New and returning System 7 users often ask about a launcher
utility akin to the Mac OS X dock. Many are not aware that the
Apple Menu can actually serve as that - with very little
overhead. With the release of System 7.0, Macintosh users could
individualize their menu contents by putting files or aliases
into the Apple Menu folder within their System Folder. System 7.5
added hierachical menus and recently used docs, apps and servers.
What? That Menu is just a horrible unsorted list? Well, by using
a little ASCII magic, you can arrange the items in any way you'd
like. The trick is to begin the filenames with a special
character such as a space. Because a space has a higher
preference than other characters, it'll place the item at the top
of the list. Likewise, option characters like the diamond (Shift
+ Option + v) put an item to the bottom of the list.
To enhance usability, feel free to add separators between logical
sections, like between your most used apps, document or control
panels. Just create an alias of an empty folder and the change
the filename to one or two spaces followed by hyphens.
If the folder icon bugs you, you can make it invisible. Create a
little white rectangle in a paint program and paste it over the
folder icon in the Get Info window.
Another variation would be to use a sound file instead of an
empty folder alias. It'll play a sound or comment of your choice
whenever you fumble with the mouse. Just option drag a sound from
the System file. Change the name and icon and drag it to the
Apple Menu Items folder. Voila!
There's also a good dozen or more utilities that can help you
organize your Apple menu. Now Menus (part of Now Utilities) was a
commercial product allowing for rearranging items in the Apple
menu, adding separators and changing background colors.
Be Hierachic was a shareware product that give you the same basic
functionality as Apple Menu Options. If you start exploring,
you'll find even more ways to tweak your Apple Menu and turn your
Macintosh into a No-Dock zone! :-)
