The MenuKey INIT is a very small program which, when loaded at bootup, will show a small template whenever the command-key is being held down. This can help users becoming accustomed to a new package to learn command-key menu options without having to search the menus themselves.
To use MenuKey, simply hold down the command key before pressing any other key. If you hold down the key for longer than 1 full second, then MenuKey will display a template of all the enabled command-key menu items. This is also nice because you don't have to look through all the disabled items that you can't choose anyway. If you see the item you want in the list, simply press the command-key you normally would, and MenuKey will activate the command.
For example, if you wanted to choose Copy from the Edit menu, hold down the command-key for over one second. MenuKey will show the list of available items. If Copy is available, while continuing to hold the command key, press C. Command-C will then be sent to the frontmost application/desk accessory.
If you are a power user in most of your applications, simply make your command-key choices in under a second (very easy to do if you know the items). MenuKey will stay out of your way.
Known Incompatabilities
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I've tested MenuKey on a Mac Plus, SE/30, and IIfx. I am not sure how it fares on all models, but the three I have tested on should represent most of the family. MenuKey has been tested with system version 6.0.5 and 6.0.7 only.
I have found that programs that do not use the toolbox to track their menu items are not compatible with MenuKey. When I say "not compatible", I do not mean that MenuKey or your application will crash. In the worst case, MenuKey will simply report that their are no menu items available to choose. This happens, unfortunately, with Microsoft Word, since Microsoft does not use the standard Menu Manager methods of tracking command-key items (if anyone from Microsoft cares to clue me in on where this information is stored, I'd like to know). Even if MenuKey pops up, just make your command-key choice as always and Word will take action on it with no problems.
Besides Microsoft Word, the only other program that I have tried that has problems is MacPaint, since it treats the command-key as an action key with certain tools. If you make your command-key selections in under the one-second time frame, everthing works fine.
Disclaimer
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MenuKey is free to enjoy and pass around, as long as my name, address, and copyright information remain intact. You may not charge any fee for MenuKey, except for certain downloading charges from CompuServe, Genie, AOL, or Connect. MenuKey may not be distributed commercially as part of any package or collection without the consent of the author.
Since MenuKey is free, it is totally provided AS IS. You assume all risks in using MenuKey, and the author will not be responsible for any damage or loss of data due to using MenuKey.
Future thoughts
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There are tons of places I can improve MenuKey -- provide a cdev to adjust delay times, let the user choose how to sort the command-key list, etc. Remember, this is only version 1.0, and if I receive enough feedback I'll be glad to add the other features.
Post your remarks on forums with AOL or CompuServe, and I'm sure I'll run across them!
