TweetFollow Us on Twitter

Oct 92 Tips
Volume Number:8
Issue Number:6
Column Tag:Tips & Tidbits

Tips & Tidbits

By Neil Ticktin, Editor

This column is your opportunity to spread the word about little bits of information that you find out about. These tidbits can be programming related or they can be user tips that are particularly useful to programmers.

MacTutor will credit, in subscriptions or orders, $25 for every tip used, and $50 for the Tip of the Month. To submit a tip, send in a letter to the magazine.

Remember, AppleLink is our preferred communication method, but feel free to send something via America Online, GEnie or US Mail. If you do send snail mail, enclose a printed copy and a disk copy of the letter so that it does not have to be retyped.

Let us know what you think. Remember, this is your magazine. Try ‘em out and let us know...

Note: Files accompanying article are located on MacTech CD-ROM or source code disks.

TIP OF THE MONTH

This is a comprehensive collection of Finder patches. All apply to Finder version 7.0 (including international versions), part of System 7.0 and 7.0.1. Patches have been carefuly tested, but of course you are on your own.

Apply patches with ResEdit 2.1.1 on a copy of the Finder. It's OK to let ResEdit expand the compressed resources. Especialy for patches #1 and #2, use a fresh copy of the Finder, as patches may conflict with other patches that others have previously developed. After closing ResEdit, put the modified Finder in the System Folder (move the previous Finder to another folder) and restart.

Always keep an original Finder and a startup diskette around, just in case something gets messed up.

1) To have the Finder use more memory for file copies, resulting in faster operation and less disk swaps when working with ejectable disks. at offset $668 in 'CODE' 173 change:

 $00019000   # 100KB
to $00200000   #   2MB

A value larger than approximatly 2MB less than the physical RAM available can actualy slow down things when virtual memory is running.

2) Lower the number of display updates and task swaps during files copies, resulting in significantlty faster operation, especialy when patch #1 is made. We have observed speedups of two or more, 30% is typical. To make the change, look at offset $40C in 'CODE' 166:

        change   $2A2C00242C05
        to       $2C2C0024E78C

This lowers updates and task swap by a factor of 8; change the last word of the patch for other factors:

 $E38C gives a division by 2
 $E58C gives a division by 4,
 $E98C gives a division by 16
 $EB8C gives a division by 32
 $ED8C gives a division by 64
 $EF8C gives a division by 128
 $E18C gives a division by 256

The drawbacks of a high division factor are that other applications running in the background get less time during file copies, and the delay to cancel a copy operation is longer. Above 16, the speedup is insignificant.

3) Suppress zoom effects - useful on machines that draw slowly.

        at offset  $4A4 in 'CODE' 5
        change   $4E56
        to       $4E75

4) Lower the pause before edition of files and volume names is allowed.

        at offset $A28 in 'CODE' 11
        change $E388
        to     $2048   # pause lowered by a factor of 2
        or to  $E288   # pause lowered by a factor of 4

NB: the pause is also affected by the double-click time set-up in the General control panel.

5) Change the default horizontal spacing in small icons view at offset $6 in 'fvew' 3100

        change $0058 # 88 pixels
        to     $0078 # 120 pixels or what you feel is useful

It may be necessary to trash the Finder Preference file, found in the Preferences forlder, for this patch to take effect. Of course, it's also necessary to do someting as ‘clean-up window’.

6) Suppress trash warnings no patch is needed; just do ‘get info’ on the trash, dumb !!

7) Allocate more memory to the Finder in 'SIZE' -1. Beef up the Size field; I use 327680.

8) Tell the Finder how to open documents for which it can't find applications. Edit 'fmap' 17010. It contains a series of eight bytes records. The first four bytes are a document Type, the last four are the Creator of the application to use to open this kind of document. The last record is all zeroes. For example, to open 'GIFf' files with PhotoShop, which has Creator '8BIM', insert GIFf8BIM (ascii) at beginning of 'fmap' 17010.

9) Add/change menu key equivalents Add the 'fmnu' template in the Finder or ResEdit itself; edit Cmd Key fields in 'fmnu' resources 1251 to 1256. [See the MacTutor source code disk for this template. -Ed.]

10) Add a 'Quit' item to the File menu This is useful to get more CPU time and a cleaner desktop while playing games. Also, one can edit the Finder directly into the System Folder. get a working 'fmnu' template (see #8), open 'fmnu' 1252 in the second field of the fmnu, change the Item Count from 17 to 19; scroll to the end, select last *****, do ‘insert new fields’ twice, then edit these new fields: in item 17 put AppleEvent xxx0, Item Text - in item 18 put AppleEvent quit, Flags $8100, Item Text Quit

An application to automate these patches would make a useful free/share-ware.

- François Grieu

from AppleLink postings

Databasing Code for Reuse

Code reuse can really save a lot of time but it’s often hard to keep track of what routines we’ve written that are generic enough to be recyclable. I use a database to store the code, along with relevent keywords and language identification. This lets me search for likely words in order to find code I’ve already written. If you’re using MultiFinder or System 7 you can use any database but for ease of use and convenience, or if you’re using Finder, the DA Databases such as DeskFile from Zedcor or DAtabase are hard to beat.

- Tom Trinko

Databasing Code for Reuse

This is a “Tips and Tidbits” for System 7.0 only. If you hold the shift key depressed when Mac starts there are no extensions loaded. But only and only if it found a resource type 'dbex' ID=-16385 in the System file.

- Daniel Mueller

Chavannes, Switzerland

 

Community Search:
MacTech Search:

Software Updates via MacUpdate

Minecraft 1.20.2 - Popular sandbox build...
Minecraft allows players to build constructions out of textured cubes in a 3D procedurally generated world. Other activities in the game include exploration, gathering resources, crafting, and combat... Read more
HoudahSpot 6.4.1 - Advanced file-search...
HoudahSpot is a versatile desktop search tool. Use HoudahSpot to locate hard-to-find files and keep frequently used files within reach. HoudahSpot is a productivity tool. It is the hub where all the... Read more
coconutBattery 3.9.14 - Displays info ab...
With coconutBattery you're always aware of your current battery health. It shows you live information about your battery such as how often it was charged and how is the current maximum capacity in... Read more
Keynote 13.2 - Apple's presentation...
Easily create gorgeous presentations with the all-new Keynote, featuring powerful yet easy-to-use tools and dazzling effects that will make you a very hard act to follow. The Theme Chooser lets you... Read more
Apple Pages 13.2 - Apple's word pro...
Apple Pages is a powerful word processor that gives you everything you need to create documents that look beautiful. And read beautifully. It lets you work seamlessly between Mac and iOS devices, and... Read more
Numbers 13.2 - Apple's spreadsheet...
With Apple Numbers, sophisticated spreadsheets are just the start. The whole sheet is your canvas. Just add dramatic interactive charts, tables, and images that paint a revealing picture of your data... Read more
Ableton Live 11.3.11 - Record music usin...
Ableton Live lets you create and record music on your Mac. Use digital instruments, pre-recorded sounds, and sampled loops to arrange, produce, and perform your music like never before. Ableton Live... Read more
Affinity Photo 2.2.0 - Digital editing f...
Affinity Photo - redefines the boundaries for professional photo editing software for the Mac. With a meticulous focus on workflow it offers sophisticated tools for enhancing, editing and retouching... Read more
SpamSieve 3.0 - Robust spam filter for m...
SpamSieve is a robust spam filter for major email clients that uses powerful Bayesian spam filtering. SpamSieve understands what your spam looks like in order to block it all, but also learns what... Read more
WhatsApp 2.2338.12 - Desktop client for...
WhatsApp is the desktop client for WhatsApp Messenger, a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. WhatsApp Messenger is available for... Read more

Latest Forum Discussions

See All

Square Enix commemorates one of its grea...
One of the most criminally underused properties in the Square Enix roster is undoubtedly Parasite Eve, a fantastic fusion of Resident Evil and Final Fantasy that deserved far more than two PlayStation One Games and a PSP follow-up. Now, however,... | Read more »
Resident Evil Village for iPhone 15 Pro...
During its TGS 2023 stream, Capcom showcased the Following upcoming ports revealed during the Apple iPhone 15 event. Capcom also announced pricing for the mobile (and macOS in the case of the former) ports of Resident Evil 4 Remake and Resident Evil... | Read more »
The iPhone 15 Episode – The TouchArcade...
After a 3 week hiatus The TouchArcade Show returns with another action-packed episode! Well, maybe not so much “action-packed" as it is “packed with talk about the iPhone 15 Pro". Eli, being in a time zone 3 hours ahead of me, as well as being smart... | Read more »
TouchArcade Game of the Week: ‘DERE Veng...
Developer Appsir Games have been putting out genre-defying titles on mobile (and other platforms) for a number of years now, and this week marks the release of their magnum opus DERE Vengeance which has been many years in the making. In fact, if the... | Read more »
SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring...
Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 22nd, 2023. I’ve had a good night’s sleep, and though my body aches down to the last bit of sinew and meat, I’m at least thinking straight again. We’ve got a lot to look at... | Read more »
TGS 2023: Level-5 Celebrates 25 Years Wi...
Back when I first started covering the Tokyo Game Show for TouchArcade, prolific RPG producer Level-5 could always be counted on for a fairly big booth with a blend of mobile and console games on offer. At recent shows, the company’s presence has... | Read more »
TGS 2023: ‘Final Fantasy’ & ‘Dragon...
Square Enix usually has one of the bigger, more attention-grabbing booths at the Tokyo Game Show, and this year was no different in that sense. The line-ups to play pretty much anything there were among the lengthiest of the show, and there were... | Read more »
Valve Says To Not Expect a Faster Steam...
With the big 20% off discount for the Steam Deck available to celebrate Steam’s 20th anniversary, Valve had a good presence at TGS 2023 with interviews and more. | Read more »
‘Honkai Impact 3rd Part 2’ Revealed at T...
At TGS 2023, HoYoverse had a big presence with new trailers for the usual suspects, but I didn’t expect a big announcement for Honkai Impact 3rd (Free). | Read more »
‘Junkworld’ Is Out Now As This Week’s Ne...
Epic post-apocalyptic tower-defense experience Junkworld () from Ironhide Games is out now on Apple Arcade worldwide. We’ve been covering it for a while now, and even through its soft launches before, but it has returned as an Apple Arcade... | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

New low price: 13″ M2 MacBook Pro for $1049,...
Amazon has the Space Gray 13″ MacBook Pro with an Apple M2 CPU and 256GB of storage in stock and on sale today for $250 off MSRP. Their price is the lowest we’ve seen for this configuration from any... Read more
Apple AirPods 2 with USB-C now in stock and o...
Amazon has Apple’s 2023 AirPods Pro with USB-C now in stock and on sale for $199.99 including free shipping. Their price is $50 off MSRP, and it’s currently the lowest price available for new AirPods... Read more
New low prices: Apple’s 15″ M2 MacBook Airs w...
Amazon has 15″ MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 512GB of storage in stock and on sale for $1249 shipped. That’s $250 off Apple’s MSRP, and it’s the lowest price available for these M2-powered MacBook... Read more
New low price: Clearance 16″ Apple MacBook Pr...
B&H Photo has clearance 16″ M1 Max MacBook Pros, 10-core CPU/32-core GPU/1TB SSD/Space Gray or Silver, in stock today for $2399 including free 1-2 day delivery to most US addresses. Their price... Read more
Switch to Red Pocket Mobile and get a new iPh...
Red Pocket Mobile has new Apple iPhone 15 and 15 Pro models on sale for $300 off MSRP when you switch and open up a new line of service. Red Pocket Mobile is a nationwide service using all the major... Read more
Apple continues to offer a $350 discount on 2...
Apple has Studio Display models available in their Certified Refurbished store for up to $350 off MSRP. Each display comes with Apple’s one-year warranty, with new glass and a case, and ships free.... Read more
Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pros with M2 Pro CPUs...
Amazon is offering a $250 discount on new Apple 16-inch M2 Pro MacBook Pros for a limited time. Their prices are currently the lowest available for these models from any Apple retailer: – 16″ MacBook... Read more
Closeout Sale: Apple Watch Ultra with Green A...
Adorama haș the Apple Watch Ultra with a Green Alpine Loop on clearance sale for $699 including free shipping. Their price is $100 off original MSRP, and it’s the lowest price we’ve seen for an Apple... Read more
Use this promo code at Verizon to take $150 o...
Verizon is offering a $150 discount on cellular-capable Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models for a limited time. Use code WATCH150 at checkout to take advantage of this offer. The fine print: “Up... Read more
New low price: Apple’s 10th generation iPads...
B&H Photo has the 10th generation 64GB WiFi iPad (Blue and Silver colors) in stock and on sale for $379 for a limited time. B&H’s price is $70 off Apple’s MSRP, and it’s the lowest price... Read more

Jobs Board

Housekeeper, *Apple* Valley Villa - Cassia...
Apple Valley Villa, part of a 4-star senior living community, is hiring entry-level Full-Time Housekeepers to join our team! We will train you for this position and Read more
Housekeeper, *Apple* Valley Village - Cassi...
Apple Valley Village Health Care Center, a 4-star rated senior care campus, is hiring a Part-Time Housekeeper to join our team! We will train you for this position! Read more
Optometrist- *Apple* Valley, CA- Target Opt...
Optometrist- Apple Valley, CA- Target Optical Date: Sep 23, 2023 Brand: Target Optical Location: Apple Valley, CA, US, 92308 **Requisition ID:** 796045 At Target Read more
Senior *Apple* iOS CNO Developer (Onsite) -...
…Offense and Defense Experts (CODEX) is in need of smart, motivated and self-driven Apple iOS CNO Developers to join our team to solve real-time cyber challenges. Read more
*Apple* Systems Administrator - JAMF - Activ...
…**Public Trust/Other Required:** None **Job Family:** Systems Administration **Skills:** Apple Platforms,Computer Servers,Jamf Pro **Experience:** 3 + years of Read more
All contents are Copyright 1984-2011 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.