Lately I have been collecting quiet a list of Plug-ins for Netscape. And since having all of these plugs active all the time, makes Netscape more unstable, and requires more memory that I wish to give Netscape. I made this application that turns Plugs on or off.
This application works a lot like the Extensions Manager that comes with System 7.5. Except the first time you run it, it will ask for the location of an active Plug-in. Just goto the Plug-ins folder in the Netscape folder, and select any plug-in. The main window shows a list of all your plugs, on or off. If there is a checkmark in front of the Plug's name, it is on, else it is off. After you turn on the plugs you want, quit Plug Master then start up Netscape. It will only load the plug you marked as on. Although you can move plugs while Netscape is running, I wouldn't suggest doing it, it might crash Netscape.
There is now a “Sets:” menu in the window that lets you create, delete, and change to any set configuration. This way you can keep a few good Plug sets, and switch to them quickly.
Plug Master works by moving the plugs that have been marked off into a different folder. Just look in your Netscape folder, there will be a “Plug-ins(disabled)” folder where the inactive plugs will be. Also included, for those of you that like costum icons for your folder, an icon for the disabled plugs folder. (You will need to paste it on yourself)
Now, as an added bonus, if you hold the command key while clicking on an Plug name, you'll get an info box. In this box, you can type in a short note about the Plug, as well as keeping the URL to the home page of the Plug.
Note: The methods of storing the PlugInfo and the preferences has changed.(Anything pre-1.3b0) So you will lose all previous stored infomation. Sorry, this won't happen again.
For the Future:
Just a few things that I would like to do.
• Improve the way the list of Plugs looks.
• Undo Button.
Where I am:
If you would like to register Plug Master, inform me about bugs, or have some suggestions. I can be reached by these methods.
Snail mail:
Mike Tilstra
RR2 Box162A
Luverne, MN 56156-9589
USA
e-mail:
tils0007@gold.tc.umn.edu
webpage:
http://www.tc.umn.edu/nlhome/g019/tils0007/
Plug Master is shareware. If you deside to keep it, you should send me $5US. At the very least, e-mail me what you think. (Try to send registeration fees in USA dollars.)
Requirements:
•System 7
•Netscape (should work for Internet Explorer too, since they use the same plug-ins.)
Version History
1.0.0 -First Public release.
1.1.0 -Included a folder icon for the "Plug-ins(disabled)" folder.
-Items are sorted alphabetically in list now.
1.1.1 -Name changed to Plug Master. Jonas Wallden released something with
the name Plug-in Manager two years earlier. Sorry for any confusion.
1.2.0 -Added the InfoBox.
-Changed some internal stuff.
1.2.1 -Fixed bug where Plug Master had to be on the boot disk, other wise it
couldn't find the Preference Folder.
1.3b0 -Switched all occurences of "Plug-in Manager" to "Plug Master"(I think anyways)
-Added an info box to each plug. Holding the Command key while clicking
on a plug name will open the InfoBox.
1.3b1 -Changed all Preference and PlugInfo stuff to save in the resource fork
of the preference file.
-Found a few more "Plug-in Manager" occurences, switched them.
-More little internal things
1.3b2 -Starting to get the Sets stuff in, some of it even works too.
-Sets are all ready except for the Delete command.
1.3b3 -Rebuilt the way sets worked. It takes less memory now.
-Fixed an eye-candy bug in the “Sets:” menu.
-Fixed an eye-candy bug in the way the list updates after picking a
saved set.
1.3b4 -Fixed bug where you caould save multiple sets with the same name.
-Fixed more eye-candy in the “Sets:” menu. (not a bug, but still fixed ;)
-Decided to totally drop the “Goto:” button.
1.3b5 -Fixed a eye-candy bug in the “Sets:” menu. (Boy, popups are tough items.)
-Fixed an update bug in the list that wouldn't show the changes after
selecting a saved set. (The changes were still made though.)
1.3.0 -Finally have the new stuff in and working!!
Disclaimer
Plug Master should not cause any damage, but you’re using it at your own risk. As an independent software developer, I can’t make any warranties on it.
All online services and bulletin boards may make it available to their users at no charge other than the normal connection fees.
All non-profit user groups may distribute it at no charge.
All magazines may distribute it without asking me first, as long as I get a copy of the issue containing my software.
All CD-ROM shareware collections and CD-ROM magazines may include it without my prior consent, as long as I get either a copy of the CD-ROM or an offer to buy the CD-ROM at a discounted price.
If you don't fall into any of the above mentioned, or you're just not sure, ask me about it.
Thanks to:
#macdev for putting up with my continous questioning.
DaveK for pointing me to MoreFiles.h
Thomas Ward for the disabled folder icon.
xyzzy for explaining how to get CompareText() working.
Benjamin Hill for the InfoBox idea.
Arnaud Mouronval and many, many others for finding the prefs folder bug.
Doug McKenna for writting the StringLister stuff for "Ultimate Mac Programming"
Deirdre for showing me some of the cooler memory calls.
Sorry to Jonas Wallden for using a name he already copyrighted.
