What's a .BIN file

[Dragstk]

I have a Surfboard SB3100 cable modem. I have found a site that has a firmware update for it. When I downloaded it, it came as a .BIN file.
I cannot open this file. Windows says it can't open it, and offers to search the web for a way to open it. No go, there either.
So, my question is, what is a .BIN file, and how do I deal with it?
Thanks in advance;
Dragstk

[Kwitko]

It either the firmware or a CD image. I'm inclined to think it's the firmware. How large is the file? Is there a firmware upgrade utility on the Motorla website?

IMHO, unless you're having issues that are directly remedied by the firmware upgrade, I wouldn't even bother.

[test_tube_tony]

.bin is usually a binary file. u will need some sort of software to update the firmware. u should check the instruction manual for details on how to do this. my last one had to be done thru telnet with a serial cable hookup.

[test_tube_tony]

p.s. sorry for the short-hand reply.

[Dragstk]

It seems that Motorola doesn't support the 3100 any more. All the links I tried where inactive. Also my cable company (Time-Warner) doesn't want to know anything about this.
I have no problems with it, I just thought I might be able to squeeze a little more out of it. But I have run into .BIN in other incidents. I just thought you guys could shed some light on the how's and why's of a .bin.
I guess I'll leave the modem alone.
Thanks for your time
Dragstk

[kanezfan]

you don't need to open it. there should be some kind of interface for you cable modem, either through an internal web page in the modem, or through telnet. you besically need to be able to upload that bin file into the cable modem and then tell the modem to upgrade itself with it. sometimes when they're small files, you can open bins with wordpad or notepad, but there's nothing to see really.

[kanezfan]

I guess I'll leave the modem alone.
Dragstk

probably the wisest thing you could do really. you never know sometimes with these firware updates, they might make your modem do weird things. if it's extra performance you're after, you might look up info on how to uncap that modem, but be warned, the cable companies are not too happy with people who do this.

[Dragstk]

Actually; an article on uncapping the modem is what got me started on this. I figured that upgrading first, might be the easiest, then go for the tweak. Your right about the cable companies not being very happy with the mods.
I guess I'll keep my questionable activities to other things...did I say that outloud? :)
Thank you all for your help. TT Tony, I understood your answer completly, no prob. w/ the short hand

[Justin]

BTW, .bin files usually line up with .cue files of the same name. The link together to create a disc image or something of that likeness. Perhaps you only got a partial DL for the update. Best left alone though, since it works anyway.