Performance Modules are a small collection of simple and straight-forward control strip modules for use with Apple’s Control Strip software.
WHAT’S NEW?
Several improvements have been made in this release:
Both Simple Clock and FreeMem modules now recognize when a screen saver is active and will not draw to the screen during that time. The screen saver must properly implement the 'SAVR' Gestalt selector (as defined by Berkeley Systems) or Performance Modules will keep on drawing whenever they feel like it. Though some screen savers keep this from happening anyway, this support was added to cooperate with minimalist screen savers like Basic Black (which I highly recommend—check it out).
The FreeMem module was also changed to update its display much less frequently, making it flicker much less while the amount of available RAM is trying to “settle down.” This was done mostly to lower FreeMem’s annoyance factor under these unique situations. The memory displayed will still oscillate—just not a zillion times per second.
Often the date feature Simple Clock module is accessed to remind the user of the current date while typing it into a memo, or entering it into a field. A new feature has been added where the current date, as displayed in the module, is copied to the clipboard whenever the module is clicked. This basically eliminates the step of having to remember what the module displayed after it has reverted to the current time display. Holding down the command key while clicking the module will copy the long date (ie: Thursday, February 2, 1995) to the clipboard instead, which is a more useful date format for correspondence.
BACKGROUND
At the time I decided to write these modules, there was not a great abundance of shareware control strip modules available. There are many reasons for this including
• It’s a new technology.
• The Control Strip software, as released by Apple, only works on PowerBooks.
• Complete documentation for their development is scarce.
Therefore, I started my own collection of modules to support my personal needs and tastes. The modules I have written have been fully tested, and are “bare-bones” simple. This means that what you see is all there is, and there are not an endless number of preferences to make them larger and more complex. They make every attempt to use as little background time as possible, including keeping from updating their displays more often than necessary. They use small fonts to conserve space in the control strip, and do not change their size, disturbing the position of other modules.
SIMPLE CLOCK
This module displays the current time in minutes and seconds. Clicking on the module temporarily displays the current date. The time and date displayed is based on current settings in the “Date & Time” control panel. Seconds are not displayed—most people have better things to do than watch the seconds tick by one at a time.
FREEMEM
This module displays how much memory remains in the partition of the active process. Clicking on the module temporarily displays the total partition size of the active process. This is a much better alternative to keeping the “About this Macintosh” window open in the background. By observing how the amount of available memory changes in various applications as you use them, you will be more aware of their actual memory requirements, and have a better idea of how much to safely adjust their partition size when required.
Many thanks go out to Michael Hecht for helping me get as close as I have to displaying the same Largest Unused Block size that is displayed by the Finder. Check out his “About” freeware utility—it’s really cool!
POWER TOOL DISCLAIMER
These modules are not “Power Tools” and should not be regarded as such. If you're looking for extensive customization abilities, there are an increasing number of similar modules that should suit your lust for power. Performance Modules are small, simple, and FREE. If you like them, by all means use them.
FORMALITIES
Performance Modules are FREE and may be distributed to anyone by any means as long they remain unaltered, are accompanied by this file, and are not sold for profit. Send bugs, questions, and comments to me at:
