The IdleTime INIT returns the number clock ticks since the last keystroke, disk insertion, mouse movement or mouse click. This is a system-wide measurement, it tells you how long it's been since the user has done anything in *any* application, control panel, or in the Finder. It communicates with the client thru a call to the Gestalt system routine.
This package includes the INIT, a sample THINK C 6.0 program that monitors the INIT (source code included), a Frontier verb that calls the INIT, and DocServer docs.
To install: copy the IdleTime INIT into the Extensions sub-folder of your System Folder. The next time you start up your Macintosh, you'll see the IdleTime INIT icon displayed at the bottom of your screen. If you hold down the Shift key or the mouse button while booting, the extension will not load, and a large X will appear over the icon.
Try it out: Launch the IdleWatcher program. Move the mouse around. It should display 0. Don't move the mouse around for a second or two. The window should count the number of seconds your system has been idle. Move the window to an empty part of your screen. Launch another application. Watch the window, it should reflect activity even when it isn't the frontmost application.
How you'd use it: When the system has been inactive for a certain period, you can start maintaining disk-based data structures, or look out on the network for new resources. The Finder must use something like this to determine when it's time to check the modification dates on all open folders to see if new files have been added or if files have been deleted. Likewise, Berkeley Systems uses a similar approach to start up the After Dark screen saver.
Economics: The INIT is completely free, you may distribute it unmodified with any software you develop, no royalty or license fee.
Important: There is absolutely no warranty. IdleTime patches traps, we believe safely, but you should test your software thoroughly and carefully before releasing it.
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