Below are some non-Apple extensions; I have tried to provide descriptions of those that have some mystery as to where they came from or what they do. If you have an item you would like to add to this list, please email me the name, description and, if possible, RAM consumption figures. Since I don't own everything, I won't be able to provide everything myself ;-)
At the bottom of the chapter is a section on what I know about all the stuff Microsoft Office throws in your System Folder. I could really use some help on that section.
窶｢ Arrange Backgrounder: installed by CE Software's Web Arranger.
窶｢ Avid VideoShop PowerPlug (v3.0.2): provides native PPC support for Avid VideoShop.
窶｢ BeView (v1.0) [30.5/64]: shareware, similar to ~Aaron, which give your Mac the "look and feel" of the BeBox computer's operating system.
窶｢ Billminder: used by Quicken to alert the user that a bill payment is due. I have heard many complaints about conflicts with this extension.
窶｢ CD Icon Killer [.5/.5]: prevents the loading of custon icons on mounted volumes. Useful when mounting large volumes with many custom icons.
窶｢ CD-ROM Toolkit Extension (v2.0.3) [549/1164]: part of the CD caching utility from FWB. Note that the RAM usage here is on my system. It will vary greatly depending on what you set the cache to be in the CD-ROM Toolkit application. The default setting is 384k, but can be as low as 65k.
窶｢ CE Toolbox [73.5/76]: needed for many CE Software products, including DiskTop, QuickKeys, and older versions of QuickMail.
窶｢ Conflict Extension (v3.0.4): allows Conflict Catcher (see above) to load first in the startup process.
窶｢ Digisystem Init (v3.0.1): required for Digidesign digital audio hardware.
窶｢ Directory Assistance II [130K/144K]: bundled with Norton Utilities v2.0, dropped in v3.0. Allows configuring open/save dialog boxes for each application (preferred drive/folder/files, with keyboard shortcut assignments for each). It also provides extra options (find file, delete, duplicate) from within open/save dialog boxes. Most of its functionality can be found in Default Folder or Now Super Boomerang. Conflicts with PCExchange, QuarkXpress, and supposedly will not work under 7.5.2/7.5.3, although a few individuals claim to have no problems with it.
窶｢ Disinfectant [2.5/20]: a freeware virus detection extension. Most people can get by with this alone, and not bothering with Virex or SAM.
窶｢ Eddie Plugin [NA]: installed by FreePPP 2.5. Contains the information needed to provide error message responses provided by the new help system.
窶｢ Emacs Keyboard: used by the Mac port of GnuEmacs to enable the use of the option key as "Meta."
窶｢ Expresso Notifier: part of the "Expresso" calendar package from Berkeley Systems. Allows the Expresso application to notify/remind you of upcoming events.
窶｢ Finder Alias Extensions Enabler [0.0]: provides added Finder features, such as enhanced alias creation and a "Find Original" command.
窶｢ FixWordSystemMemory [.5/0]: fixes a "not enough memory" bug in Word 5.1 on PowerMacs.
窶｢ Flashback: part of the "Expresso" calendar package from Berkeley Systems. Allows you to use your own schedule/calendar as the desktop pattern/wallpaper.
窶｢ Global Village Toolbox: used by Global Village modems. Provides the resources for faxing using Global Village modems. If you aren't faxing using your GV modem, you can get rid of this.
窶｢ GlobalFax: part of the fax software used by Global Village modems.
窶｢ Greg's Hack: enables anti-aliasing of text on your screen. This makes text more readable and larger text smoother.
窶｢ ICeTEe (v1.1): shareware extension which allows applications which use the "WASTE" text engine (SimpleText, TexEdit+, Eudora) to respond appropriately when you "command-click" on URL's, email addresses, etc. (by opening your web browser, opening a new email message, etc.).
窶｢ Indeo Video/Intel Raw Video: installed by some multi-media CD-ROMs, as well as the AVI-QT utilities. Allow you to view AVI video clips using the Mac-standard QuickTime technology.
窶｢ Internet Config Extension: if you are using Internet Config, this extension provides a source for the data you have entered in the Internet Config application. This allows Internet Config- aware applications to automatically retrieve your preferred settings.
窶｢ Iomega Driver (v4.2) [71.5/200]: needed for mounting Iomega drives.
窶｢ Iomega Driver (v4.3.2) [112/200]: needed for mounting Iomega drives. This version also provides support for the Iomega Jaz drive, but uses more memory.
窶｢ KarmaExtension: installed by Metrowerks Code Warrior 9.
窶｢ KeyCrasher: this extension is used to purposely crash your computer at startup. It is provided with Now Utilities to allow the user to learn how to use the conflict resolution features of Now Startup Manager.
窶｢ MetroNub: installed by Metrowerks Code Warrior 9 for debugging purposes.
窶｢ MicroNet Cartridge Extension (v7.4LK): allows your computer to automatically mount MicroNet removable media and/or partitions.
窶｢ Netscape Defrost (v0.9b): third-party init which supposedly reduces crashes while running Netscape.
窶｢ NotVirtual! [0/0]: fools applications into thinking that virtual memory is turned off.
窶｢ Now SB Extractor: a "document" which is used by Now SuperBoomerang (see above).
窶｢ NowToolbox (v6.0) [95/292.5]: needed to run any of the Now Utilities.
窶｢ OMS Open Midi System (v2.2): used by Opcode midi products. Provides compatibility with QuickTime 2.5.
窶｢ PaperPort Extension (3.0): needed to use the Visioneer PaperPort scanner.
窶｢ PPP: works with the "Config PPP" control panel to allow PPP connections using MacPPP or Free PPP.
窶｢ Programmer's Key (v1.4.1): on Macs equipped with both a power and interrupt button (the small buttons with a circle and triangle, respectively), allows you to enter Apple's debugger by using the power (triangle icon) key.
窶｢ QuickKeys Toolbox (v3.0.1): provides Apple Event and AppleScript support to QuickKeys (see the control panel above). Also provides access to QuickKeys Script in OSA-aware applications.
窶｢ RAM Charger (v3.0): a memory-management product from Jump! Development and Synchronys. According to its own description: "gives applications dynamic access to memory so you not only get more available memory but better memory."
窶｢ RAM Doubler (v1.6.2A) [<.5/0]: popular Connectix utility (earlier version was an extension) which provides "virtual memory" support similar to Apple's virtual memory, but much more efficient and effective. The newest version of RAMDoubler 2, is a control panel (see above).
窶｢ Retro.Startup (v3.0): if using Retrospect backup software, this extension allows Retrospect to launch automatically for scripted operation. Also allows Retrospect to provide notification regarding errors, missing media, and/or "full" media.
窶｢ SF81PPC: installed by the PowerPC version of Astound 2.0, which will not run without it.
窶｢ SingleTalk (v1.0): allows you to activate AppleTalk services on your Mac without actually being connected to an AppleTalk network. To use this feature, you must select "SingleTalk" in the Network/ AppleTalk control panel.
窶｢ SLIP Extension (v3.0.3) [NA]: used with MacSLIP (above)
窶｢ Soft Pivot Driver (v3.2.1): older Radius Pivot monitors, and possibly some other Radius models, would not sync correctly with the Mac's video driver, resulting in a strong blue tint to the display. This extension eliminates that problem. Supposedly, this extension will not be updated/ supported any longer by Radius and/or Portrait Display Labs (the current owner of the Pivot line of monitors). Older Macs can avoid the need for this extension by using the Radius nubus monitor card, although I don't know about its current availability.
窶｢ SmoothType & SmoothType PPC (v1.0.1): "smoothes" rough fonts on your screen so they will look closer to the way they will print. There are two versions; one for 680x0 Macs, the other for PowerMacs, which takes advantage of some native code. NOTE: this extension takes a lot of processor time, and will noticeably slow down your Mac, especially when doing things that cause frequent screen redraws, such as scrolling through windows and documents.
窶｢ Speed Doubler (v1.3) [ keep in mind that in addition to the RAM used by the extensions, SD also increases your cache settings in the "Memory" control panel]: Connectix utility which speeds up your Mac by speeding up Finder copies, providing faster disk access , and, on PowerMacs, providing better 680x0 emulation than the Mac OS.
o Speed Access [NA]: provides a more effective disk caching and access routine
o Speed Copy [64.5/148]: provides faster copying and copy/trash in the background
o Speed Emulator [NA]: provides a better implementation of 680x0 emulation. Adds
anywhere from 500-1000k to your System's RAM usage.
窶｢ StickyClick: enables "sticky" menus which stay down when clicked, so you don't have to hold the mouse button down.
窶｢ StuffIt Engine (v4.0): a "document" which provides common support code for StuffIt Deluxe, StuffIt Expander, and DropStuff.
窶｢ Suitcase Extension (v3.0.1) [81.5/250]: used by Suitcase, a font-management utility.
窶｢ TCPack for AOL (v2.2.5): allows you to access America Onlince over a direct TCP/IP connection.
窶｢ TitlePop (v2.4.2) [20/44]: provides a pull-down menu in the title bar of each window which lists all open applications (including the Finder) and all windows open within applications (including Finder windows).
窶｢ Toner Tuner (v1.0.2): commercial product which allows you to save ink/toner by printing in "draft" mode on any printer. You can select any "darkness" setting from 25-100%. Also allows you to set the default mode to either "normal" or "draft."
窶｢ TSM Fix (v1.03): a hack that fixes a problem where some mouse clicks are not recognized. Bundled with the third-party utility "Extensions Strip."
窶｢ Unmute Extension (v0.2) [.5/0]: some Macs have a problem where the computer's volume is muted after a restart. This extension fixes this problem by automatically un-muting the computer at startup. It also unmutes the internal Mac speaker when something is plugged into the Mac's headphone jack.
窶｢ Viewer Engine (v4.0): installed by StuffIt Deluxe. Allows you to view the contents of StuffIt archives directly in the Finder, without actually opening the StuffIt application.
窶｢ Virtual Desktop INIT: part of the Virtual Desktop package, which provides a "virtual" desktop of any size. Allows you to create a desktop which is larger than your screen. You can then shift your view to any part of this "desktop."
窶｢ Wacky Lights: intermittently activates the three lights (num lock, caps lock, scroll lock) on extended keyboards.
窶｢ Web Quick (v1.0): part of the WebQuick package, this extension enables a menu in the Finder which lists URLs which you have recently visited (web or FTP), and allows you to instantly access them. Adds menu items to various web browsers.
窶｢ WolfenCheat (v2.0.1): adds "cheat" options to the game "Wolfenstein."
窶｢ ~Aaron (v1.4.1) [50/32]: changes the graphical interface (windows, menus, etc.) so that it resembles the upcoming MacOS8, "Copland." If you use this extension, you do not need the WindowShade control panel, since ~Aaron places a window-collapse toggle button in the upper right-hand corner of your windows.
窶｢ ~QuickCamMic (v1.1): audio microphone driver used with Connectix QuickCams.
窶｢ ~QuickCamVideo (v1.1): video digitizer and driver used with Connectix QuickCams.
窶｢ ~QuickTime VM (v1.0) [.5/0]: supposedly enhances QuickTime performance under virtual memory/ RAMDoubler. This extension was originally bundled with JPEGView 3.1, but is not a part of the JPEGView 3.3 package. Whether or not it actually improved performance was matter of opinion; some people felt it did, others never seemed to notice a difference. NOTE: Under System 7.5.3, installing this extension will disable the new "translucent icons" feature in the Finder.
MICROSOFT STUFF:
窶｢ Microsoft Dialog Library (vSDM3.02): ?
窶｢ Microsoft File Library (v1.0a): ?
窶｢ Microsoft Mail Library (v1.0): only necessary if you are using Microsoft Mail.
窶｢ Microsoft OLE Automation (v2.06): ?
窶｢ Microsoft OLE Extension (v2.06) [<.5/0]: used for "Object Linking and Embedding"--important if you're using MS products and you want to embed an Excel worksheet within a word document or a Powerpoint presentation. It is functionally similar to publish and subscribe, but much more elegant in use (but a memory hog)... Some people say it's actually closer to the idea of OpenDoc. If you insert an Excel spreadsheet into a Word document and then make changes to the spreadsheet at a later date, the Word document will automatically reflect those changes. This extension is also needed when using the new Word and Wordperfect filters for Quark XPress. These filters import Word and WordPerfect for DOS/Windows as well as their Macintosh versions. OLE is also required to run PageMaker versions prior to 6.0.1 (6.0.1 will run without it, but linking and embedding features will not function).
窶｢ Office 4.2.x Update for PowerMac [2/0]: fixes certain crashes on PowerMacs using the different Microsoft Office applications. Specifically, this extension contains the following fixes:
窶｢ A fix to prevent hanging or type 11 errors when printing using QuickDraw GX
窶｢ A fix to prevent hanging or type 11 errors when launching a PPC-native application after quitting out of Word.
This extension is necessary even if you have updated the "Office" package to v4.2.1b. However, according to Microsoft, if you have updated Word to v6.0.1and aren't using Excel and QuickDraw GX together you do not need this extension, as the fixes it provides were rolled into the application itself. The version (v1.0) of Office 4.2.x Update for PowerMac released with Office 4.2.1a conflicts with even the newest version of Apple Menu Options. If you want to use Apple Menu Options, you should update to v1.0.1 (of course, unless you are using Word 6.0.1a, in which case it is unnecessary). Thus, if you have Word 6.0.1a, the only reason to have this extension is if you're using Excel and QuickDraw GX. Isn't this fun?
窶｢ Microsoft Office Manager (Microsoft Office Manager Patch for 7.5.2/7.5.3 has been released by MicroSoft, which updates Microsoft Office Manager [MOM] to version 4.2.1. The patch corrects a problem with System 7.5.2/7.5.3. In addition, you could just get the newest version of MOM, 4.2.1c, which also "fixes" these problems. I would still trash the Office Manager; IMHO the functionality isn't worth the "crash risk factor.") NOTE: Microsoft has updated the entire "Office" package to v4.2.1b. To update, you need to re-install the entire package off the new 4.2.1b CD-ROM. According to Microsoft, if you are using v4.2.1b, you do not need the Microsoft Office Manager Patch or version 4.2.1c "unless you have crashes." ;-)
窶｢ Microsoft Tool Editor (v1.2): allows custom dialog design.
窶｢ Shared Code Manager: lets programs share common code. It is similar to the shared library manager for the shared libraries. Installed by Microsoft office along with the shared code modules Ole Client DLL, OLE Reg DLL and OLE Server DLL (in a folder named Shared Code in the Extensions folder). This extension is also supposedly installed by PageMaker 5.0.
窶｢ I have been told that you can run Microsoft Office fine with only the "Office 4.2.x Update for Power Mac" and the "Shared Code Manager" installed (along with the "Shared Code" folder in the extensions folder). This means that the following files can be "disabled." Note that with this setup, OLE, ODBC Databases, and Visual Basic will be inoperable:
