[ale] Organizing large files on small media

[Thompson Freeman]

On 07/16/2007 02:49:59 PM, David Tomaschik wrote:
> Thompson Freeman wrote:
> > I know that this has been discussed before, but my
> search
> > approaches haven't given me results. I approach the
> group
> > in search of enlightenment.
> >
> > Q: Is there a general tool suitable for organizing a
> group
> > of large files on relatively small media. That is small
> 
> > relative to the total storage needs, not the individual
> 
> > files.
> >
<<snip>>
> > The "challenge" is getting the files packed
somewhat
> > efficiently onto the various DVDs under program control,
> as
> > keeping track of what is where and when is more pain
> than
> > I'm interested in.
> >
> > Is there a general programatic solution, or should I
> just
> > fall back upon my quite limited scripting abilities and
> 
> > slash madly at the challenge?
> > _______________________________________________
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> > Ale at ale.org
> > http://www.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
> >
> In terms of an algorithm, all you need is a relatively
> simple "greedy"
> algorithm.  Define an upper bound for space and select the
> largest
> unused file that fits in the remaining space.  Repeat.
> 
> Alternatively, tar it all, and the split the tar files
> into perfectly
> equal chunks.  This would, of course, require reassembly
> on the
> receiving end and thus take quite a bit of HD space.
> (Possibly not a
> problem, depending on systems involved)
> 
Given the possibility of loaning the DVD's to people like  
my mother, use of tar would be unwise.  But I appreciate  
you reminding/confirming a workable algorithm for the  
project. Thankfully I remembered that much but confirmation  
really helps!