Re: [MacPerl] Installing on Users' Macs

[Matthew Langford <langfml [at] eng [dot] auburn [dot] edu>]

> At 20.09 -0500 1998.12.02, Paul J. Schinder wrote:
> >That's an idea.  As I recall, Tcl/Tk puts all of its files in the
> >Extensions or the Preferences folder.  Maybe lib should go there,
> >additionally protected by invisibility.  There's a System Folder lockdown
> >built into 8.5, no?

I'm uncomfortable with making the whole MacPerl folder invisible.  I
really don't even like locking, actually.  Locking is mostly ineffective
(only an option key away from a silent delete), and annoying.  Invisible
smacks of being Big Brotherly protective--I don't want you to mess up this
large folder of stuff I need, so I'll hide it from you.  How would you
feel if Microsoft did this with all the schmack they install?  All of a
sudden, disk space disappears and can't be accounted for.

The System folder is a universal location for Don't-Mess-With-This things,
I agree.  So I suppose this is the place for the core and modules (but not
necessarily docs/PODs or other non-executable peripherals).  Java VMs, for
example, often make their way to the System folder.  Probably the
Extension folder, or a special Perl folder, would be appropriate.

My only reservation comes from trying to keep my System folder on an
optimized partition or drive, and watching in frustration as everything
including the kitchen sink was continually thrown in the System folder. 
Also, it is striking how simple the Mac System folder is compared to
Win95/98's Windows directory.  I'd like to pitch in to help keep it clean.
But this is worth a spot, I think.

How about this under MacOS 8.5:  could you attach a Folder Action which
warns of dire consequences upon a deletion attempt?  Or do Folder Actions
only work for an incoming-files Action and not a delete Action?  If this
did work, programs using MacPerl could register upon installation, and the
FolderAction could warn that those specific programs would break upon
deletion.

But again, placing essentials in the System Folder is usually enough to
prevent people from messing with them.  And those that do delete
System-things are usually willing to accept the consequences.


--
MattLangford 


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