Re: Finder 6.0.1

[geoff@seeker.the-hermes.net (Geoff Weiss)]

Eric Dietrich <madsci@tribeca.ios.com> wrote:
>
>I think that some of those folks who replied to my post are missing my
>points.  Many of the things, "enhancements", if you will, are aimed at not
>only making the Finder easier to use, but also as a driving force for
>hardware.

No one buys the IIgs anymore, Apple doesn't sell the IIgs, there is no
real reason to upgrade the Finder except for user wishes.  I too have a
wish list of what can be added to the Finder and the rest of the System
Software.  If I want it bad enough, I could write a patch myself (easier
said then done, I know).

>If new software exists that puts demands on older hardware, then new
>hardware is desinged to run the software better.

In a world where the modern computer is a 64-bit architecture, why revert
to a 8/16-bit world?  This is a loaded question and should really be taken
to a different thread.
>
>.There is a SoftDisk GS Finder Extension which adds "Restart" and makes
>...
>A. Not everyone has a SoftDisk Subscription.

You don't to subscribe to get SoftDisk GS software.

>.When System 6.0.1 was designed, Apple did not like heirarchical menus since
>.many users found that it was hard to navigate.  There is plenty of rooms in
>
>A. If heirarchical menus are hard to navigate, then System 7.5 must be an
>attempt to make mac users lives harder.   Heirarchical menus are my
>favorite feature of 7.5.

Apple decided right before System 7.5 came out that heirarchial menus were
ok to use in a program.  Apple still recommends not to use them if you
have plenty of menubar space.

>B. The lo res of the IIgs cuts short the screen space.  If there is ANY
>computer that heirarchical menus should be on, the IIgs should be it.

I completely agree that they are great to use with limited screen space.  
Platinum Paint 2.0 is a shining example of good use of heirarchic menus.
>
>The zooming rectangles that fly by when you open an item are useless.  As
>is the zooming of icons when you clean up.  It may look cool, but it slows
>things down, and should be eliminated.  I know about KillDaWhoosh.  Should

Actually the Zooming rectangles is a feature of the Apple Graphic User 
Interface which made it more intuitive than others.  I have to admit that
I thought Zooming Rectangles really slowed the system down, but I stopped
caring once I got an accelerator.  You talked about sales of hardware?
Zooming rectangles is a reason to buy new hardware.

>>� Move "Preferences" from the Special menu to a CDEV.
>
>You set options in control panels.  Thats why there are control panels. 
>Where do you go to set something up?  The control panel.

1) So, you are saying that Appleworks GS and Platinum Paint should have their
preferences as Control Panels as well?
2) Why split the Finder into multiple programs?  Control Panel, application,
etc...  My god...it will look like a Windows system with 50 components just
to run one piece of system software.

>It would be a nice feature if GSOS was multitasking.  So we start small.
>And what of The Manager?

Not everybody has the Manager.
>
>.>� Tabbed CDEVs.  Like Icon Info.
>
>Not a tabbed Control panel DA.  I think the tabbed structure of Icon Info
>is a good way to fit more info into a small area, and that more CDEVs
>should make use of this structure.  This would allow SMALLER windows.

Yes it is a good idea.  Have you tried to program something like that?

>.>� Allow calculation of folder sizes.

Do an Apple-I on the folder and press the calculator button.  I think this
information was in the help screens.  Now do you see a reason for keeping
them around?

>.>� Zoom box toggles between set size and smallest needed to view all files,
>.>not beween set size and full size.

Maybe I don't understand you.  Let's say you have two windows (standard
default size) where one has 50 icons in it and one with only one icon
in it.  What do you think should happen if you press the zoom button.
What should happen if you press it again?  What should happen if
you close a window and open it again before hitting it the second time?
Have you read what Apple recommends how programmers should implement
the zoom control?  Does this recommendation fit into what you suggest?

>.>� Snap to grid option.

Umm.. I will change my argument since only a programmer would understand that.
The Finder has this capability already (information is in the help screens).
Do an option-Clean Up and all the icons are re-aligned.  They also happen to
put in alphabetical order as well.

Geoff
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