Thanks for trying DropConverison, by William Hayden and Nikol Software!
Documentation and Information for DropConversion 1.5.2
DropConversion performs one of the most common functions needed by Macintosh power-users and developers: converting file types. DropConversion reduces this chore into a simple drag-and-drop activity. Whether you are converting 1 file or 100, DropConversion handles them with simplicity and ease. DropConversion does more than just convert file types, though. It can also convert files to / from stationery, visible / invisible, locked / unlocked, or name locked / unlocked. Finally, DropConversion will also install a custom 'vers' #2 resource (The string seen just under the filename in the Finderﾕs ﾒGet Infoﾓ box) into any file. Once your files are ready to be sent out, drop them onto DropConversion with this option selected, and instantly your files gain cohesion, version control, and personalization! As any developer or distributor will tell you, this is a real boon for version control during and after distribution.
Note: DropConversion does not modify any information inside the files themselves. The only exception is when the addition of a 'vers' #2 resource is requested by the user.
Configuring DropConversion
To configure DropConversion, just launch the DropConversion application without dragging any files onto it. A configuration screen will appear, allowing you the select the conversions that you wish to be performed, as well as how they will be performed. To save the configuation, simply press the OK button, and DropConversion will be customized to convert any and all dropped files to your specifications. Pressing Cancel reverts DropConversion to the previous settings.
Helpful Hints
DropConversion makes every attempt to inform the Finder of changes to dropped files. Changing the creator, making a file visible or invisible, and adding the 'vers' resource are nearly instantaneous. With the other conversions however, the Finder may take a few seconds to update the files, or you may even need to close the particular filesﾕ window, then reopen it to have the changes take effect. The Finder can be fickle sometimes!
For Power Users
We have made an attempt to provide the most common conversions in the configuration menu in DropConversion. However, users with a working knowledge of a resource editor (such as ResEdit or Resorcererｩ) can modify DropConversion to suit specific needs. In the resource editor, open the 'Ctyp' resource. A template is provided for this resource type inside DropConversion itself. DropConversion uses these 'Ctyp' resources, starting at number 128 and going consecutively, to create the conversion menu. To add your own custom conversions to the menu, or to remove unneeded ones, simply add or remove resources according your needs.
DropConversion is Shareware
DropConversion is not free software! If you decide to keep DropConversion (i.e. keep it on your hard drive for more than 15 days) you are obliged to send the small sum of $8 to pay us for the work we have put into this project. We plan to actively update this software and provide new features as they are requested: remember, it is your support that guarantees our support. Registered users are of course entitled to our full technical support as well as information on updates and enhancments. More detailed information about where to send payment and what forms of payment are acceptable is contained at the bottom of this document.
The following is an abbreviated list of Nikol Softwareﾕs upcoming releases:
SpeechMail
First all-purpose chat utility to incorporate speech capability
All-In-One LDEF
An LDEF for programmers which allows dotted-line items and iclx icons with incredibly little work to incorporate them!
CodeBreaker
Allows easy making and breaking of substitution ciphers. Automatic decoding algorithms included. Source Code available to registered users.
Notes:
Upgrades are ALWAYS free for registered users of Nikol Software, and we will always let you take an advance look at our products so we can find out what YOU want to see! Finally, weﾕre just like you: we want the absolute latest, coolest software for our Macintoshes, and we want it yesterday! Therefore, we try to expedite your order as much as possible so you can have fun (or work, if you so desire) as soon as humanly possible. Weﾕll even send your order via America Online, if you want to be able to get it the night it arrives at our offices!
Change History:
Version 1.0.0:
First Public Release.
Version 1.0.1:
Name changed to DropConversion due to a name conflict with an Aladdin product.
Metrowerks creator codes added/updated to reflect the latest development releases.
Corrected the name of the Resorcererｨ conversion.
Version 1.1:
DropConversion now correctly ignores dropped files when itﾕs busy configuring or converting.
Added two PICT conversions (Photoshop and SimpleText).
Added two Metrowerks conversions (68k Pascal and PPC Pascal)
Fixed cosmetic errors in some alerts, dialogs and help balloons.
DropConversion is now scriptable and recordable.
Balloon help has been provided for all appropriate items in the configuration dialog.
Fixed a bug causing crashes on some older Macintosh models, especially with System 7.5 or later.
Version 1.5:
DropConversion is now a Fat Binary!
REALLY fixed the crashing bug on certain Macintosh models (this one was a toughie!)
Metrowerks C 68k & PPC conversions were swapped - now fixed.
Fixed cosmetic error in a dialog.
Fixed cosmetic errors in the alerts.
Changed default conversion from THINK C to MWC 68K. ;-)
Improved error reporting.
Installed latest version of Jim Luther's MoreFiles code to handle conversions.
Version 1.5.1:
Installed fat version of the 3-D button drawing CDEF, providing a big speed improvement.
Fixed two incorrectly disposed resources in the code which could trigger special debugging software or possibly crash on a future version of the System Software.
Updated About Box.
Version 1.5.2:
Changed default conversion to CodeWarrior IDE (CW 7)
Installed latest version of Jim Luther's MoreFiles code to handle conversions.
Improved handling of very large conversions (drop of about 400 files tested and passed)
Future Plans:
Any suggestions are welcomed!
Emergency technical support can be reached at (904) 378-2938 from 9:30am to 9:30pm, 7 days a week. No collect calls will be accepted. Bugs reports, praise, or any other messages can be sent to the E-mail address listed at the bottom of this document.
This application may be distributed by disk or BBS, provided that no money is charged for it and it remains complete and unmodified, including all read me files. Distribution by CD-ROM is acceptable, under the same conditions, provided that Nikol Software is informed prior to publication and is sent a free copy of the CD.
DropConversion is ｩ 1995 Nikol Software.
Advance orders are gladly accepted, and will include a pre-release version of the software and all the aforementioned extras, and updates up to and including the final release version will be sent as they become available. Bug reporting (as if there would be ANY bugsﾉ) may earn you a spot in the credits.
Important:
Checks/Money Orders are to be made payable to William Hayden in order to process your order. Acceptable methods of payment are cash, check, or money order. No credits card orders are yet being accepted, although I am considering implementing First Virtual Web payments soon. Checks must be drawn on a US bank in US funds, otherwise I would incur a $15 fee when trying to deposit it. Therefore, if sending payment from a foreign country, please pay with US cash. All money goes toward either tuition or future software development. Extra tuition donations cheerfully accepted!
