Get Updates
This page is old! Sim File Maid no longer updates itself-
automatically or manually- as it is done. No more versions. No more need
to as it does everything it will ever need to do.
Beginning with version 2.1.0, Sim File Maid has the ability to check the
Sim File Maid website for updates, download a new version, and start the
install process. By default, The Maid does not check for updates. If you
would like her to automatically check for updates (every 3 days, when she
is run):
- Click the "?" button
- Choose "Other Options"
- Check the "Allow The Maid to Check for Updates" box
- Click the "Pencil Button"
Regardless of whether or not you do this, you can always check for updates
"on-demand" by clicking the "Check for Updates Now!" option
after clicking the "?" button. All of this is done without sending
ANY private, user-specific, or other information to anyone. Really. I promise.
No 20 page legal document with vague definitions. No spying or data-mining.
Period.
For the curious, this is what happens when The Maid checks for updates:
-
Sends an HTTP GET to "mattwork.potsdam.edu" for
"/projects/SimFileMaid/current.txt". This file contains the version
number of the most current version of The Maid.
- Compares the aforementioned number to its own version number.
- If the available version is newer (bigger number) it will then prompt the
user and ask if they want to download it.
- If they do, then it sends an HTTP GET to "mattwork.potsdam.edu"
for "/projects/SimFileMaid/SimFileMaidInstaller.exe" to download
the installer.
- After it's done downloading, the installer is executed and The Maid quits.
This is a sample log entry for someone (me) who is requesting
an update check:
137.143.108.252 - - [09/Octl/2002:14:07:12 -0400] "GET
/projects/SimFileMaid/current.txt HTTP/1.1" 200 "Maid Updater 2.2.5"
Ip address - - [date/time stamp (local to me)] "GET /what/you're/requesting
HTTP/version-number" return-code "Maid Updater version-number"
That's actually LESS information then I would get if you used
a browser to download the same file. I'm a staunch privacy advocate, and as
such I would never mine information about users.
Sim File Maid is not supported or endorsed by Maxis or Electronic
Arts. Although if they'd like to use/improve/distribute/support/endorse it,
I'd be happy to work with them on such an endeavour. But I'm not begging or
anything. Really. Just sayin'.