Each control panel provides extra facilities or adjusts certain characteristics of
your Mac. A panel is enabled if it’s in the Control Panels folder in the System
Folder prior to startup or restart.
æ A control panels is sometimes called a control device or cdev.
Installing Control Panels
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  The System Installer provides a wide range of control panels, together with an
alias of the Control Panels folder in the Apple Menu Items folder. The Custom
Install feature in the Installer also allows you to install individual panels.
Installers for other applications often add their own panels automatically whilst others are supplied individually as freeware or shareware. You can manually install a panel by dragging its file into the Control Panels folder. It’s even easier if you drag the file onto the System Folder icon — the Finder then puts it into the correct folder automatically!
Panel Settings
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The changes to a panel’s settings are often immediate but in some panels you’ll have to close the window before anything happens. Rather more important controls, such as the Memory panel, don’t take effect until after restart or shutdown.
If you disable a panel you can no longer change any related settings. Some panels store their settings in a file in the Preferences folder, in which case the system may still use them. But if they’re kept inside the panel they’ll be lost until the panel is enabled again.
INITs and Conflicts
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  Some control panels contain INIT resources that modify the system at startup.
They can increase the amount of memory used by the system and may conflict
with other panels or extensions.
√π See the Extensions chapter for more about INIT conflicts.
INITs often add extra functions. For example, the Date & Time panel actually creates the menubar clock. If disabled you’ll lose its function, in this case the clock, after a restart.
æ Control panels that don’t contain INITs are just controls!
Managing Control Panels
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  An extension management utility such as Extensions Manager or Symbionts lets you
enable or disable control panels in sets. It does this by moving panels between the
Control Panels and Control Panels (Disabled) folders in the System Folder.
√π See the Extensions chapter for details about these utilities .
To disable a panel manually just drag it out of the Control Panels folder into the Control Panels (Disabled) folder. If your utility didn’t create this folder you’ll have to make it!
æ The utility may not show newly installed panels in its list! If this happens just
restart and then enable your new control panel.
æ Avoid putting duplicates of the same panel in both the Control Panels and the
Control Panels (Disabled) folders. This really confuses the utility!
æ If you drag a control panel into the Control Panels (Disabled) folder make sure that
your utility isn’t set up to put it back into Control Panels again!
√Ö If you enable a control panel you must make sure that all related panels and
extensions are enabled as well!
Å Don’t trash unused control panels — you may want them one day!
The Control Panels Folder
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The following list contains common Apple panels for System 7.5.5 and subsequent additions — see The InformInit (D E Frakes) for more details. Many of these won’t be on your machine since Easy Install only provides those files necessary for your model!
PowerBook Display
  Lets you show images from a PowerBook 160, 165c, 180, 180c, 200, or 500 display
on an external monitor. The space at the beginning of its name makes it load
earlier during startup — don’t remove it!
601 Processor Upgrade
  Lets you select the startup processor for a 68040 Mac fitted with a PowerPC 601
Processor Upgrade Card. Either processor can use the available RAM disk.
Apple CD Speed Switch
Switches the built-in CD-ROM drive between its two speeds.
Apple Menu Options
  Provides hierarchical menus in the  menu, making it easier to navigate folders.
Recent Documents and Recent Applications make it easy to reach items you’ve just
used — 15 items is a good choice. Recent Servers can also be useful on a network.
Recent Documents keeps a record of files open by each application, sadly slowing down the launch of the application. You can speed up your Mac by disabling:-
z Recent Documents in Apple Menu Options OR
z Apple Menu Options in the Extensions Manager
Unfortunately Apple Menu Options can clash with other extensions or applications. A good alternative is Now Menus, part of Now Utilities, that lets you divide up your  menu as you want it and lets you use alternative fonts. If you want a second menu, similar to the  menu, it’s worth considering OtherMenu.
AppleTalk
  Selects connection ports, configurations, passwords, addresses and zones for an
Open Transport AppleTalk network. Classic AppleTalk uses the Network and MacTCP
panels in place of AppleTalk and TCP/IP respectively
AppleTalk Options
Suppresses unwanted alert messages concerning Ethernet to ISDN bridges in a network when used with Open Transport AppleTalk.
At Ease
Provides an alternative and simplified environment to replace the Finder — ideal for children or for keeping other interlopers out of your System Folder. You should switch the panel off before removing from your machine or you may have problems!
Auto Power On/Off
  Turns your Mac on or off at set dates and times, with an optional warning before
shut down — and it can automatically restart the Mac after a loss of power. Only
suitable for Macs with a keyboard Power button — but not PowerBook 500 models.
AutoRemounter
  Re-establishes access to a network for file sharing after a computer, usually a
PowerBook, has gone to sleep or when it’s initially powered. If you attempt to shut
down with files still open you’ll be warned!
It also accommodates file synchronisation, battery management, persistent RAM disk and deferred printing. It doesn’t work with a PowerBook 100, 140, 145, 145B or 170.
Brightness
  Sets the monitor brightness on a Mac with on-screen control. You can adjust it
using the slider, number keys or arrow keys. With a chosen combination of
Control, Shift or Option keys you can even set it without opening the panel!
Button Disabler
  Disables built-in volume and contrast buttons on a Performa or LC 500. Handy if
other users keep messing around with your Mac!
Cache Switch
  Can disable the 68040 processor cache in the Quadra, Centris and Performa 400/500
so as to improve compatiblity with some applications. You must restart the Mac
to make any change effective.
CloseView
  Magnifies the screen image at its original resolution. You’ll save lots of memory
by disabling it when it’s not needed! It uses the following key combinations:-
Command-Option-K Turns CloseView on or off
Command-Option-+ Increases magnification
Command-Option-- Decreases magnification
This panel can’t be used on a PowerMac and you must use Custom Install to get it.
ColorSync System Profile
  For accurate colour matching between the screen and a printer. You must have
the ColorSync‚Ñ¢ Profiles folder in your Preferences folder and ColorSync‚Ñ¢ in the
Extensions folder! The profiles folder must contain the data for your monitor.
Colour
  Sets colours for highlighted text and window borders — a colour monitor is
desirable!
Config PPP
Used for setting up MacPPP, an mdev extension that provides Point to Point protocol (PPP) necessary for a dial-up link over the Internet. MacPPP is used with either the MacTCP or TCP/IP control panel, depending on what form of AppleTalk, if any, is in use.
Control Strip
  Enables and sets the font for Control Strip items that appears along one side of
any Mac’s screen. The modules for these items are kept inside the Control Strip
Modules folder within the System Folder.
CPU Energy Saver
This panel only works with a Mac that can be turned off using the keyboard and is replaced by the Energy Saver (see below) on a PowerMac. For this reason the Installer places it in the Apple Extras folder on your hard disk.
The panel permits automatic shut down at a certain date or time of day — or after a set period of inactivity. Shut down can be prevented if the Mac is using a shared drive or its serial port is in use — or when it’s busy or playing a sound.
Date & Time
  Lets you to vary the presentation of dates and times — particularly useful for
non-US users. It also sets the menubar clock.
DeskTop Patterns
  Sets the background pattern of your Desktop. Since this panel is really an
application you can put it anywhere on your hard disk.
Easy Access
  For anyone who has physical difficulties with a keyboard. You must use Custom
Install in the System Installer to get it.
Editor Setup
For selecting a default OpenDoc editor for each data type where an original editor is lacking. The list of data types can be switched between Select All or Choices Only.
Energy Saver
  The application version of this panel only works on a PCI PowerMac and requires
the Energy Saver Extension. It replaces Auto Power On/Off, CPU Energy Saver and
the old Energy Saver panels (see below).
Automatic startup and shut down or sleep can be set by time of day (the latter after a set period of inactivity). You can choose whether the screen or both screen and drive go to sleep — or whether documents should be saved automatically prior to shut down. The Mac can restart automatically after a power failure, or you can press the Power key to resume work. At startup it can automatically reopen files or rejoin a network server.
The older Energy Saver control panel simply dims an external monitor after a specified period — it only saves energy if you have an Energy Star monitor! To obtain this version of the panel you must rename the new version on your drive and use Custom Install.
Extensions Manager
  Selects Chooser extensions and extensions or control panels (containing INITs) to
be loaded at the next startup. Each selection can be saved as a custom set. The
built-in System 7.5.5 Only set includes the basic items for System 7.5.5.
Extensions Manager can be replaced by Symbionts or ExAminer if preferred.
File Sharing Monitor
  When file sharing is active over an AppleTalk network this panel shows which
users are connected to your Mac.
General Controls
  Used to the determine basic settings for your Mac.
The Desktop can be hidden if you find it distracting to see it behind applications. Launcher visibility at startup is useful if you use the Launcher (see below). Folder protection should only be necessary for beginners!
The insertion point can easier to see on the screen if Insertion Point Blinking is set to Fast. Turn Menu Blinking Off if you want faster menu operation.
If you select Folder that is set by the application as Default Folder the next time you save a file you’ll be in the same folder as the last document opened by the application.
Keyboard
  Determines the basic behaviour of the keyboard. Key Repeat Rate can be set one
down from Fast. Similarly Delay Until Repeat should be one down from Short.
It also gives access to any of the keyboard layout files in the System file — these modify the keyboard mapping to suit your location. You can add or remove files as required.
Labels
  Customises the colour and text of file labels — the settings are kept in the System
file itself. Most people don’t bother with labels!
LaserWriter Bridge
  Gives public or private access to a LocalTalk printer connected to an Ethernet or
Token Ring network via a bridge device. The panel can’t be used on a LocalTalk
network that contains a router or another bridge.
Launcher
  Provides buttons for launching applications. To add an item just place an alias of
it in the Launcher Items folder in the System Folder. Shareware alternatives such
as PowerBar provide more features but use extra memory.
Macintosh Easy Open
  Lets you open non-Mac files using a choice of translators. The Delete Preferences
option erases all your previous choices for translating each file type into another.
MacTCP
  For Internet operation with Classic AppleTalk. You can set configurations, user
levels and zones. It’s replaced by the TCP/IP panel when Open Transport is active.
It uses MacTCP DNR in the System Folder to translate host names to IP addresses.
For dial-up working you’ll also need SLIP or PPP software.
Map
  Gives a map showing longitude, latitude and local time for major cities and lets
you set a location for your Mac. It shows distances and time zones between this
location and the other cities. For a twice size map press Option whilst opening it.
To use Map you should select your home City in the list and click on Set. To move alphabetically through all Cities press Option and click Find. To change units of distance just click on km, mi or dg (kilometres, miles or degrees).
You can copy the map from the Puzzle and paste it into this panel for a colour map. Map also works with WorldTime, another panel that finds the time anywhere in the world.
Memory
  Sets options for Disk Cache, Virtual Memory, Addressing and RAM Disk.
Always disable any RAM Disk before removing this panel!
The Disk Cache should set to a reasonable compromise between speed and available RAM. It defaults to 32 K per megabyte of physical RAM — up to a maximum of 4096 K. For a Mac with 8 M of RAM this comes out at 256 K.
Virtual Memory is best avoided on a 680x0 model but 32-Bit Addressing is necessary to use any RAM in excess of 8 M. A RAM Disk may be viable if you have a huge RAM capacity!
MIDI Manager
  Directs the inputs and outputs of a MIDI sequencer application to and from the
serial port(s) used for the connection to a MIDI interface.
Monitors
  Sets the number of colour or greyscale levels on a monitor on a 680x0 Mac or
non-PCI PowerMac — for real speed select Black & White! It also sets the
relative positions of different monitors on the Desktop.
On a PCI PowerMac you should use the Monitors & Sound panel instead.
Monitors & Sound
  For use on a PCI PowerMac only. It sets monitor quality and selects audiovisual
peripherals — such as an audio CD player, VCR, video camera or loudspeakers.
It replaces the individual Sound and Monitors control panels as used on 680x0 Macs and the Sound & Displays panel as supplied with some PCI machines. You can obtain the old Sound control panel, for old applications, by using Custom Install in the System Installer.
The SystemAV extension should be enabled to use it with an AV Mac. For an AppleVision 1710AV monitor you must have a suitable version of AppleVision software installed.
Mouse
  Sets the tracking speed and double-click speed for a mouse. It’s also used for
setting up a trackball on older PowerBook models.
Network
  Lets you choose hardware for Classic AppleTalk — such as LocalTalk, EtherTalk,
TokenTalk or IRTalk. The last of these is for a PowerBook with built-in infra red (IR)
link. AppleTalk must be enabled in the Chooser for this panel to work.
Network is replaced by the AppleTalk control panel when Open Transport is active.
Numbers
  Lets you to vary the presentation of numerical values and currencies.
Particularly useful for non-US users.
Password Security
  Prevents unauthorised users getting into a PowerBook drive. It can ask for a
password every time the drive or screen wakes up. It must be switched off to use
a PowerBook in SCSI disk mode.
PC Exchange
  Provides access to files on DOS and Apple II ProDOS disks. It also lets you choose
a suitable application to open each kind of DOS document.
PC Setup
  Sets options for a DOS Compatibility Card (PC Card) and lets you switch between
the Mac’s processor and the card’s processor. The panel has pop-up windows for
mapping the following:-
Drive C: An area of Mac hard disk assigned for use by the PC
Drive D: Optional second drive area
COM1: A Mac port or text file assigned for use by the PC
COM2: Mapping for the PC’s second port
Other pop-ups let you select the PC’s monitor, the amount of Mac memory used by the PC, folder sharing and PC sound. The memory requirements can be reduced by adding SIMMs to the DOS card or by turning off PC Exchange.
You can enable the PC card at startup or make your Mac start up with the card. You can also assign keys to switch between the Mac and PC card — and choose whether the screen should fade during the process!
The DOS card fits into a NuBus slot in a 680x0 Mac or into a PCI slot in a PowerMac. Cards using a 486, 586 or other processor are available.
This panel may cause system crashes on a 68000 Mac.
Power Macintosh Card
  For a 68040 Mac fitted with a Power Macintosh Card. It gives you a choice of
processor at startup — either the Mac’s own 68040 or the PowerPC 601 on the card.
PowerBook
  Provides battery management for a PowerBook by putting the hard disk or system
to sleep, or dimming the screen after a period of inactivity. It also sets processor
cycling and on some models can slow down the processor to save power.
PowerBook Display
For PowerBooks that support an external monitor.
PowerBook Setup
  Tells communications programs about the modem used with some varieties of
PowerBook. It sets the modem to either:-
Normal For applications compatible with Communications Toolbox (CTB)
Compatible For applications incompatible with CTB
It also sets a SCSI ID number for the PowerBook in SCSI disk mode — but this is only used in the PowerBook 200 and 500 series.
PowerTalk Setup
  For PowerTalk collaboration services over a network. Services can be shut down
after a specified period of inactivity. It also gives access to your Key Chain.
QuickTime Settings
For various QuickTime options. Amongst other things, it can make an audio CD play automatically whenever it’s inserted into your CD-ROM drive!
Screen
  Sets brightness and contrast for Macs with a built-in monitor. It can also turn it off
after a set period of inactivity.
Serial Switch
Improves compatibility between a IIfx or Quadra 950 and applications that use the printer or modem ports. To improve application compatibility, or for use with Open Transport, you should select More Compatible — otherwise leave it set it to Faster.
Sharing Setup
  Sets file sharing options and the network name for your Mac with AppleTalk. The
AppleTalk or Network control panel must be active and and AppleTalk must be
selected in the Chooser.
Sound
  Adjusts sound volume and lets you select an alert sound — or record one of your
own! You can also choose preferences for sound inputs and outputs.
On a PCI PowerMac this panel is replaced by Monitors & Sound.
Speech
  Sets options for speech synthesis — and also for speech recognition on an AV or
PowerMac with a PlainTalk microphone. It lets you choose a default Macintalk voice
for use with the Speech Manager extension.
Startup Disk
  Lets you select your startup drive. Not essential if you only use one drive.
But you’re bound to need it some day!
TCP/IP
  For Internet operation using Open Transport. It sets configurations, user levels and
zones. It’s replaced by the MacTCP panel when Classic AppleTalk is active. For
dial-up working you’ll also need SLIP or PPP software.
TCP/IP Options
Modifies behaviour of the above to suit certain networks.
Text
  Alters the presentation of text for different kinds of script — for example Roman,
as used in Western languages, Hebrew or Arabic.
Token Ring
  Sets the data rate for a Token Ring card of 4 or 16 MB/s. You can also choose a
password and other settings for addresses and timing.
Trackpad
  Sets the sensitivity to movement and double-click speed for the trackpad used in
some PowerBook models.
TV Setup
For MacTV systems only.
Users & Groups
  Lets you choose who has access to your disk drive when file sharing is active
on a network via AppleTalk. The AppleTalk or Network control panel must be
active and and AppleTalk must be selected in the Chooser.
Video Startup
Sets defaults for the Apple Video Player, including the default TV channel (via TV antenna or cable) and control settings for sound and picture.
Views
  Sets the default views for files within Finder windows. If you select Show Disk
Info in Header you’ll how much disk space is available — but on a PowerBook this
may occupy too much of your screen space.
Show Folder Sizes usually makes everything unacceptably slow.
In List View the middle-size icon is a good compromise. The large icon is too big and the smallest one doesn’t distinguish between different file types — but the latter is very fast!
WindowShade
  A useful aid that rolls up any window (so that you can see underneath) when you
click on its menu bar.
`ATM
  Eliminates jagged PostScript fonts on a non-PostScript printer or on a monitor. It’s
only really necessary if you use PostScript fonts or use Adobe Acrobat products.
Any improvement should be visible on the screen — the display can be accelerated by increasing the RAM setting in the panel.
The form of ATM supplied freely with Acrobat Reader only works with that application and only consumes memory whilst it’s in use. The full product operates in all applications but uses memory at all times.
