Updated: How to Attach Images

[Daniel Mosquin]

1. Before attaching your images (or other attachments)

1) note that there are restrictions on total amount of attachments depending on your usergroup: registered = 3 MB total; registered plus (3 posts + 2 days as a member) = "unlimited"

2) resize the image so that it is at least under 1.5 MB in size, and preferably under 400K in size (see this thread for some suggestions). Do note that as of Aug 22, 2007, the server will resize your image downwards for you to having a maximum dimension of 1200 pixels on one side, though it is preferable that you do this locally first.

3) orient the image so that it is in the proper perspective (i.e., so up is up).

4) if you use a pop-up stopper, allow the domain www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org to launch pop-up windows; we don't use pop-ups for advertisements and never will, if you are concerned about such things

To attach your images (or other attachments)

While posting a new thread or replying to a thread:

1) Scroll down to below the message area into the box called "Additional Options". Click on the "Manage Attachments" button. A window will pop up.

2) Click on a "Browse" button and locate the file you wish to upload from your computer. On machines running Windows, this means going through the folders on your computer, locating the file, selecting it and pressing the "Open" button.

3) Click on the "Upload" button to physically transfer the file from your computer to the database.

4) Click on "Close this window" and then either click on "Submit New Thread" or "Submit Reply" (or complete writing the content of your post before doing so).

To attach multiple images

You can upload a large number of images with each post. Browse and select a file from your computer, upload it, and then repeat those steps as necessary.

See a 48 second movie demonstration on how to attach multiple images.

[mbourgaize]

How does one "resize" a digital photo? I found out how to "shrink" a photo to send with an email, but do not know how to resize it in order to post it on the forum.

Thanks in advance.

Mercedes

[Daniel Mosquin]

"Shrinking" an image would be the same as "resizing". Basically resizing is done with whatever graphics program you have on your system. If you can "shrink" it to a file size below 1 MB for an email, you will be able to attach it on the forums.

[mbourgaize]

Daniel,

Thank you so much. Shortly after I posted my question, I realized I knew the answer.

Mercedes

[Ron B]

>Click on the "Upload" button to physically transfer the file from your computer to the database.<

Is there a risk of transferring hostile code to the database with this operation? I have only two security programs installed (in additions to what Windows has).

[Daniel Mosquin]

Originally Posted by Ron B

>Click on the "Upload" button to physically transfer the file from your computer to the database.<

Is there a risk of transferring hostile code to the database with this operation? I have only two security programs installed (in additions to what Windows has).

No, I don't think so. I'm not clear on whether you mean someone uploading a file that might harm the database, or uploading a file that might harm other users when they download the attachment. In the former case, no - even jpgs are simply strings of characters to a database. To harm the database, one would need to have access to be able to send commands directly to the database, like DROP mytable FROM forums;

In the latter case, it's potentially as hostile as downloading those files anywhere on the web; so, jpgs, pdfs and gifs have an extremely miniscule risk of containing something malicious, whereas something like a Word document has a miniscule risk.

There are plenty of things that I could lose sleep over, but this isn't one of them.

[Michael15r]

I find PhotoFiltre a great graphic program & resizing program to use and can do other amazing things. Just search PhotoFiltre on your toolbar or google.

[Jerry Turner]

I tried to send photos, and got to manage attachments and it wouldn't do anything or open anything. Why?

[Daniel Mosquin]

Sounds like a pop-up blocker or firewall issue.

[Georgie]

So, can we link to a photo hosting site at all?

EDIT: Nevermind, found the answer! :D

[Michael F]

I think the important one where a lot of people fall down is waiting long enough for the upload to take place - maybe add a new line something like this, between items 3 and 4 of 'To attach your images':

[3a.] WAIT until the photo is fully uploaded. Be patient. This may take several minutes with larger images even with a cable modem, much longer from a dial-up modem. The photo is fully uploaded when the box flickers briefly and shows the filename noted near the bottom.

[Laticauda]

If you have more than one anti-virus, you are leaving yourself wide open for attacks. They don't communicate with eachother, so you end up unprotected. Make sure you call your anti-virus company and ask for technical advice on what you should do to correct the problem.
Sorry to dredge up this old thread, but I'd like to get this information out, so the same thing that happened to my husband, doesn't happen to someone else.