TweetFollow Us on Twitter

Oct 93 Tips, Tidbits
Volume Number:9
Issue Number:10
Column Tag:Tips & Tidbits

Tips & Tidbits

By Neil Ticktin, Editor-in-Chief

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.

MacTech Magazine will pay $25 for every tip used, and $50 for the Tip of the Month. Or you can take your award in orders or subscriptions.

To submit a tip, send in a letter to the magazine. E-mail is our preferred method, but feel free to send something via the US Mail. See page two for all addresses. 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.

Tip of the Month

Sometimes there are times that you will want to hide the menu bar. You shouldn’t plan on doing this often, but in the proper situation (i.e., a presentation package displaying a slide on the screen), here’s an example of how it might be done.

/* 1 */

int        saveMBarHeight;
RgnHandle  saveGrayRgn;

HideMenuBar (void)
{
    RgnHandle  mBarRgn;
    RgnHandle  theGrayRgn;
   
    theGrayRgn = GetGrayRgn ();
    saveMBarHeight = MBarHeight;
    saveGrayRgn = NewRgn ();
    CopyRgn (theGrayRgn, saveGrayRgn);
    mBarRgn = NewRgn ();
    SetRectRgn (mBarRgn, screenBits.bounds.left, screenBits.bounds.top,
       screenBits.bounds.right, screenBits.bounds.top + saveMBarHeight);
    MBarHeight = 0;
    UnionRgn (theGrayRgn, mBarRgn, theGrayRgn);
    PaintBehind (FrontWindow (), mBarRgn);
    CalcVisBehind (FrontWindow (), mBarRgn);
    DisposeRgn (mBarRgn);
}

ShowMenuBar (void)
{
    MBarHeight = saveMBarHeight;
    CopyRgn (saveGrayRgn, GetGrayRgn ());
    DisposeRgn (saveGrayRgn);
    DrawMenuBar ();
}

- Steve Wagy, Spring, Texas

Compile options in THINK Pascal - saving Time

If you are using Think Pascal you may set your compiler variables using the Compile Options in the Project menu. Compile Options serve as directives for the compiler. For example, if qCompileOption = FALSE the expressions within the $IFC - $ENDC statement don't get compiled into your code.

{2}

{$IFC  qCompileOption}
 expression1; expression2; .........
{$ENDC}

Suppose you have several units in your project and only one of the units uses qCompileOption. At the time, qCompileOption = TRUE in the Compile Options. You are about to run your code and want to set qCompileOption = FALSE. Do you find yourself going to the Compile Options in the Project menu and setting qCompileOption = FALSE? If you do, you know the unpleasant side effect - every unit in the project, whether it uses qCompileOption or not, gets recompiled. What a time waster! There is an easier way to reset qCompileOption for a particular unit. In the unit where you want qCompileOption reset, write this statement at the top of the unit following the IMPLEMENTATION keyword:

{$SETC  qCompileOption = FALSE}

This resets qCompileOption for this unit only and only this unit gets recompiled.

- Marek Hajek, Reno, Nevada

Assembler Editing through Hex Editor

I picked up a copy of MacTech at the Developer's Conference. I meant to respond to an article entitled "The Secrets of the Machine" earlier, but didn't until now. The article mentioned ResEdit's CODE resource extension. In paragraph three of pg 53 it stated that the extension doesn't allow editing of Assembler. This is not strictly true. I use the extension in conjunction with the Hex Editor (under the Resource menu) all the time.

The strategy is to have both the extension and the hex editor open and in sync with one another (an option under the Hex Editor menu). Then select what you would like to edit in the far right hand side of the CODE extension window. With the selection enforced, bring the hex editor to the forefront, make your modification, then return to the CODE extension window for an up-to-date disassembly of the hex you've just entered. I've found this approach to be very viable indeed. The instantaneous feedback has allowed me to make small patches on-the-fly quickly and effectively.

At work I spend a great amount of time translating software via Echo Logic's FlashPort. The code extension simplifies this process by allowing patches as mentioned above, and by making it easier to distinguish between CODE and data, a common necessity in FlashPort. Sometimes disassemblies become out of sync around embedded data. Using the hex editor and CODE extension, one can make a fake CODE resource {just needs a segment loader header and to end with an RTS}, paste the questionable data into the new CODE resource's hex window, and suffix the listing with 4E75 {RTS}. Then, by removing a word at a time from the beginning of the listing in the hex window and switching to the corresponding CODE extension window to see the effect, one can gain valuable insight by noting when the remaining instructions make sense. This approach is great for finding embedded jump table information.

I hope you find this information useful. In summary, use the hex editor for all editing, and the CODE extension for all viewing.

- Marisano James, Sent via AppleLink

Double Click in THINK Pascal

In the Think Pascal environment, hold down the option key and double click on a function name anywhere in your project and Think Pascal will take you to the function definition.

- Lillian Thompson, Reno, Nevada

Mousepositioning

The user should be the only one to wield the mouse. The position of the mouse should not change by program control. In some cases however, it is might be necessary to do so. A user-interface macro program, for example, or for a practical joke

The code snippet below does the trick. It is a macro that sets the position of the mouse to a given point (the argument to SETMOUSE, is of type Point).

/* 3 */

extern Point MTemp :   0x0828 ;    /* some Low Memory Globals  */ extern 
Point RawMouse : 0x082C ;
extern Byte  CrsrNew : 0x08CE ;

#define SETMOUSE(_pt)  {   \
   MTemp = _pt ;   \
   RawMouse = _pt ;\
   CrsrNew = 0xFF ;}

- Jan Bruyndonckx, Wave Research, Belgium

 

Community Search:
MacTech Search:

Software Updates via MacUpdate

Tor Browser 12.5.5 - Anonymize Web brows...
Using Tor Browser you can protect yourself against tracking, surveillance, and censorship. Tor was originally designed, implemented, and deployed as a third-generation onion-routing project of the U.... Read more
Malwarebytes 4.21.9.5141 - Adware remova...
Malwarebytes (was AdwareMedic) helps you get your Mac experience back. Malwarebytes scans for and removes code that degrades system performance or attacks your system. Making your Mac once again your... Read more
TinkerTool 9.5 - Expanded preference set...
TinkerTool is an application that gives you access to additional preference settings Apple has built into Mac OS X. This allows to activate hidden features in the operating system and in some of the... Read more
Paragon NTFS 15.11.839 - Provides full r...
Paragon NTFS breaks down the barriers between Windows and macOS. Paragon NTFS effectively solves the communication problems between the Mac system and NTFS. Write, edit, copy, move, delete files on... Read more
Apple Safari 17 - Apple's Web brows...
Apple Safari is Apple's web browser that comes bundled with the most recent macOS. Safari is faster and more energy efficient than other browsers, so sites are more responsive and your notebook... Read more
Firefox 118.0 - Fast, safe Web browser.
Firefox offers a fast, safe Web browsing experience. Browse quickly, securely, and effortlessly. With its industry-leading features, Firefox is the choice of Web development professionals and casual... Read more
ClamXAV 3.6.1 - Virus checker based on C...
ClamXAV is a popular virus checker for OS X. Time to take control ClamXAV keeps threats at bay and puts you firmly in charge of your Mac’s security. Scan a specific file or your entire hard drive.... Read more
SuperDuper! 3.8 - Advanced disk cloning/...
SuperDuper! is an advanced, yet easy to use disk copying program. It can, of course, make a straight copy, or "clone" - useful when you want to move all your data from one machine to another, or do a... Read more
Alfred 5.1.3 - Quick launcher for apps a...
Alfred is an award-winning productivity application for OS X. Alfred saves you time when you search for files online or on your Mac. Be more productive with hotkeys, keywords, and file actions at... Read more
Sketch 98.3 - Design app for UX/UI for i...
Sketch is an innovative and fresh look at vector drawing. Its intentionally minimalist design is based upon a drawing space of unlimited size and layers, free of palettes, panels, menus, windows, and... Read more

Latest Forum Discussions

See All

Listener Emails and the iPhone 15! – The...
In this week’s episode of The TouchArcade Show we finally get to a backlog of emails that have been hanging out in our inbox for, oh, about a month or so. We love getting emails as they always lead to interesting discussion about a variety of topics... | Read more »
TouchArcade Game of the Week: ‘Cypher 00...
This doesn’t happen too often, but occasionally there will be an Apple Arcade game that I adore so much I just have to pick it as the Game of the Week. Well, here we are, and Cypher 007 is one of those games. The big key point here is that Cypher... | Read more »
SwitchArcade Round-Up: ‘EA Sports FC 24’...
Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 29th, 2023. In today’s article, we’ve got a ton of news to go over. Just a lot going on today, I suppose. After that, there are quite a few new releases to look at... | Read more »
‘Storyteller’ Mobile Review – Perfect fo...
I first played Daniel Benmergui’s Storyteller (Free) through its Nintendo Switch and Steam releases. Read my original review of it here. Since then, a lot of friends who played the game enjoyed it, but thought it was overpriced given the short... | Read more »
An Interview with the Legendary Yu Suzuk...
One of the cool things about my job is that every once in a while, I get to talk to the people behind the games. It’s always a pleasure. Well, today we have a really special one for you, dear friends. Mr. Yu Suzuki of Ys Net, the force behind such... | Read more »
New ‘Marvel Snap’ Update Has Balance Adj...
As we wait for the information on the new season to drop, we shall have to content ourselves with looking at the latest update to Marvel Snap (Free). It’s just a balance update, but it makes some very big changes that combined with the arrival of... | Read more »
‘Honkai Star Rail’ Version 1.4 Update Re...
At Sony’s recently-aired presentation, HoYoverse announced the Honkai Star Rail (Free) PS5 release date. Most people speculated that the next major update would arrive alongside the PS5 release. | Read more »
‘Omniheroes’ Major Update “Tide’s Cadenc...
What secrets do the depths of the sea hold? Omniheroes is revealing the mysteries of the deep with its latest “Tide’s Cadence" update, where you can look forward to scoring a free Valkyrie and limited skin among other login rewards like the 2nd... | Read more »
Recruit yourself some run-and-gun royalt...
It is always nice to see the return of a series that has lost a bit of its global staying power, and thanks to Lilith Games' latest collaboration, Warpath will be playing host the the run-and-gun legend that is Metal Slug 3. [Read more] | Read more »
‘The Elder Scrolls: Castles’ Is Availabl...
Back when Fallout Shelter (Free) released on mobile, and eventually hit consoles and PC, I didn’t think it would lead to something similar for The Elder Scrolls, but here we are. The Elder Scrolls: Castles is a new simulation game from Bethesda... | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

Clearance M1 Max Mac Studio available today a...
Apple has clearance M1 Max Mac Studios available in their Certified Refurbished store for $270 off original MSRP. Each Mac Studio comes with Apple’s one-year warranty, and shipping is free: – Mac... Read more
Apple continues to offer 24-inch iMacs for up...
Apple has a full range of 24-inch M1 iMacs available today in their Certified Refurbished store. Models are available starting at only $1099 and range up to $260 off original MSRP. Each iMac is in... Read more
Final weekend for Apple’s 2023 Back to School...
This is the final weekend for Apple’s Back to School Promotion 2023. It remains active until Monday, October 2nd. Education customers receive a free $150 Apple Gift Card with the purchase of a new... Read more
Apple drops prices on refurbished 13-inch M2...
Apple has dropped prices on standard-configuration 13″ M2 MacBook Pros, Certified Refurbished, to as low as $1099 and ranging up to $230 off MSRP. These are the cheapest 13″ M2 MacBook Pros for sale... Read more
14-inch M2 Max MacBook Pro on sale for $300 o...
B&H Photo has the Space Gray 14″ 30-Core GPU M2 Max MacBook Pro in stock and on sale today for $2799 including free 1-2 day shipping. Their price is $300 off Apple’s MSRP, and it’s the lowest... Read more
Apple is now selling Certified Refurbished M2...
Apple has added a full line of standard-configuration M2 Max and M2 Ultra Mac Studios available in their Certified Refurbished section starting at only $1699 and ranging up to $600 off MSRP. Each Mac... Read more
New sale: 13-inch M2 MacBook Airs starting at...
B&H Photo has 13″ MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs in stock today and on sale for $200 off Apple’s MSRP with prices available starting at only $899. Free 1-2 day delivery is available to most US... Read more
Apple has all 15-inch M2 MacBook Airs in stoc...
Apple has Certified Refurbished 15″ M2 MacBook Airs in stock today starting at only $1099 and ranging up to $230 off MSRP. These are the cheapest M2-powered 15″ MacBook Airs for sale today at Apple.... Read more
In stock: Clearance M1 Ultra Mac Studios for...
Apple has clearance M1 Ultra Mac Studios available in their Certified Refurbished store for $540 off original MSRP. Each Mac Studio comes with Apple’s one-year warranty, and shipping is free: – Mac... Read more
Back on sale: Apple’s M2 Mac minis for $100 o...
B&H Photo has Apple’s M2-powered Mac minis back in stock and on sale today for $100 off MSRP. Free 1-2 day shipping is available for most US addresses: – Mac mini M2/256GB SSD: $499, save $100 –... Read more

Jobs Board

Licensed Dental Hygienist - *Apple* River -...
Park Dental Apple River in Somerset, WI is seeking a compassionate, professional Dental Hygienist to join our team-oriented practice. COMPETITIVE PAY AND SIGN-ON Read more
Sublease Associate Optometrist- *Apple* Val...
Sublease Associate Optometrist- Apple Valley, CA- Target Optical Date: Sep 30, 2023 Brand: Target Optical Location: Apple Valley, CA, US, 92307 **Requisition Read more
*Apple* / Mac Administrator - JAMF - Amentum...
Amentum is seeking an ** Apple / Mac Administrator - JAMF** to provide support with the Apple Ecosystem to include hardware and software to join our team and Read more
Child Care Teacher - Glenda Drive/ *Apple* V...
Child Care Teacher - Glenda Drive/ Apple ValleyTeacher Share by Email Share on LinkedIn Share on Twitter Read more
Cashier - *Apple* Blossom Mall - JCPenney (...
Cashier - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Apple Blossom Mall Read more
All contents are Copyright 1984-2011 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.