News4U is an AppleScript. It gets URL's pages in batch using Netscape Navigator™. The URL's to get should be listed in a TEXT–file smaller than 30K. The URL's are forced to reload.
You can use the script as an application, using a default file ("News4U Default URL's" in the Preferences folder), or you can drop textfiles on it. The script does not work with aliases when choosing a default file. Dropping aliases on it will work.
In the TEXT-file, you can list URL's, one every line. Blank lines are permitted.
Prerequisites:
You need 2 things, other than AppleScript, to be able to use this script: Netscape Navigator™ (tested with version 2.02) and the "Text Files" osax (because Read/Write Commands in AS 1.1 are broken badly under the PowerPC, according to Peter N. Lewis).
News4U is freeware and I don't even care for the copyright. But I'd be pleased if you would mention me if you use parts of the script. This script comes without any guarantees! Use it in good health. If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at <Jan.Dockx@cs.kuleuven.ac.be>.
This script is based on the example script "Download Files" included with the Anarchie package. Netscape Navigator™ is a program by Netscape. It can be found at your regular Mac-archive. The OSAX "Text Files" is included with "Anarchie" by Peter N. Lewis.
Installation
To install this script, place it anywhere on your hard disk. You can also make aliases to it. I have the script in the Startup Folder, to get me Macintosh news first thing when I arrive at the office. I have an alias to the script in a folder for use with HandyMan, a control strip module. That I use to look at the Macintosh news again during the day, or to drop other files on.
Included in the package is the TEXT file I use as default. You can copy it to your Preferences Folder and edit it, or make your own default file. You can place the default file anywhere you like. If News4U doesn't find a text file called "News4U Default URL's" in your Preferences Folder, it will ask to specify a default file, and remember the one you choose.
