Suggestions for new DU
10 messages in this thread
You're not going to open 2 directories? Loud "EEK" to begin with. Not only
should you open two, but you should have the option of opening 4 in Interlace
mode.
Here are some basics that's messed up in just about all DU's. These should
all be "right" in my opinion:
Scroll bars – fully functioning with repeating arrows.
"MOVE" should work properly – as in between different devices.
"COPY" should have the ability (toggle) to keep the same time/date stamp.
"SORTING" should be flexible – size, date, name, extension.
Buttons should be re-arrangeable in the order/pattern most comfortable for
the user. A good idea would be to click, hold, and drag.
Those are the basics, that no DU that I know of does properly currently.
That doesn't cover (of course) the basic-basics, like listing the features of
formatting, etc. Now, as far as other advanced features:
The "read file" feature should be able to go backwards. NOt just go to
beginning, but go backwards.
<continued>
Hmmm… A new DU, huh? I'll put my two cents in, here.
Two windows are a must – 4 is probably getting carried away (too confusing to
unsophisticated users). Moving up/down the directory tree by clicking
directory names — left button, left window — right button, right window.
Significant number of buttons, even if arranged in pages. Large number of user
definable buttons defined in easy to read text files (perhaps with
configuration menus). Text file reader unnecessary — use MORE/LESS (its
easily upgradeable and typically has more functions). Move/copy to another
directory is obvious, but also copy file to new name within the directory.
Interface to Workbench's Info, so icon definitions can be looked up. If
possible, option to run file via its icon on the Workbench screen. Smarter
interface to CLI — should pop to top of CURRENT screen. DU should use its own
screen — front/back gadgets switch between it and Workbench screen. User
definable button should support a small execute script and allow clicked files
to be passed to it as arguments. Edit should be configurable (I like Emacs).
Alternatively, DU should be a utility that gets hooked directly into the
Workbench menus. Something to marry the CLI and Workbench environments. I
wonder how Peter da Silvas Browser is coming along?
David Masterson
The last I heard, Peter was getting his Browser pretty well into shape. He had
just about decided to go shareware rather than commercial. At least, that is
what he was indicating on Usenet a week or so ago. There are MANY things about
Peter's Browser that I like.
Fascinating henry… seems you've gone from criticising programs that are out
right up the ladder to criticising ones that are proposed only, with no idea if
the way it is going to be done might just be a better way than having to have 2
directories.
-larry
Do you know of a way to do extensive disk operations effectively with only 1
displayed directory? Show me an example somewhere.
Henry,
I used "Du5" for a _long_ time, (this was a yr or so ago) it only has one
directory and was 'usable'. It may not be 'as' usefull as a two windowed one,
but it did everything I needed to do.
– Keith
One directory open is laughable. ST owners complained they could only have 4
open – with a patch now they can have 8. If you lived with that many for a
short time – even on GEOS (as an example, I don't know how GEOS works) 1 or 2
directories in the current DUs would seem very primitive indeed.
Herny,
Just for the record I agree with Keith. Too me 4 directories on screen is
primitive. I value my screen space. I also want as many files as possible for
each directory I'm viewing on screen. Two is great. Three,Four,Eight, ick! your
going down hill!
Dale
Henry,
The message I replied to was one from you, deciding beforehand that the
fellow who 'had a new way to do something' was all wet, and that he couldn't
possibly do it without showing at least two directories. I never claimed to
know a way to do that. What I objected to was your dismissal of it without even
bothering to find out more about it. The floor of history is littered with
those that say 'impossible'.
-larry
I agree with your general concept completely. However, this is pretty basic.
I guess if he comes up with something new and brilliant, fine. I don't want it
to slip into the mold of the other DUs with 1 directory, and nothing to
overcome that limitation, or it will be a waste.