FINDER.DATA KILLER (ver 3.1) Finder.Data Killer is a crude yet simple BASIC program that deletes files from your disk with the name "FINDER.DATA" and the filetype of "$C9". If the file does not conform to both of these parameters, it will not be deleted. (I think). FDK 3.1 will also delete other Finder droppings (Finder.Def, Finder.Defaults, Finder.Root) as well as 'Kangaroo.Data' files and 'Default.Har' files. These last two files are left behind by otherwise great pieces of software in the process of doing their job. Because they are not needed, but are only for the convience of the particular GS user that has that software, most other folks will want them deleted as well. Kangaroo.Data files are left behind by (you guessed it) 'KANGAROO' from Seven Hills software. Default.Har files are deposited by the Harmonie printer drivers from Vitesse. The GS FINDER program uses these "Finder.Data" files to "remember" the size and location of the windows and the location of each file icon within the window. It does this for every disk or folder that has been opened (and closed) by the Finder. This way the same window(s) will be open and they will be organized the same way, each time you return to the Finder. Of course you may manually change the size or location of any window or the files within the window at any time. When you do this and later close the window the Finder will write a "Finder.Data" file to that disk or folder which will be used to organize the window in the same fashion when it is reopened. If you don't wish this process to take place (it does take a tad longer to close windows to allow time for the writing of the "Finder.Data" file) you may choose NOT to have the Finder save information by selecting "Preferences" and clicking the appropriate box. You may also modify the standard settings in a number of other ways (i.e., allowing the "Finder.Data" files to become visible etc.) but the consequences of doing so is that the Finder will write a "Finder.Def" ("Finder.Defaults" when using System 6) file on the disk from which the Finder runs. If the idea of another Finder dodo on your disk bothers you, don't mess with the preferences. If that isn't enough, it is possible to get yet another file ("Finder.Root") placed on any disk from which you drag a file onto the Desktop. It is often desirable to do this to allow for easy access to those files. The point of this little story is that this program (version 3.1) will also delete any "Finder.Def" or "Finder.Root" files, if you choose to do so. Of course the real value (?) of this program is that it takes on the daunting task of removing the far more numerous "Finder.Data" (and other) files which could number in the hundreds if you have a Hard Disk. I deleted 92 files in less then five minutes from a twenty Meg disk. So, the obvious question is WHY? Why should (or would) anyone what to do such strange things? Good question!! Several possible (although perhaps not likely) reasons come to mind: 1. They are pesky! 2. They are not useful if you are not running the Finder. 3. Someone with a IIe or IIc will always call you at home at midnight to ask what these strange files on your data disk are for. 4. It is often advantageous to be able to see the correct catalog order of the files, for example to see which xxx.SYSTEM file would run after booting a ProDOS disk. Without Finder.Data files the Finder will display the files in catalog order from left to right, top to bottom. 5. If you wish to rearrange the file icons within a window, it may be easier to start without the mixed-up mess that often happens when people like myself try and squeeze all of the icons together so 47 files appear in the window at the same time without having to scroll. (Does this make any sense?) 6. They take up precious disk space. You know what I mean if you have ever tried to add just one small last file to a disk before getting the dreaded Disk Full message. 7. Just because... So how does this silly thing work? Another good question from the person by the keyboard! Upon running the program, you will be presented with a blatant plea for any loose change or homemade software you may have laying around. (The $$ goes to help fund the Wausau Area Apple II User Group). Next, you will need to choose the disk or prefix that you wish disinfected. You may choose the entire disk by specifying slot or by selecting prefix and typing the name of the disk. Remember to type the leading "/". The other option is to select a subdirectory (I call them folders) that needs treatment. After that a warning about taking chances with unproven software and your irreplaceable data. If you choose to continue, you will be asked if you wish to have all of the droppings removed. FDK 3.1 can delete: FINDER.DATA FINDER.DEF FINDER.DEFAULTS FINDER.ROOT KANGAROO.DATA DEFAULT.HAR If you select NO to this question FDK will only delete 'Finder.Data' files. This might be done as follows: /DISK/FOLDER This method will NOT (I don't think) delete any "Finder.Data" file in the root directory (/DISK) or in any other separate folder (/DISK/GAMES). However it WILL delete any "Finder.Data" file from nested folders (/DISK/FOLDER/LOVE.LTTRS). Be careful please!! Once you set the wheels in motion the program will advise you of the number of files in each folder, and if it finds a "Finder.Data" file, it will report "KILLING /DISK/FOLDER/FINDER.DATA" as it deletes it. At the end of the process a summary will be presented along with the current ProDOS prefix (if that is important to you. If not, don't worry about it.) If you enjoyed watching the program do its thing type RUN and it will do it again. If not, type BYE and you will return from whence you came. On the serious side, if you found this program interesting or fun or (gasp) useful, The Wausau Area Apple II Users Group requests your support. Please send a small (or large) token of your esteem to: Daniel Sczygelski President WAATUG c/o NTC 1000 Campus Drive Wausau, WI 54401 (715)675-3331 ext.457 As they say on TV, "Thanks for your support." HISTORY: FDK 1.0 - 1st release. (Actually, it fought its way out, it wasn't released) FDK 2.0 - Against my better judgment release # 2. * Given another chance to quit after choosing a directory. * Deletes FINDER.ROOT & FINDER.DEF files as well as FINDER.DATA files. * Kept the time honored spaghetti code as an example of how not to write a program. * Because I have been washed away in a sea of money from the 1st release, I have decided to also ask for any software YOU may have written instead or in addition to the $$. I'm just a lowly smuck like you probably are, who knows next to nothing about programming, but likes to see and use new software. If you had even the slightest bit of amusement out of FDK, just think how much fun I might have with something from you... FDK 2.1 - An totally unsolicited and probably unwanted release #2.1 from Wild Willy in the land of Oz. * Gives a choice of whether to delete FINDER.ROOT & FINDER.DEF files. * Futher spaghettifies the code. FDK 3.0 - Added DEFAULT.HAR file support. FDK 3.1 - Added KANGAROO.DATA file support. Also made misc. changes to the spaghetti code by adding some cheesy requests for money :^) (Sorry about that) ((Not really)) [I would like to be able to delete some other types of files, but some programers are seeing fit to use 'forked' or 'extended' data files. This makes it hard on 8 bit Apple II users that wish to free up disk space. Don't try to delete one of these files with 8 bit software. You will screw up the disk! I have noticed that it is now possible to read MAC HFS disks with such utilities as HFS.Link and others. Won't it be great if someone would figure out how to do file manipulation of a forked file from a GS on an 8 bit Apple II? Don't say it can't be done! It just means using some of the same methods as HFS.Link. So all of you great programers out there now have a project to work on! While I'm on the soapbox, why doesn't someone write a desktop version of Checkers for the GS. I've seen 8 bit versions, but a nifty GS version would sure be nice for my Grandfather to play.] - Feb.93 - D.S.