MagicalKeys 1.3.2

'MagicalKeys'
Open Finder Items by Magic Keys

Introduction

With MagicalKeys, you can open "magically" up to four often-used Finder items: applications, documents, control panels, desk accessories etc., by quickly pressing down 2 or 3 times the modifier key (Command, Option, Shift, Control) they are associated with.
MagicalKeys works under System 7.0 or later, and is distributed as freeware.

System Requirements

MagicalKeys only works under MacOS System 7.0 or later (System 7.5 or newer is recommended). It has been successfully tested on Macintosh Classic, PowerBook 520C and Performa 6400.

Installation

To use MagicalKeys feature, place its file in the Control Panels folder and then restart the computer.

Directions for Use

Once the installation has been done for the first time and the computer has been restarted, it is already possible to use MagicalKeys feature: quickly press down 3 times any modifier key (Command, Option, Shift, Control) and the control panel shall open automatically!
In the control panel window, either click any of the "Set..." push-buttons or double-click the Finder item icon or name located to their right, on the same line. A standard open file dialog appears. Navigating through it, select any application, document, control panel, desk accessory etc., you wish to associate with the modifier key.
MagicalKeys automatic opening can be disabled for each modifier key by un-checking the key name in the control panel; as an extra visual clue, the icon and name of the selected Finder item appear graphically unhighlighted ("grayed"). The whole feature can also be globally disabled by selecting the radio-button labeled "Off".
You can choose between 'Double-Key' and 'Triple-Key' (the default setting). Presently, the time between double-keydowns is assumed to be the same as the one for the mouse double-clicks, as set in the Mouse or Trackpad control panels.

General Settings (Control Panel)

Changes made in the Control Panel take effect immediately.

Known Problems and Shortcomings

It is not possible to open Finder items other than files; it would be nice to be able to open folders and volumes as well.
MagicalKeys may have trouble detecting double or triple-keydowns when the Virtual Memory is on (as set in the Memory control panel), and the system is busy accessing the hard disk.
A Finder item may be opened inadvertently while fiddling with the keyboard, specially if the current setting is 'Double-Key'.

"To Do" List

Improve the documentation.
Add a balloon help in the Control Panel.
Display an alert in the Control Panel when it cannot be used (INIT code not loaded).
Allow opening of folders and volumes.
Manage named sets of Finder Items (create, modify, delete).
Make the time between double-keydowns independent of the time between mouse double-clicks.
Allow launching of stand-alone code resources, FKEYs etc.

Version History

Version 1.3.2 - 23 Jul 97

23 Jul 97: First public release. Creation of a "Read Me" file in SimpleText and HTML formats. Improvement of Get Info short definition and Finder balloon help.
22 Jul 97: DoubleKey-It renamed to MagicalKeys. Signature changed from 'DbKI' to 'MgcK' (registered at Apple). New 3D look of cdev. Must throw away old prefs file (wrong signature) or patch it by ResEdit (file signature & magic number).
22 Jul 97: At init time in the cdev, check existence of 'dctb' resource before doing a SetWinColor.
30 Jun 97: Cosmetic changes : double-clicking on file name or icon has now the same effect as clicking the "Set..." push-button. Better handling of file name and icon redraws (use InvalRect).
10 Jun 97: Cosmetic changes : copyright now spans over years (1996-97). Default is now Triple Key.

Version 1.3.1 - 09 Nov 96

09 Nov 96: Don't handle Power Key anymore (used by ShutDown/Restart/Sleep dialog in System 7.5.3). Warning : previous preferences file format in no more valid !!
09 Nov 96: Fixed a bug in the cdev file name: version number is now appended. Prevented the cdev itself to be the default file associated with the Command/Option/Shift/Control keys at fresh (first) install.
09 Nov 96: Fixed the right values in resources 'vers' 1 and 2.

Version 1.3 - 07 Apr 96

07 Apr 96: Use of an internal event queue to bufferize required actions in sequence.
27 Mar 96: Handling of Command, Option, Shift, Control and Power keys. Remodeling of control panel dialog. Prefs in memory are written back to file for every change.

Version 1.2 - 18 Mar 96

18 Mar 96: Removed redundancies in handling prefs file. Prefs in memory are written back to file only when cdev closes. Better handling of handles in system heap.
11 Mar 96: Use of a magic number in the prefs file.
09 Mar 96: Use of gestalt to communicate preferences data between cdev and INIT. Enabling of "Show Icon" and "Double or Triple-Key" features.

Version 1.1 - 19 Nov 95

19 Nov 95: Name changed from Command-It to DoubleKey-It.
25 Jul 95: Display small icon of file, next to its name in dialog.
08 Jun 95: Improved handling of mouse events to dismiss about dialog.
07 Jun 95: Added activation of Finder when file is a control panel.
07 Jun 95: Added setting of font and size in about dialog.

Version 1.0 - 28 May 95

28 May 95: Creation. First limited freeware release.

Legal Bits

This software is freeware, it may be freely distributed, but always in its unmodified form and together with this document. It may not be sold or resold, or bundled with any other commercial product. You may, however, include the software on a CD-ROM or floppy collection, provided that the original package is included in its entirety and a complimentary copy is sent to the author. Please contact the author to obtain the most recent version.

You expressly acknowledge and agree that use of the software is at your sole risk. The software and the related documentation are provided "as is" and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

Author's Address

If you have questions, suggestions, words of appreciation or bug reports, you can contact me at the following address:

Snail Mail

Michel MARIANI
47, rue des Remparts-d'Ainay
69002 LYON
FRANCE

E-Mail

mmariani@babel.net

Web Site

New versions, updates, and other pieces of software shall be available at:

http://www.asi.fr/~mmariani/soft/soft.html

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Michel ROUSSET for testing and providing useful comments, and proofreading this document.