FAQ on setting up downloadable files

[jdl]

I've added downloadables in the form of pdf files that the user can purchase and download to my site. However, although I read the documents "How do I add attributes to my products" and "How do I make multiple downloads on the same product" I'm missing some key information about working with downloadable files. Does anyone have a short guide on what steps are needed to have a download window pop up on checkout success, etc. Currently I've pieced together some code but I'd prefer to use the zen-cart mechanism if only I understood it.

Thanks!
jdl

[Kim]

Why do you need a popup when the link to the file will be on the checkout_success page? (provided the payment has cleared)

[jdl]

Kim,

I don't know enough about the link to answer the question and my searh in the zen-cart faq for:
link download

didn't provide any more information about the downloads. If the link is the same for all customers then I can't use a link because many of my potential customers are students who interact a lot, and thus they can easily email the link to each other.

Is there any more documentation available about setting up the downloads and how the downloads mechanism works?

Thanks,
jdl

[Ajeh]

If you are on an unix server and it is configured correctly, the Redirect ON creates a symbolic link to the actual file ...

This in turn can only be used for as many downloads or days as you have configured on your download ...

If your unix server is not configured for the symbolic link and you need Redirect OFF, then there is an .htaccess file that blocks direct access to the download ...

As to "when" a download is available, that is controlled by the Order Status set in the individual Payment Module ... the settings are in the Configuration ... Attribute Settings ... the default being orders_status >=2 (Processing) <=4 (Updated) ... so that you could set Check/Money Order to Pending (orders_status 1) and the download is not available until you update the Order to Processing or Delivered when you receive the check ...