File Tracker is a utility package that “Watches” files or folders on your hard drive, or on other people’s hard drives over a network. File Tracker is unique in that it can detect exactly what happened when a watched folder or file changes, so you can perform actions on items involved in specific events.
File Tracker offers a library of built-in actions that it can take in response to events, but also ties in closely with AppleScript so you can write your own responses in case the ones provided don’t fit your needs. Several example scripts are provided, illustrating various techniques and useful operations. Two scripting extensions provide extra functionality when writing scripts for File Tracker. The built-in actions provide the ability to mount and unmount volumes over a network, open, print, move, delete or alias items, drop items on a specific application, expand items using StuffIt Expander, and several other basic operations.
FILE TRACKER REQUIRES SYSTEM 7 OR LATER.
File Tracker will run on all Macintosh models, is System 7 savvy, 32-bit clean, 040 cache and AV compatible, friendly to foreground processes, and takes full advantage of Apple Events, Balloon Help, and OSA-compliant scripting languages.
File Tracker is shareware $15US, but is fully functional “Out of the box”, and includes a complete manual. Registration buys a code for customizing File Tracker (“Unregistered” notices appear in various places in unregistered versions), and free or discounted upgrades to future versions. File Tracker has been tested on a wide variety of Macintosh systems by a large beta testing group. The author is dedicated to supporting this product and is reachable by electronic mail.
Package checklist
The official File Tracker package includes:
• File Tracker Controls (A control panel)
• File Tracker Extension (A system extension)
• File Tracker Assistant (An application)
• File Tracker Manual (Full electronic manual)
• FT Scripting Extensions (Various scripting extensions for use with AppleScript)
• FT Example Scripts (Various example scripts showing how to do cool things with FT and AppleScript)
• FT ReadMe! (This document)
• Licensing agreement (By using File Tracker, YOU ARE AGREEING TO THE TERMS OF THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT)
Quick Installation
• Drag File Tracker Controls and File Tracker Extension to your System Folder. Say “OK” when your Mac asks you if it’s OK to place them where they belong.
• If you’re planning on using AppleScript, drag the contents of the “FT Scripting Extensions” folder to your Scripting Extensions folder.
• Stash the rest of the package somewhere convenient. The “File Tracker Assistant” goes with your utilities.
Quick Operating Guide
• Use the “Add File...” and “Add Folder...” buttons to add files or folders to the list of Watched Items in File Tracker Controls.
• Double-click Watched Items in the list or select them and choose “Configure Item...” to configure Watched Items.
• In the configuration window, choose the event you want to respond to from the “Watch for...” menu, and build a list of actions you want to take in response to that event in the “And then...” section. Use the “Handle events with script” check box to attach a script to a Watched Item.
• Schedule File Tracker’s scans and scan speed in the preferences box. File Tracker doesn’t detect anything until it performs a scan.
• Refer to the manual for more details. Balloon Help is implemented everywhere in File Tracker Controls — use it!
Shareware notice
File Tracker is $15US shareware. If you use this program, you must pay for it. To register, click the button with an image of a printer on it in the preferences box. A registration form and an instruction sheet will be printed on your printer — fill out the form and mail it to the indicated address with your payment.
Site licenses are available — write to the author using one of the methods mentioned below for more information.
How to reach the author
Write to Mark Aiken at:
InterNet: inra@musicb.mcgill.ca
FidoNet: Sysop or Mark Aiken at node 1:167/106
FAX: (514) 486-8695
BBS: Mail to Sysop or Mark Aiken at (514) 486-3454 (This is the FidoNet node mentioned above)
Snail Mail:
Mark Aiken
4200 Kensington ave.
Montreal, Quebec,
H4B-2W1, CANADA.
Legal stuff
By using File Tracker, you are AGREEING TO THE TERMS OF THE “LICENSING AGREEMENT” document enclosed in this package. Read that document for details of the terms controlling usage of File Tracker.
