These extensions swap the various system folders around, including: Apple Menu Items, Control Panels, Extensions, Preferences, Print Monitor Documents, Startup Items, Temporary Items, Desktop Folder, and Trash. To do this, simply create a new folder next to the existing one (i.e. in the System folder for the first 6 folders or the root level of the disk for the invisible Temporary Items, Desktop Folder and Trash folders) with the same name with “.alt” on the end. For example, to create an alternative Desktop, create a folder called “Desktop Folder.alt” in the root level of your disk. The last three folders can be swapped on any volume — simply create the alternative folders on whichever disks you want swapped, though remember that the extensions can’t swap folders on disks that haven’t mounted at startup, e.g. SyQuest cartridges.
When AltFromMain Folders is executed at startup, it will rename the folders with “.alt” on the end as the main folder, and add the suffix “.main” to the original folder, resulting in the alternative folder taking over from the original one. AltToMain Folders does the reverse, restoring the setup to the original state. Any folders which lack “.alt” counterparts will be unchanged. Don’t run both extensions at once though! Use an extension manager such as Now Startup Manager to switch between them, using an extension set, so you simply press a key on startup to change.
The third extension combines both of these into one unit that switches based on the key you press, instead of leaving that to the extension manager, for those people who don’t want to switch extension sets at the same time: press “M” to switch to the Main folders, or “A” to swap to the Alternate folders.
When the folders are switched, an icon with a large letter “M” or “A” is displayed as appropriate. No letter means neither key was pressed for AltOrMain Folders (the other two extensions always display their letter). If you try using the extension under System 6, an icon with a cross through it will be displayed.
COMPATIBILITY:
These extensions require System 7.0 or greater. It should work on all machines that support System 7 (i.e. the Plus upwards).
RELEASE & CHANGE HISTORY:
• 1.0: 4 May 1993; First public release.
• 1.0b1: 16 February 1993; First Beta release (thanks to my bro Gavin for help with debugging it!).
• 4 November 1992; Concept, design and initial version.
ABOUT:
These extensions are being released as Freeware. You may give the package away to anyone, provided it is unmodified and you include this document with all three extensions. Since it’s not Shareware, you may continue to use it without paying me any money, however if you’ve found it useful and want to donate something, I wouldn’t turn you down!
If you come across any bugs, please let me know. Rest assured I have checked it quite extensively, and found it works fine on my machine and those of my Beta Testers, but I accept no responsibility if it trashes your hard disk or blows up your Mac.
You may be interested in other programs I’ve written, including some high quality Shareware applications. Write to the address below, or contact me via e-mail, for more information. If you want to receive the Dejal Userware™ disk, which includes every program I have written and released as Shareware or Freeware, plus my sound catalogue, send US$5 or provide your credit card details (I can accept VISA, MasterCard, Bankcard, Diners Club and American Express, as well as cash & checks in any major currency or international money orders) — I can even accept credit card orders via e-mail! I prefer cash (any currency, not only NZ$ or US$!!) for small amounts like US$5.
NOTE: If the copyright date of this version is more than a few months old, there is a good chance that I’ve released a new version since this one. If you contact me, I will tell you what is the latest version. Ordering the Dejal Userware disk will ensure that you get the latest versions of all my Shareware and Freeware. (I still get registrations based on the first released version of SndConverter™, even though it has been upgraded many times since then!)
Please let me know if you use this program, by writing or e-mailing:
David Lambert
Dejal Userware
12 Scorpio Place
Mairangi Bay
Auckland 10
NEW ZEALAND
Internet and AOL: dejal@deepthought.kiwi.gen.nz
CompuServe: 100033,2435 or as for Internet
I read the Internet mail every day, and will reply immediately (allow a couple of days for net.delay), but only call CI$ once a fortnight or less.
