(C)1994 Innovative Computer Solutions, All Rights Reserved
Written by Dan Rowley, Documentation/Icons by Tom Collins
< Overview >
HeapIt is a small utility for the Newton MessagePad that removes InstallScripts from the system heap. The Newton OS leaves the install scripts in the heap, even though they are only used once. We're not sure why it does this, but if you have 10-20 apps installed, that's a lot of heap space! HeapIt also provides a heap space display on the Card/Backup slip and allows you to run HeapIt from there.
< Installation Notes >
Install HeapIt as you would any other package (with the Connection Kit or some other utility). HeapIt will work if installed on a PCMCIA card (no Grip 'O Death).
< Usage >
When you run HeapIt, it will list the available heap space (HeapIt uses some of the heap itself when it runs). If you wish to purge the heap of InstallScripts, click on the "Kill All InstallScripts" button. HeapIt will remove the InstallScripts one by one, updating the heap status as it goes. Running HeapIt multiple times won't affect the heap (positively or negatively).
If you reboot your Newton, it will reload the InstallScripts and you will have to run HeapIt again if you want to remove them. Also, inserting a card will cause the Newton to reload the InstallScripts for the applications on that card.
HeapIt also installs a button in the Card/Backup slip that shows you the amount of free heap space and allows access to HeapIt. This can be useful if you're about to make a backup and need as much heap space as possible.
Should you need to remove HeapIt from your Newton, be sure to run the app and click on the "Prepare to Deinstall" button. This will remove the Heap Space display from the Card/Backup slip. If you forget to do this, it's no big deal - the "HeapIt" button in the Card/Backup slip just won't work anymore.
< What's the deal with InstallScripts anyway? >
Each application has an associated InstallScript. When you first load the application, either by downloading it, inserting a card, or rebooting, the Newton loads the application's InstallScript onto the heap and executes it. This is where the application can set itself up (install buttons, initialize variables). The InstallScript is only run once, yet it remains on the heap. HeapIt removes the InstallScripts from the heap to free up that memory.
< Registration Information >
This application is SHAREWARE. If you decide to keep it, please register it by sending $8.00 to Innovative Computer Solutions; 1075 North Miller Road, #142; Scottsdale, Arizona 85257-4612. Please include your name, address (postal) and preferred e-mail address so we can contact you about updates and our other products. PLEASE BE HONEST and register this software if you use it - we can't continue to write cool Newton apps if we don't get any support.
< Bugs, Questions, Comments, Suggestions... >
Send e-mail to the author, Dan Rowley, at drowley@kaiwan.com. You can also reach us at ics@indirect.com. We want to develop Newton applications to fit YOUR needs. Give us feedback, let us know if we're doing it right. We're here for you.
< Our Other Newton Applications >
If you liked this one, check out SleepAid and PrefsPatcher since we wrote those too. If you didn't like this one, check out SleepAid and PrefsPatcher since they are different kinds of applications. If you'd like the latest versions of our software, and can't find them on CompuServe or the Newton FTP sites, contact us via e-mail and we'll send them to you.
< Legal Mumbo Jumbo >
You can't sell HeapIt, but you can charge a nominal fee for connect time or media (not to exceed $5). Contact the authors if you plan to include it in some sort of shareware/freeware collection.
In using this software, you understand and agree that this software is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. The authors do not make any warranties, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to this software.
In no event shall the author be liable for any consequential, incidental, or special damages whatsoever (including without limitation, damages for loss of critical data, loss of profits, interruption of business and the like) arising out of the use or inability to use this software.
Have a nice day. ;-)
Innovative Computer Solutions / 1075 N. Miller #142 / Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Dan Rowley / Internet: drowley@kaiwan.com / CompuServe: 73563,2343
Tom Collins / Internet: ics@indirect.com / CompuServe: 75460,2121
