Below and in the previous two chapters are many non-Apple control panels. If you have an item you would like to add to this list, please email me the name, version number, description and, if possible, RAM consumption figures.
ΓÇó QuickDay: used by Now Up-To-Date. Supposedly has a troublesome memory leak problem, and causes freezes at startup, crashes when opening QuickDay and crashes when waking the 3400 from sleep. These problems have been confirmed by Now Software.
ΓÇó QuicKeys (v3.5.2r1): QuicKeys is a "macro" program which allows your Mac to automatically execute operations and/or scripts through user-defined keys and/or key combinations. This control panel allows you to configure QuicKeys and access the QuickKeys editor. NOTE: CE Software has confirmed some incompatibilities between QuicKeys 3.5 and utilities that manipulate menus, such as Now Menus.
ΓÇó QuickPop (v2.11): allows you to assign "hot keys" for such things as launching applications, opening control panels, changing sound volume, and changing monitor depth. Also provides a pop-up menu, triggered by a key-click combination, which provides the same abilities.
ΓÇó QuickScrap (v1.0): allows you to send pictures, text, sounds, etc. directly to the Scrapbook file using a user-definable key combination. Without this utility, you have to copy the item, open the Scrapbook, paste the item, then switch back to the original application. Also provides a "multiple clipboard" which can store up to 100 items.
ΓÇó QuickShelf: installed by Microsoft Bookshelf. Places an icon in the menu bar to provide quick access to the Microsoft Bookshelf components. NOTE: there is an incompatibility between this control panel and the OS 8 and OS 8.1 Finder where selecting an item from the menu freezes the system for approximately a minute before finally launching Bookshelf.
ΓÇó RAM Charger (v8.0.1): utility which optimizes RAM use of applications. Compresses and manages RAM to allow your Mac to use memory more efficiently. This utility was previously known as "OptiMem," and has been distributed by two different companies. OS8 COMPATIBLE
ΓÇó RAM Doubler (v2.0.2) [<.5/0]: new version of the popular Connectix utility (earlier version was an extension) which provides "virtual memory" support similar to Apple's virtual memory, but much more efficient and effective. Version 2.0's control panel allows you to set virtual memory from zero to three times your actual installed RAM (thus making the utility a RAM Tripler!). NOTE: If you set RAM Doubler 2's memory setting to "zero" you will not benefit from any additional available memory, but you will benefit from what is known as "file mapping." On a PowerMac, your PowerPC native applications will benefit from a smaller RAM footprint and more efficient operation, but you will not suffer the overall decrease in speed that usually comes from using virtual memory. Version 2.0.1 fixes a freeze when using Retrospect 3.0A on a PCI Mac. Also, Connectix has said that users must update RAM Doubler to at least v2.0.1 in order to be compatible with the SpeedDoubler 2.0 and 8.1. NOTE: RAM Doubler v2.0.1 and earlier, under Mac OS 8, will not let you start the PC side of the PowerMac 7200 DOS Compatible. NOTE: There is a conflict between RAM Doubler (all versions) and Ray Dream Studio 5.0. In order to use Ray Dream Studio, you must disable RAM Doubler. NOTE: some users have reported conflicts between RAM Doubler and version 2.3 of UMAX's VistaScan software. NOTE: according to Microsoft, there is a conflict between Office 98 and RAM Doubler v2.0.2. OS8.1 COMPATIBLE
ΓÇó Respond (v1.0a1): allows background processes to continue when accessing menus. Normally, when accessing menus, all background processes stop until the menu is released. Enables "live" scrolling in application windows. Provides "live" window dragging while again allowing background processes to continue. NOTE: some users report that Respond conflicts with the Global Village Global Fax software.
ΓÇó ResSwitcher (v1.0): allows you to quickly change monitor resolutions via a pull-down menu in the menu bar.
ΓÇó Save That Link! (v1.0): allows you to save all of the URLs from a selected block of text (in an email, document, web browser, etc.) to an HTML file on your hard drive using the "Command-C" key combination. You can later browse this file and the saved links contained in it from within your web browser.
ΓÇó Scrollability (v1.0.2): formerly called "ScrollMagick." Allows you to scroll up and down in documents by either placing your cursor close to the edge of a window and moving it up and down, or by "grabbing" the document and dragging it up and down.
ΓÇó ScrollMagick (v1.0.1): renamed "Scrollability" (see above).
ΓÇó SCSI (v1.0): older utility which provides a display of the status of the SCSI bus. Also allows you to mount SCSI devices from the control panel. Originally written for System 4.0! For this functionality today, you should use SCSIProbe (below).
ΓÇó SCSIProbe (v4.3): allows you to identify and mount SCSI devices connected to your Mac. Provides information on SCSI ID#, device type, vendor, product and version. Provides the option of a startup extension that can mount volumes automatically. Supports multiple SCSI busses. Can be used without being installed in the Control Panels folder.
ΓÇó Serial Mouse (v1.0.1): allows you to connect an IBM-type serial mouse to your Macintosh. Works with Microsoft and Mouse Systems compatible mice.
ΓÇó Serial Speed 230 (v1.7): intended for use only on PowerMacs and the Quadra AV Macs. Supposedly provides support for serial port speeds of 115 Kbps and 230 Kbps, even if applications do not provide built-in support for those speeds.
ΓÇó Shutdown Delay (v2.5): presents a dialog at shutdown and restart which gives you the option of canceling, restarting, shutting down, force quitting to return to the Finder, or continuing with the original command (shutdown or restart). This could be useful in circumstances where an application crashes and you are asked to restart the computer. It is also helpful when you accidentally choose "Shut Down" or "Restart."
ΓÇó Singer (v1.1): automatically plays user-defined sounds whenever you type their name on the keyboard (whether in the Finder or an application).
ΓÇó Sleeper (v3.0.2) [28/56]: shareware which provides energy saving functions like screen dimming or screen power-off, hard drive spin down, and automatic shut down. Also provides a "dimmer" screen saver. OS8.1 COMPATIBLE
ΓÇó SmartKeys (v3.2.1): automatically corrects common "typewriter" mistakes, such as two spaces between sentences. Automatically corrects common "fast typing" errors, such as "teh" for "the." Also keeps a log of all keystrokes, so if your computer ever crashes and you lose an important document, you can recreate the document via the SmartKeys log.
ΓÇó SmartScroll (v3.0): provides "proportional scrollbar tabs" and active scrolling in Finder and application windows. Version 3.0 provides the option for excluding applications which conflict. As of version 3.0 of SmartScroll, PhotoShop versions prior to 4.0 and the GlobalFax applications are not compatible and should be excluded.
ΓÇó Snap-To (v2.1.2): "snaps" the cursor to the default button in any dialog box. Can also snap the cursor back to its original location after you close the dialog box, and can automatically disable itself in Open or Save dialogs. Can also "glide" the cursor to the default button and back instead of abruptly snapping it there. OS8.1 COMPATIBLE
ΓÇó Snapz Pro (v1.0.1): a screen capture utility from Ambrosia Software. It not only "captures" the screen at times when the standard shift- command- 3 won't (when a screen saver is active), but also allows you to choose from 16 different file types for your screen captures. (The older version of this utility was simply called "Snapz.")
ΓÇó Snitch (v2.5.1) [164.5/170.5]: extends the Finder's "Get Info" windows, allowing more types of file information to be viewed. Also allows you to edit this information. Requires the "Snitch Plugins" folder in the Preferences folder. On PowerMacs, requires that the "SnitchLib" shared library be installed in the Extensions folder. Version 2.5 required that the "Snitch Liaison" extension be installed. OS8.1 COMPATIBLE
ΓÇó Software FPU (v3.04) [20.5/32]: emulates a floating-point math coprocessor on machines which do not have one. Also allows PowerMacs to emulate the 680x0 FPU. Available in a PowerPC-native version, called Power FPU.
ΓÇó SoundMaster (v1.8.1): shareware which allows you to designate different sounds to play at different times and events (shutdown, startup, when emptying the trash, when ejecting a disk, etc.)
ΓÇó SpeakIt! (v2.0): part of the MacYack Pro 2.0 speech software utility package. Traps keystrokes which tell the computer to speak selected text. Requires the VoiceBox Scripting Addition to be in the Scripting Additions folder.
ΓÇó Speech Typer Controller (v1.0.2): allows you to set preferences for the Speech Typer package. When the Speech software is installed (see the "Groups" section), Speech Typer allows your computer to automatically type in pre-defined phrases when you issue voice commands. Only works on PowerPC computers. Requires the "Speech Typer Engine" extension.
ΓÇó Speed Beep (v2.0.7): allows your Mac to play system alert sounds in the background, so as not to interrupt foreground operations. Also allows you to customize system alerts.
ΓÇó Speed DoublerΓäó 8 (v8.1) [NA; keep in mind that although the Speed Doubler extension and control panel do not take up RAM, Speed Doubler increases your cache settings in the "Memory" control panel]: Connectix utility which speeds up your Mac by speeding up Finder copies, providing faster disk access, and, on PowerMacs, providing better 680x0 emulation than the Mac OS. Version 8 also added support for keyboard control of menu items and keyboard "shortcuts." NOTE: v8.1 is required for compatibility with Mac OS 8.1. Requires the Speed DoublerΓäó 8 Extension. OS8.1 COMPATIBLE
ΓÇó SpeedControl v2.1: distributed by PowerLogix, this control panel tests your Level 2 cache, calculates the size of the Level 2 cache, and reports the CPU clock speed to within .5 MHz.
ΓÇó Spell Catcher (v1.5.9) [49.5/92]: newest version of Thunder 7 (below). Interactive spell checker and thesaurus which is active across all applications. Automatically notifies you about and, if desired, corrects misspellings and common grammatical and punctuation errors. Allows custom "shortcuts" to frequently-used text. Can also keep a log of every keystroke, which you can later use to recover documents if lost in a crash or power failure.
ΓÇó Spot On cdev (v2.3.1): supplied with various optical and magnetic drives with formatting and disk management tools. Drives formatted with this utility require this control panel in order to be mounted automatically.
ΓÇó StartThing (1.0.5): screen saver which allows you to choose a Director project, Java Applet, or any other application to run after a user-defined idle time.
ΓÇó Startup Doubler (v1.1): accelerates the startup process by making extensions and control panels load faster. NOTE: the first startup after installation will occur normally -- Startup Doubler uses this first startup to build it's data file. The author claims that the best performance will be reached after several restarts. NOTE: Startup Doubler is not compatible with FWB's TurboBoot. Version 1.1 added support for OS 8.1 and HFS Plus. OS8.1 COMPATIBLE
ΓÇó Startup Player (v2.1): allows your computer to play a user-selected sound over and over until all extensions and control panels have loaded.
ΓÇó StuffCM Control (v1.1): used by the "StuffCM" Contextual Menu plugin, which lets you stuff, unstuff, convert, and BinHex files directly in the Finder. This control panel allows you to change the preferences for the utility. Requires the StuffIt Engine extension to be installed. OS8 COMPATIBLE
ΓÇó Super Comments (v2.0.8): under System 7.5.3 and earlier, whenever you would "rebuild" the desktop file, any comments in "Get Info" boxes would be erased and lost. This file allows your system software to keep these Finder Get Info comments when the desktop is rebuilt. This file is not needed under System 7.5.5 and later, as the System no longer deletes these comments.
ΓÇó Super Save (v2.0.1): utility which saves every keystroke you make to a log file. If your computer crashes, or you lose an important file, you can resurrect your work from the log file. Provides an option for a "password disable" keystroke so that you can temporarily turn Super Save off while you enter a password or other confidential information (so that it is not saved to the log).
ΓÇó Surf ExpressΓäó (v1.1.2): actually an application. Improves web browser performance in both Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer through a unique caching mechanism. Also allows you to search and view previously viewed web pages. Requires the Surf ExpressΓäó Extension. NOTE: there is a known conflict between Surf Express v1.1.1 and BBEdit v4.5.1 which causes BBEdit to freeze when launched with Surf Express installed..
ΓÇó Switch-It (v1.5): allows you to switch between running applications via the keyboard, much like the Alt-Tab feature of Microsoft Windows. Also allows you to quit any running application without having to switch to that app.
ΓÇó SwithRes Control (v1.2): when used with the "SwitchRes" control strip module, allows you to choose which resolutions your monitor will display without a confirmation dialog and which will still require a confimation dialog. Automatically saves the positions of icons on the desktop when switching between resolutions. Also allows you to assign specific resolutions to specific applications, so that launching the application will automatically change the resolution. NOTE: requires Mac OS 8 or later.
ΓÇó Symbionts Control (v2.8): part of the Symbionts utility which monitors the startup process. It allows you to control which extensions and control panels launch at startup, and provides details on each file such as how much memory it requires. Requires the "!Symbionts" extension. (See the "Startup File Management" chapter.)
ΓÇó TappyType (v2.0.1): shareware which makes your Mac sound like an old-fashioned typewriter when you type!
ΓÇó TaskMan (v1.2): shareware which allows you to switch between running applications using a keyboard combination, much like the shareware "Program Switcher" and "PwrSwitcher."
ΓÇó Teflon (v2.2): allows you to set your menus so that they always "stick" when clicked, never stick when clicked, or automatically drop down when the cursor passes over them. Also allows you to set the "stickiness threshold." The option for automatic drop-down is useful for people using PowerBooks who find that "clicking" the trackpad button is not very convenient. OS8.1 COMPATIBLE
ΓÇó TeleFinder TCP (v1.0): on BBS' which use TeleFinder software, this control panel on the host computer allows users to access the BBS over a TCP/IP connection, rather than having to dial in.
ΓÇó Teleport, Teleport Serial, Teleport Bronze, etc.: used by the Teleport line of modems from Global Village. Allows you to register your modem with Global Village, "reset" the modem, and change the settings.
ΓÇó The Lightsaver 2: automatically changes the Daylight Savings Time settings on the appropriate dates each year. Come with predefined calendar settings for the U.S. and European Union, but can be manually configured as well.
ΓÇó TitlePop (v3.0.3): provides a pull-down menu in the title bar of each window which lists all open applications (including the Finder) and all windows open within applications (including Finder windows). Version 3.0 added drag and drop capability to menu items. NOTE: Prior to version 3.0, this utility was an extension rather than a control panel. As of v3.0.2, it has been changed back into a control panel.
ΓÇó True Finder Integration (v4.5) [593/768]: part of the StuffIt Deluxe package. Allows you to double-click on StuffIt archives and have them open just like "volumes" in the Finder, so you can view the individual files within the archives. By dragging a file outside of the archive window, it is "unstuffed." By moving a file into the archive window, it is compressed and incorporated into the archive. Allows compressing/decompressing by renaming a file/folder in the Finder (adding ".sit" to a file name causes it to compress automatically; deleting the ".sit" from an archive's name causes it to expand). Adds a "Magic Menu" to the Finder which allows you to perform many StuffIt actions merely by selecting an item and selecting the appropriate menu item. NOTE: the Magic Menu option supposedly will not allow the Connectix QuickCam software to work properly. NOTE: Aladdin recommends that users of Mac OS 8 disable the Magic Menu component of StuffIt Deluxe. NOTE: if you decide not to heed Aladdin's advice not to use Magic Menu under OS 8, note that there is a bug in v4.5 of the Magic Menu control panel where you may get an error that the compression plugin did not load because the "Magic Menu CP Plugin is not registered." Some users have found that if you install StuffIt Deluxe v4.5 on another disk, then copy the Magic Menu CMM over to the problem disk, you will no longer get the error. Aladdin technical support suggests another solution: use the "uninstall" option to uninstall StuffIt Deluxe, then re-install it. NOTE: True Finder Integration is incompatible with SpeedDoubler 8.0. You should update to 8.0.1 or 8.1.
ΓÇó Turbo Mouse Control (v4.10): allows you to set preferences for the Kensington Turbo Mouse trackball. Only works properly if the "Turbo Mouse Startup" file is in your System Folder at startup.
ΓÇó Twin Turbo (v4.0): part of the software for IMS Twin Turbo graphics cards. Allows you to adjust monitor resolution and color depth settings. Under System 7.5.3 and earlier systems, requires that the "Display Library" extension be present.
ΓÇó TypeIt4Me (v4.7.0): provides "shortcuts" to commonly used text, where typing a specific character combination automatically expands it to the unabridged version. For example, typing "dt" produces the current date. Shortcuts are customizable; for example, "adr" could be designated to produce the user's full address.
ΓÇó Veil: screen saver which blanks out the screen after a period of inactivity.
ΓÇó Victoire!: shareware which provides "cheating" options in a number of popular games.
ΓÇó Virtual Disk Starter/ Virtual Disk (v2.0.3a): limited version/ full version of the commercial product "Virtual Disk." Both allow you to "access" files located on "off-line" volumes as if the volumes were mounted. The trial version comes bundled with Iomega zip drives. NOTE: not compatible with MacOS 8.1's HFS Plus.
ΓÇó VSO IIfx (v1.0a4): provides the driver (and the ability to change settings) for the Newer Technology Variable Speed Overdrive accelerator for the IIfx.
ΓÇó VSO IIsi (v2.2): provides the driver (and the ability to change settings) for the Newer Technology Variable Speed Overdrive accelerator for the IIsi.
ΓÇó VSO Quadra 700 (v1.0): provides the driver (and the ability to change settings) for the Newer Technology Variable Speed Overdrive accelerator for the Quadra 700.
ΓÇó VSO Quadra 900 (v1.0): provides the driver (and the ability to change settings) for the Newer Technology Variable Speed Overdrive accelerator for the Quadra 900.
ΓÇó VSO Quadra 950 (v1.0.1): provides the driver (and the ability to change settings) for the Newer Technology Variable Speed Overdrive accelerator for the Quadra 950.
ΓÇó Wacom Tablet Driver (v2.5.5): driver for drawing/ graphics tablets by Wacom.
ΓÇó WakeUp Items (v1.0.2): automatically opens applications and/or documents when your computer "wakes" from sleep mode. Works with any sleep-capable Mac -- any PowerBook or PCI Mac -- or any Mac running v2.04 or later of the "Sleeper" control panel. OS8.1 COMPATIBLE
ΓÇó WebFree (v1.0): when browsing the World Wide Web, allows you to screen out any combination of ads, graphics, links and "cookies" from web sites. Useful for modem users who do not want to download large graphics, for parents and teachers who want to monitor what children see, and many others who just want some control over their web browsing.
ΓÇó Window Monkey (v1.2.3): allows you to add patterns, pictures, or textures to Finder windows. Enables a "window" menu which gives you access to every window in every application. Provides instant access to recently-used folders.
ΓÇó Window Tamer (v1.0.1): utility for OS 8 which allows you to organize Finder windows via "View" options, position, and size. Allows you to save pre-defined "sets" of preferences which can be called up for any window. Requires the Window Tamer Extension. OS8 COMPATIBLE
ΓÇó Wish I were...: works with the " Wish I were..." extension to allow your Mac to think it is actually a different model. This could be helpful if you have a software installer which only runs on certain hardware, and you want to install the software on a different computer model. The control panel allows you to choose which model you would like your computer to think it is. OS8.1 COMPATIBLE
ΓÇó WunderBar (v1.0.2) [48/64]: adds a "toolbar" to every Finder window with buttons for frequently accessed Finder menu commands (duplicate, move to trash, make alias, etc.). Also allows you to perform common Finder commands (empty trash, open Control Panels folder) from within Finder windows.
ΓÇó XMas Lights (v1.1): places strings of flashing colored lights around the border of your screen.
ΓÇó YesNoCancel (v1.2.1): allow you to select the yes/no/cancel options in a dialog box by using the keyboard. Rather than using the command-key combinations built into the system software, this control panel allows you to designate single keys which will perform the same task.
ΓÇó ZoomBar (v2.3): shareware which works like Apple's WindowShade by allowing you to reduce windows to the title bar.
ΓÇó ~ATMΓäó 4.0.3 or ~ATMΓäó Deluxe 4.0.3 [1046/?]: Adobe Type Manager allows Type 1 fonts to display smoothly and provides support for font substitution. ATM Deluxe also provides support for font management. ATM is required for versions of Acrobat and Acrobat Reader prior to version 3.0 to function. For this control panel to function, the special Adobe fonts must be present. NOTE: there are quite a few incompatibilities between ATM and other files and applications; the "ReadMe" file which accompanies ATM outlines these problems in detail. OS8 COMPATIBLE
ΓÇó ~FreePPP Menu (v2.5v2): when using FreePPP for Internet connectivity, this control panel allows you to turn the FreePPP menu on or off. The menu allows you to connect, disconnect, and open the FreePPP Setup control panel/application from the menu bar. If you are using the newer "PPP Menu," you should disable this file
• ~NetDoubler™ (v1.5/1.5P): part of the NetDoubler™ ethernet network acceleration utility from Asanté. Supposedly provides substantial increases in ethernet performance. Requires that the "server" be running the NetDoubler Server Module application. Requires System 7.5.3 and Open Transport 1.1 or newer. Versions ending in "P" shipped with PowerComputing computers.
ΓÇó ┬░Remote [<.5/60]: used by Retrospect for remote data backups.
ΓÇó ΓùèVirex Control Panel (v5.7.1): provides the ability to have documents and volumes automatically scanned for viruses, and allows you to change settings for automatic scans.
