info-mac@utcsrgv.UUCP (info-mac) (05/24/84)
Date: 22 May 1984 0925-EDT From: uw-beaver!DEUFEL@DEC-MARLBORO To: INFO-MAC@SUMEX Subject: Finder 1.0 Bug? Feature? If the disk icon (or file icon) is selected and you happen to type a character the name of the disk under the icon and (in the case of the disk icon) in the window is wiped out and the character is inserted. Opinion: I feel that this is a bug and have found nothing in any document that refers to it as a feature. Any comments? -Abdul- --------
info-mac@utcsrgv.UUCP (info-mac) (05/25/84)
Date: Wed, 23 May 84 19:42:00 EDT From: Bob Rees <uw-beaver!rrees@BBN-UNIX.ARPA> Subject: Re: Finder 1.0 Bug? Feature? In-Reply-To: Your message of 22 May 1984 0925-EDT To: DEUFEL@dec-marlboro.arpa Cc: info-mac@sumex-aim.arpa It's supposed to be a feature -- the manual explains that this is the (only?) method for renaming a disk or file. However, I agree that it's a lot more like a bug the way they implemented it. When you're using the finder, usually *some* icon is selected, and it's far too easy to accidentally rename something by typing at the wrong time (or by just bumping into the keyboard). Locking an item prevents it from being renamed, but it also prevents it from being written into, so this method of protection is inappropriate in many cases. I feel that things should be renamed only as a *deliberate act*. Here's how I think it should have been implemented [Apple -- are you listening?]: Modifying the name under an icon should only be possible when the name itself is selected (not when the *icon* is selected). If you move the pointer into the name, the pointer changes to the "I-beam" text cursor. You can click to specify a text insert/delete point in the existing name. Or you can drag the I-beam thru some or all of the name to select the text to be retyped. Since this provision *already exists*, is easy to do, and unambiguously specifies your intent to modify the name, this should be the *only* method for renaming. Typing while an icon (rather than its name) is selected should just be ignored (perhaps the Mac should beep at you to let you know that your keyboard input is not doing whatever you intended).