New update! Read for detailed information below.....
What it does:
This is a simple, small, freeware applescript written for the express purpose of automatically getting rid of the following items:
1) Netscape "Cache ─" folder, "Global History" and "MagicCookie" files.
2) Microsoft Explorer "Cache" folder, "History.html" file.
3) Eudora "Eudora Log" file.
Versions Included:
You can check in the "get info" window of each individual "CacheBGone II" for which version you are about to use. I have put them in separate folders for those who have b&w systems. Rebuilding the desktop prior to 7.5.3 may delete the comments included.
Blue (CacheBGone II) -->> deletes all the above items, with user input.
Green (CacheBGone II) -->> deletes same as above, but leaves the
"MagicCookie" file intact. See below for more detailed information.
Fast! (ÑCacheBGone IIÑ) -->> deletes all the above (including MagicCookie), without user input.
Fast! (ÑCacheBGone II) -->> deletes all but the MagicCookie without user input.
Why CacheBGone II ?
Because I like Netscape/Microsoft Explorer to look new every time they start, and re-load every link in case changes have been made. By getting rid of the "Global History" file I also ensure that the links I used last time do not show up in Netscape or Explorer as having been already visited. My Eudora "Eudora Log" file gets to be over 100k on a regular basis, and my hard drive space is very limited.
The "MagicCookie" file is also deleted; there are many reports about why and how this file could be dangerous to your internet surfing. Please go to the following URL's for more information specific to this issue, and see why you can probably relax:
This AppleScript is also useful when Netscape or Microsoft Explorer slow to a crawl sifting through a million cache files they have created. Simply run the script, and it deletes the folder and creates a new one in it's place. You can also set (in the browser) the cache size lower, which may slow down operations after the folder reaches its set limit later. Note that if you run CacheBGone II while Netscape or Explorer is running, it will give you an error stating that the "Global History" or "History.html" file is still in use and cannot be deleted. No big deal - everything still works fine - although the folders will continue to be used in the trash.
What you need:
System 7.5 or later. It will run faster depending on the machine that you own. You can run it on 7.1, but you will need a scriptable finder, and applescript installed. I do not know exactly where to get these items for 7.1, and will ignore requests for information about them. If you have this information, please forward it to me, and I will include it in any other related releases.
Important changes to the internet browsers:
Since this applescript has not been updated for some time, some changes in the browsers have taken effect:
1) I no longer have to re-create the "Cache ─" folder for Netscape 2.x and above in order for it not to give an error on startup if the "Cache ─" folder is missing. This saves valuable time!
2) I am an education user of Netscape, and therefore not registered; deleting the "MagicCookie" file may void the Netscape registration! If anyone has more information on this, I would be grateful. Go here for more information:
Q: If I only have one browser, or not Eudora, does it matter?
A: No - it will search for the items I have listed, and if they don't exist it will ignore the deletion request.
Q: What else does the script look for or delete?
A: Only the items I listed at the beginning of this file. No others. Be aware that if there is anything already in the trash at the time of launch, it will be deleted.
Q: Don't Netscape and Explorer clean up their cache folders on quit!?
A: This is not always the case. Experiment for yourself and see what I mean.
Q: But Netscape and Explorer have setting for loading links per session, etc.?
A: True to an extent. Netscape's "reload" button will always compare the cached document to the network document and show the most recent one. You can set it to check for new links "every time" which will slow you down in the long run. I have been unable to find this feature in Explorer - I am using 2.0.1.
Q: What is the "Fast!" folder for?
A: It contains two CacheBGone II versions that operate without asking you any questions, or giving you a chance to stop the operations after being launched.
Q: OOOPS! I ran the script and want it to stop before it does anything!
A: Try command-period, or shift-command-Q to stop the operation.
Q: Can I automate the script, or have it launch at a specific time?
A: Yes, using a great utility called, "Cron" - a unix port. Make sure to use the "Fast" CacheBGone II so that it runs without user input. To get more information on Cron and other similar programs, please go:
Q: Can I include these AppleScripts on CDROMs, or other media for distribution?
A: Yes, as long as it is distributed complete, in its original form with this documentation.
Q: Where can I get more scripts, or learn how to create my own, or get answers to my AppleScript questions?
A: You should have a "AppleScript" folder in your "Apple Extras" folder that was installed in system 7.5 and above. Use the "Script Editor" to create your own. For more great information on how to get started writing your own scripts, go to:
This is my second release of the AppleScript. It is getting increasingly easier to get rid of the cache files/etc. from the programs themselves - and may make this AppleScript obsolete. I use the "fast" version in the "startup items" folder or "shutdown items" folder in the System Folder to clean up automatically and quickly. I pondered the extension idea, but don't want to deal with crashes/conflicts, etc. As if we all don't have enough conflicts already! I would, however, like to know how to search for files globally on the mac, using either type/creator, or the specific name in applescript, and also how to use subroutines to prevent me from having to re-write the same sections over and over. If anyone can help me with this, it would be appreciated. I am open to any and all suggestions. Send any bugs, postcards, or reported errors to:
John.S.Reynolds@ASU.Edu
Final Notes:
I am not in any way associated with Netscape, Qualcomm, or Microsoft, etc., etc. Leagalities, lawyer speak, etc.
