things, no allocations needed here.
   &100 - &3FF  For user's distributed applications e.g. Public Domain
                software), allocated by Acorn (Customer Services).
   &400 - &DFF  For commercial third party use, allocated by Acorn (ISV support).
   &E00 - &FFF  For use by Acorn for internal and external applications
                  also for more "public" types e.g. TIFF.


If you do require a filetype, then you will need to request the application
from Acorn Customer Services.  This can be done be either writing to
Customer Services at the standard address or by emailing them at
'customer.services@acorn.co.uk'.

Hope this makes the filetype situation a bit clearer.

--James

PS: do not email me directly for filetype allocations