Instant Folders is the ultimate solution to navigate through directories (wow!). It lets you reach any folder on any disk with a single click, directly from "Open..." and "Save..." dialog boxes. It's as easy as using bookmarks in Internet browsers.
Why Instant Folders?
There are other programs similar to Instant Folders. They lack, however, many key features that IF has. 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 restore it from a backup.
You can even use shared disks over a network: Instant Folders will automatically try to access the server, displaying the standard login interface if necessary. It works on any kind of network, either splitted 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 8.1, on 68k and PowerPC machines, on desktop models and PowerBooks. There is no PPC version because it would actually run slower than the 68k one: the parts of the system Instant Folders uses most heavily aren't native yet, and a PPC version of Instant Folders would trigger too many mixed mode switches (don't worry if you don't understand what this means, it doesn't matter. Really).
Installation
Just drag the "Instant Folders" extension on the icon of your System Folder and let the Finder place it when it belongs, 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 <the name of the folder>". It will appear in the menu in alphabetical order.
2) Get to a previously selected folder.
Just 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 (the Option key is the one between the control and command keys: it's marked by this symbol ).
4) Switch to any mounted volume.
Holding down the command key (the one with the ) while clicking brings up a menu that lets you switch to any mounted volume.
How much does it cost?
Instant Folders 2.2 is Shareware and costs $15. Shareware means that Instant Folders can be downloaded freely and tried out for at most a week. Then, if you want to continue using it, you must pay the $15 registration fee. This gives you many incredible advantages: 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're a magazine editor, site manager, commercial distributor, whatever, the "Distribution" section below is for you.
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 you think I'll like too.
Distribution
If you are reading this you probably already know, but the latest version of Instant Folders is available on Info-Mac.
If you want, you can put it on any other online archive, but please tell me if you do, so I can send an updated version when available.
To distribute Instant Folders with a magazine, on a CD-ROM, or in any other kind of commercial distribution ("commercial" hereby refers to anything people pay for), you have to contact me first. I want to know where my software ends up, so that I can send updates and future versions. I believe this helps both me and your customers. Usually I ask for a free copy of the magazine/CD/whatever, but if you can't afford sending me one don't worry, I'm quite reasonable. :-)
Note that if you don't contact me you DON'T have the license to distribute my software.
Contacting the author
You can e-mail me for comments, bug reports or any other communication at the following address:
<camillo@mbox.queen.it>
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
And 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!
