PRAM Auto-Restore is a Control Panel. To install it, drop it onto your System Folder. I've tested PRAM Auto-Restore with System 7.5.1 and 7.1, but it should also run with System 6.x.
PRAM Auto-Restore resets your PRAM and Extended PRAM at startup and/or shutdown to a default that is stored in the Control Panel. It uses very little memory; when you let it reset your (x)PRAM at startup, it does not remain in the memory. When you let it reset your (x)PRAM at shutdown/restart, it installs a small (528 bytes) shutdown procedure (with the (x)PRAM defaults). You can set these defaults in the Control Panel to the actual settings in the PRAM by clicking only one button.
What's PRAM and Extended PRAM?
The parameter RAM ("PRAM") is a small piece of storage where the Macintosh saves information, for example, about the blinking rate of the cursor. In the extended PRAM more technical information is saved, for example, the default AppleTalk zone or the highlight colour. If the battery which supplies the parameter RAM with power loses its charge, the contents are lost. If any program crashes, it could also write garbage into the parameter RAM.
Using PRAM Auto-Restore
All changes you make in the Control Panel get effective after a restart!
There are four buttons in the Control Panel. With the first one, you can switch PRAM Auto-Restore on or off. If it is switched off, it will not restore the PRAM at all (after a restart!). If the second button (with the happy mac on it) is turned on, PRAM Auto-Restore resets the (x)PRAM on startup time to the default you specified. If the third button (with the switch on it) is turned on, PRAM Auto-Restore resets the (x)PRAM to the default you specified when you choose "Restart" or "Shutdown" from the "Special"-menu. The fourth button, labeled "Save PRAM", puts a copy of the current contents of the (x)PRAM in the Control Panel. This copy is used as the default when the Control Panel resets the PRAM.
Shareware, Bug Reports
Please report any bugs or problems you have with PRAM Auto-Restore - I will try to fix them in the next release. Suggestions are very welcome.
If you use PRAM Auto-Restore for more than two weeks and you decided to keep it, please send $10 shareware fee to me. If this is to much for you, send less. Students only have to send $5.
You can send me the shareware fee directly - in this case, send cash only, please - or pay to Kagi Shareware using the "Register" program.
About Kagi Shareware
Kagi Shareware is a shareware registration service that is available to any shareware author and can accept a variety of payments from shareware users. Kagi Shareware handles all aspects of registering shareware; collection of payer information, processing of payments, replies to payers, detailed accounting to shareware authors, site license invoicing, etc. The idea is to make it easier for everyone involved with shareware; easier for users to pay shareware fees by providing a variety of payment methods, easier for shareware authors by easing the administrative burden.
For more information about Kagi look at their WWW-site (http://198.207.242.3) or contact Kee Nethery (kee@kagi.com).
How to contact the author
email (Internet, preferred):
wuttke@stein.teuto.de
Snail mail:
Matthias Wuttke
Hilterweg 14
33803 Steinhagen
Germany
Phone: (0) (5204) 8502
Disclaimer
PRAM Auto-Restore is provided "as is". The author tries to keep it as
bug free as possible, but if there are bugs that cause you to lose
something, the author is not responsible for the loss.
Sorry for any mistakes in the spelling! Please tell me my mistakes, I'll correct them.
