scanAPPL is a utility for the Macintosh (running under System 7.0x) that allows you to scan
a specified volume (hard drive or partition thereof) for files that are classified as 'APPL' or applications. A list of these applications is presented from which you may select applications that you would like to gather together and create aliases of for use in the Apple Menu or whatever else your heart desires. This might be particularly useful for first-time setup of a new Macintosh. Just load all of your new software, run scanAPPL to gather a list, and put the aliases created in the Apple Menu folder or other folder!
Run scanAPPL by double-clicking on its icon. There is only one major menu selection to be made.
Select 'Open Volume' from the File menu (or hit Command-O). You will be presented with a small dialog asking you to select a volume. Switch volumes by clicking on the CPU icon or volume name until the desired volume appears, then hit return or click the 'Do It' button. The scan will commence. This will last perhaps several moments, depending upon how many applications are
on the selected volume.
Once the scan has completed, a second dialog will appear depicting the list of found applications in the list on the left. An empty list on the right is where you will build a list of the 'preferred' applications -- that is, the applications for which you elect to create aliases and place into the folder of your choice. To add an item to this list, click on it in the Applications list and then click the '>>>>>>>' button. You may elect to add all of the applications found to the preferred list.
To do so, click the 'All' button; remember, however, that you may do this only once per volume scan. If you accidently moved an item that you do NOT wish to be included select that item in the Apple Menu Items list and click the 'Remove' button.
After you have built your preferred list, request that scanAPPL create the aliases and move them to a specified folder by clicking the 'Accept' button (or pressing <return>). A familiar "Save File" dialog box will appear via which you can navigate throughout the voluminous HD space you have. You can create new folders, too.
Here are notes on the various and sundry releases of scanAPPL (all 2 of them!)
Version 1.1
• New & improved! scanAPPL 1.1 will now permit you to drag a volume icon on top of it (while in the Finder obviously) and launch the application this way. The volume you drag onto it is the volume that gets scanned.
• scanAPPL 1.1 now starts in the AppleMenu Items Folder when it asks you for the location to where you wish to stash your newly created alias files. This will save a few mouse clicks here and a drag or two there...
I am a computer science student at the Fort Wayne, IN branch of Purdue University. I have found nothing more satisfying than writing programs for the Macintosh (which I've only been doing for about a year now). It has been great fun learning this marvelous machine!
I love feedback. If you find use for this program I would love to hear your opinion of it. Even if you think its a dog, please let me know...it will benefit both you and me. This is because you will be able to get it off your chest and I will learn what I need to do in the next version or next program I write. Also, please notify me of bugs ( I hate 'em >:[ )
I can be reached via e-mail on American Online (DevScott) or you can drop a note to the following address:
