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I currently use Telstra/Bigpond as my ISP.
I do a lot of large downloads (mostly Linux disto's).
A while ago I discovered that Bigpond hosts some files on a local server, which when downloaded from, does not get counted as part of your allocated monthly usage.
So, when you want to download a file, you can do a search of the Bigpond server ( http://files.bigpond.com/library/search.php )
The only problem is that I tend to forget, and end up downloading a file from the remote server.
The only solution was to create a small plugin for Firefox, to 'remind' me that I can do the search.
To make the process simpler, the plugin would initiate the search for me, if I so choose.
The end result is a plugin I simply call 'BigpondFC'.
How it works:
Simple. After the plugin is installed, and you initiate a download, new options will be available in the download dialog box, which allows you to initiate the search.
In the image above you can see the adjusted dialog box. You can either select the radio button for 'Search Bigpond File Server for this file' and then click the 'OK' button, or simply just click the 'Search Bigpond' button.
They both do the same job and the only reason they both exist is because on windows, Firefox 2.x sometimes don't display the radio option (which I had created first, just to learn how to do it)
Once either option is selected, the download dialog box will be closed, and a new TAB will open, in which the search is performed. The search is done as an exact filename match, to make sure you get the right file.
If the search is successful, you can continue the download from the bigpond server. You have to re-click the download option in the bigpond file area.
If there were no results, you have to go back to your original TAB, and restart the original download. This is not ideal, but for now it will have to do :(
I am in communication with Bigpond support, requesting some changes to their system, which will allow the plugin to automatically divert the download to the Bigpond file server, or automatically continue the original download, thus saving you the extra hassle to re-click . (yep I am that lazy). This request has been received favourable, and is on their TODO list.....
Many thanks to David Harrison from the Bigpond support team for his support and comments regarding this plugin.
Note:
There is also a 'right click' option available for this plugin, but it cannot detect the filename to search with if the download is initiated via a download script system. Success using the right-click option is very limited.
Download:
bigpondfc_01.xpi (pre Firefox 3.6)
bigpondfc_02.xpi (updated for FireFox 3.6+)
Also available from Softpedia
To remove/disable plugin, use Firefox plugin manager: Tools->Add-ons
Bugs/suggestions:
If you find any bugs, or have suggestions, please contact me on lvs [ at ] dedmeet.com. Please start your subject with 'BIGPONDFC:'
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