Passcodes for uploads?

[cmfriend]

I'm not real well versed in uploading and downloading files. So i don't understand why many files posted on say Rapidshare or Hotfiles require passcodes to extract the files from the compressed folder? Or more so, why do these files require passcodes when the poster never provides the passcode. Uploading a file that requires a passcode to extract from it and not providing the passcode seems rather useless? I see links on the post that suggest they will take you to were the passcode can be found. But alot of time those links are not good. A little clearification would be great. Thanks

 

[luddite]

Passcodes are a way to protect files, obviously.
I think that they should not be used on a public forum like this.

If you have a problem with a specific file, you can PM the poster and ask for the password.

If you are a bit more specific, I might be able to help you here.
Please provide a link to the post to make my life easier.

 

[friend26]

Some pages use it so that files are not downloaded through programs,but I'm not clear whether the key you requested page or file you download,please, Put the link gives you problems to see if we can help