File Variations: a, a1, a2, k-file, etc. - What do they mean?

[Atari Nut]

A lot of the Atari files are often listed with multiple descriptions as seen in the image. What are the differences and which one would be the original, preferred or most complete?

[baktra]

Hello,

 

some explanation you can find here - TOSEC naming convention.

 

In general, [a1],[a2],... are used to distinguish between different alternatives of the same type of atari software image. You can get a game in form of a binary load file (.xex), but each alternative can contain slightly different data, or the internal structure of the binary load file can be different (e.g. single-segment vs. multi-segment).

 

These alternatives come from different sources (publishers, crackers, hackers), have been modified (compressed, stripped of title screens etc.) or otherwise processed.

 

Closest to the original are usually (but not always) files without any extra information in the square brackets or parenthesis.

Edited February 26, 2017 by baktra

[Mclaneinc]

Also, don't be mistaken when you see v3 v6 etc, its almost always just means version / alternative rather than meaning the higher the number means the better or later the version is. ie v9 means its one of 9 possibly 10 versions of the same file with normally subtle variations in the crack or an intro is added etc etc, the game itself is normally exactly the same throughout...

[Atari Nut]

Thanks for the info. What were the file extensions that we would normally see on these files on BBSs back in the 80's? I don't recall any of these extensions...but that was a long time ago.

[+Philsan]

(...) which one would be the original, preferred or most complete?

Usually you find XEX best version here:

http://www.mushca.com/f/atari/index.php?idx=A

[Kyle22]

Usually you find XEX best version here:

http://www.mushca.com/f/atari/index.php?idx=A

Homesoft is great, They do have Pacman Arcade, but I don't see the other fixed and improved games like Popeye and Donkey Kong.