ccc_ldo@waikato.ac.nz (Lawrence D'Oliveiro, Waikato University) (07/12/90)
The Desktop Manager is a system extension (an INIT under System 6.0.x,
an integral part of System 7.0) which provides routines for managing the
Finder's desktop database. It replaces the "Desktop" resource file with a
couple of data files called "Desktop DB" and "Desktop DF", thereby
getting around the resource manager's size and performance limitations.
To maintain backward compatibility, it only kicks in on volumes
larger than 1.4Mb (or thereabouts), so the Finder continues to use the
Desktop file on floppies, thereby avoiding problems when exchanging
disks with people who aren't using Desktop Manager.
Suggestion: why not have the Desktop Manager manage the Desktop
file on these small volumes, as well? This would have the following
advantages:
* it would simplify the Finder--one set of routines for
handling the desktop on all volumes.
* it would make it easier for other applications to get
at the desktop database on floppies. This is a
particular nuisance under MultiFinder, because the
Finder has the Desktop file open, and no one else
can get at it.
Note what I'm suggesting: keep the Desktop file on floppies
(to maintain compatibility), but move the code for managing this
from the Finder to the Desktop Manager, where other applications
can use it as well.
Lawrence D'Oliveiro fone: +64-71-562-889
Computer Services Dept fax: +64-71-384-066
University of Waikato electric mail: ldo@waikato.ac.nz
Hamilton, New Zealand 37^ 47' 29" S, 175^ 19' 16" E, GMT+12:00
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