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From: phil@vaxphw.enet.dec.com (Phil Hunt)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac,comp.sys.mac.programmer
Subject: INIT user guidlines proposal
Date: 30 OCT 89 22:13:39    
Organization:  Digital Equipment Corporation

A Modest Proposal on INIT setup                                 10-30-89

Hi,

As everyone knows, INITs are a wonderful part of the Macintosh Architecture.
INITs let us customize our systems by modifying the System to fit our personal
likes and dislikes.

But as we also know, INITs can be a headache.  INITs can conflict with each
other in strange and wonderful or mysterious ways.  Also, it is very difficult 
to turn off selectively some  INITS as each requires a different key to cause 
it not to load.  An INIT also doesn't give a user any 'warning' as to when to 
press the 'no load' key.

The following is a proposal, a 'Human Guidelines for INIT writing' document
that should allow some standardization in the way the user interacts with an 
INIT during startup.

===================================================================
Human Guidlines for INIT Writing

An INIT, when it begins execution, should display a startup ICON using SHOWINIT
or SHOWCINIT code (or any other compatible code segment) that has been floating 
around the networks for a long time.  It should display a 'successful' or 
'question mark' ICON on startup.   The 'question mark' ICON is a modified 
'successful' ICON with a question mark on top of it.  This tells the
user the INIT is waiting for user response.  The INIT should then check for 
the SHIFT key.  If it is depressed, the INIT should wait 1 second before 
continuing.  This will allow the SHIFT key to act as a 'slow motion'  startup, 
allowing the user to find an INIT to selectively load or not load easily.  

Whether the INIT continued or waited 1 second, it should then check for 2 keys,
the 'pretzel'  key or the OPTION key.  If the 'pretzel' key is found depressed,
thew INIT should show a 'NO LOAD/UNSUCCESSFUL' ICON, which is a successful 
ICON with a 'X' on top.  If this is displayed, the INIT should exit with no 
processing occurring.

The OPTION key is used by INITs that require configuration.  This key, if found
means the user would like to configure the INIT, causing a dialog window to 
appear.  Upon completion of the INIT configuration, the INIT will execute 
it's startup code.  At the completion of the startup code, the INIT should 
display it's 'successful' ICON and complete execution.

Note, all ICONS should appear on top of each other, overwriting the previous
ICON or status of the INIT.

If all INITs followed these guidelines, eventually a user could very easily
turn  INITs on or off as well as see which INITs loaded or didn't load.

====================================================================
I can be reached with any questions or responses at:

Compuserve:  76424,2545
Genie:       XMG17394
Usenet:      Above address (or return path of this message)

But better yet, lets keep this proposal in the public limelight 
and build on it.  Keep the discussion on the public networks for all to 
contribute.  Lets create a standard for INITs like the rest of the Macintosh 
has had for years.  In the long run, we will all benefit.


==================================================================
Phil Hunt                      "Wherever you go, there you are!!!"
Digital Equipment Corporation                 Phone: (508)486-2164 
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