!Fist.!Help   Release 0.002

What is Fist?
The Fist List is a collection of OpenDir files which help manage the appearance of directory displays on a RISC OS desktop. Wouldn't you like a quicker way than the menu to select a different, perhaps frequently used, alternate display option for temporary and local use? I find I prefer some of my directories displayed one way (sorted by date) and another I may prefer shown another way (sorted by name). RISC OS is limited as the filer display menu is a global option stored in CMOS RAM even across a power-off. !Fist is an alternative to the OS's sledgehammer until such time that every directory viewer remembers its own display settings and we have options such as 'Thumbnails', 'Film Strip' and 'Auto'. I can dream.  ;-)

To use the Fist files it helps if you quickly grasp the meanings of the Fist files' names:

                    FisD     Full info, sort by Date
                    FisN     Full info, sort by Name
                    FisS     Full info, sort by Size
                    FisT     Full info, Sort by Type
                    LisD     Large Icons, sort by Date
                    LisN     Large Icons, sort by Name
                    LisS     Large Icons, sort by Size
                    LisT     Large Icons, Sort by Type
                    SisD     Small Icons, sort by Date 
                    SisN     Small Icons, sort by Name
                    SisS     Small Icons, sort by Size
                    SisT     Small Icons, Sort by Type

Into some of my directories I have copied only one of these files; some viewers I always want to see as Large icons, sorted by Type (LisT). You get the idea? Running one of these files will close and re-open the directory window it occupies with new display options and without disturbing the global settings. Open a different directory viewer and see.

What do I need?
A personal computer which has RISC OS 3.1 or higher. (This application and its files will not work with other operating systems unless you are using an ARM environment emulator to run RISC OS.)

How does it work?
When the !Fist application is run, first seen or a "Filer_Boot" takes place to 'register' it with the operating system, the filetype 009 is named OpenDir and given a sprite. If you use filetype 009 for something else, you may need to make some changes to every file here. 

When the Application !Fist is Run a directory ('!Fist.List') holding the Fist Files is opened.

What are the Fist Files?
They are a dozen OpenDir files, some or all of which can be placed in (copied/dragged to) any writeable directory to give that directory a short-cut to its (perhaps only one preferred) display option(s). Owing to the way they have been named (with a leading hard space) and their ability to Stamp themselves, these tiny OpenDir files should always be at the top of directory displays sorted on name, type or date and will always re-order the directory display they are in - but they must be run by double-clicking; the filer doesn't 'boot' them. Add several files to a single directory and it begins to look like the file folder has graphical display option buttons. ;-)

If you delete or move the Fist files by mistake, the BASIC utility 'Make_Files' in the same directory as this !Help file will recreate all the Fist files and save them in the RAM disc; not in !Fist.List in case you have changed some of the files' window position settings. If you have lost only one or two files (there should be twelve) copying only those few needed from RamDisc0 will prevent any changes you may have made being overwritten by new files. 

Editing the Fist files.
I have included in the files certain window positions which suit my way of working. You may want to alter these. All you have to do is load the Fist file into your favourite editor (by shift-double-clicking). For help with the Filer_OpenDir keyword used in the files, open a task window and type "help filer_opendir". Of course, you could change the default window position applied to all new files in Make_Files.

This software is freeware and may be freely distributed and used, but not for profit. Please tell me about changes you make and whether you find it useful. All feedback welcome.

Tim Hill  < t i m ( a t ) t i m i l . c o m >
(c) 2001-2008           www.timil.com/riscos/