Instant Folders is the ultimate solution to navigate through directories. It lets you reach any directory on any disk with a single click, directly from "Open..." and "Save..." dialog boxes. It's as easy as using bookmarks in many other programs.
Why Instant Folders?
There are other programs similar to Instant Folders. They lack, however, many key features that are implemented in Instant Folders. Among them:
• IF is powerful: it lets you establish a link to a folder on any mounted volume. The link will remain intact even if you rename the folder, move it or backup and restore it.
You can even use shared disks over a network: Instant Folders will automatically try to access the server, presenting the standard login interface if needed. It works on any kind of network, either divided in zones or not.
You can also use removable disks: Instant Folders will ask you to insert the disk in the right drive. It works with floppy disks, CD-ROM's, ZIP cartridges and so on.
• IF is fast: a single click takes you to any folder instantly. Everything you need to do to reach the folder, such as logging into a server, is accomplished without having to exit the dialog box.
• IF is small: it occupies less than 15k on disk and in RAM.
• IF is cheap: it costs just 15 $.
System Requirements
Instant Folders requires System 7.0 or better. It was tested on various systems ranging from 7.1 to 7.6, on 68k and PowerPC machines, on desktop models and PowerBooks. It isn't native on the PowerPC processor (sorry, but I have an old compiler), but it runs perfectly on PowerMacs, and it's snappy.
(In fact, all the develoment took place on a PowerMac!)
Installation
Just drag the "Instant Folders" extension on the icon of your System Folder and answer ok to the dialog box the Finder will show you, then restart. That's it.
Use
Now, when you invoke an Open or Save dialog box, you'll see that on the right of the name of the current volume there is a popup menu. It lets you do four tasks:
1) Add a folder to the menu.
Navigate to the folder and choose "Add <Folder Name>". It will appear in the menu in alphabetic order.
2) Get to a listed folder.
Needless to say, you just need to choose it from the menu.
3) Remove a folder from the menu.
Hold down the Option key while choosing the folder's name from the menu.
4) Switch to any mounted volume.
Holding down the command key while clicking brings up a menu that lets you switch to any mounted volume.
How much does it cost?
Instant Folders 2.0 is Shareware and it costs 15 dollars. Shareware means that Instant Folders can be downloaded freely and tried for at most a week. Then, if you want to continue using it, you must pay the 15 $ registration fee. This has many incredible advantages; among them: 1) you won't violate copyright laws and risk jail for 15 miserable bucks. 2) You will let me continue making shareware software. 3) If you have an Internet e-mail account, you will receive updates of Instant Folders for free, even if I add tons of features or increase the registration fee.
So, if you like Instant Folders, register at the address indicated under "Contacting the author". You can pay sending cash at my mail address. If you can, also send me a message via e-mail, else send it by mail with the money.
Important note: Instant Folders IS NOT PUBLIC DOMAIN! I retain all the copyright rights on it. You are allowed and encouraged to distribute it but only as long as every file is included with the extension and they are unmodified.
If you want to send more…
In the unusual case that you want to pay more, feel free to do. Needless to say, I'll be even happier. :-)
If you think sending money is not original enough for you, send anything you want, provided its value is at least 15$. For example you can send CD-ROMs, software (but no shareware or freeware if you're not the author), pieces of hardware, Inside Macintosh books, a Ferrari or anything you like and think I'll like too.
Distribution
If you are reading this, of course, you don't need to know, but the latest version is available on Info-Mac (unless they trash it :-|).
If you want, you can put it on any other site, but please tell me if you do, so I can send an updated version when available.
You can also include it on a CD-ROM and all that kind of stuff, but if you do so, please send me a copy of it.
Contacting the author
You can e-mail me for comments, bug reports or any other communication at the following address:
<baiardi@antares.csr.unibo.it>
Please note it's not my e-mail address! Since I don't have one, I've been allowed to use it, but always clearly indicate the message is for me.
To send money (but no messages unless you can't e-mail) write this down on the envelope:
Camillo Lugaresi
Via Casetti, 2
47023 - Cesena(FO)
Italy
Now, what you all have long been waiting for…
Legal stuff
This software is provided "as is". Every effort has been made to ensure it will not cause any damage, but the author does not make any warranty. The author, Camillo Lugaresi, denies responsibility for any damage caused directly or indirectly by the software. Use it at your own risk. Some jurisdictions may not allow this limitation of the warranty, so it may not apply to you.
Final Notes
"Only those who don't fear legalese can get here." :-)
I know some people hate those :-)'s. Sorry, but I had to write them. After getting on the Internet I need to put at least three of them in any document I write…
I can't believe you did really read this document entirely!
