how to associate file extensions to programs in HP-UX 11

[John Benjamin]

we recently replaced some Suns with some HP C3650s. The users used to be able to click on a file (file.jpeg)in the file manager on the sun box, and the associated viewer program would launch for viewing or editing the file. How can this be implemented on the HPs, and what is the most efficient way of doing so?

Currently, users have to know the name of the viewer or file editor, launch it, and then open the file from within the program.

Thanks for any help or suggestions provided.

[Steven E. Protter]

You can set up your a broweser on the HP workstation to do this.

Here is a link to Netscape 4.79, a real proven workhorse. You can set up the CDE deskop to then use the browser for all jpeg files and such.

I'll post you links to the 4.X and the 7.x browser, thought the 7.x is considerably harder to install and work with.

Microsoft has a version of IE for HP-UX but I really don't like it.

Links:

Netscape 6/7

https://payment.ecommerce.hp.com/cgi-bin/swdepot_parser.cgi/cgi/try.pl?productNumber=B6835AA&date=

Netscape Communicator 4.x
https://payment.ecommerce.hp.com/cgi-bin/swdepot_parser.cgi/cgi/try.pl?productNumber=B8342AA&date=

Good luck, I can't stand the CDE desktop personally. You might find gnome for UX easier to work with, but it needs adjustments after install, has dependencies and might not quite be ready for prime time.

https://payment.ecommerce.hp.com/cgi-bin/swdepot_parser.cgi/cgi/try.pl?productNumber=B6852BA&date=

https://payment.ecommerce.hp.com/cgi-bin/swdepot_parser.cgi/cgi/try.pl?productNumber=B6848BA&date=

SEP

[Jochen Heuer · Accepted solution]

Hi John,

you have to create a datatype for these kinds of files and link them to an action. See

http://www.docs.hp.com/hpux/onlinedocs/B1171-90162/B1171-90162.html

--> Creating Actions and Data Types

Regards,

Jochen

[Alex Glennie]

HP's CDE doesn't create any graphics data types or actions by default, but
many are added by MPower//Web application : apurchaseable product available on the apps cd's.

You may find it easier to simply install this ?

If you have problems let us know ....

[Shannon Petry]

I dont think CDE is as bad as alot of others. Personally I like the ability to custom script anything I want to when defining data types.

What you need to look for is creating a dtaction file, which defines the extention, mime type, and action you want to perform with this file. You will need a bit of understanding on the DT Korn shell, and the CDE related files.

man dtdtfile
man dtactionfile
man dtksh

You can find some good examples in system files (dont modify thest) under /usr/dt/appconfig/types/C, and they will have a .dt extention. So you know, .dt defines actions and .fp files defines front panel.

Modifications that you make should be placed in /etc/dt/appconfig/types/C.

Remember that the files in /usr are system files, and will be changed by patches and updates. /etc is local files, and should be unaffected by patches and updates.

Regards,
Shannon