Download osl-handler.hqx (31,459 KB)
From: mardis.family@erols.com
Subject: OSL Handler
OSL Handler
(formerly ObjectSupportLib Check)
©1998 by W.S. Mardis
email:
What is it?
OSL Handler is an AppleScript applet which, after determining that you¹re
running System 8.0 or later, searches your Extensions folder for a copy
of ObjectSupportLib and, if found, offers youthe userthe options of
deleting it (recommended), moving it to the Trash, or leaving it alone.
Why do I need it?
ObjectSupportLib is a shared library used by many applications. Prior to
the introduction of System 8, it was a separate file which was installed
in the Extensions folder. Installers for applications that required
ObjectSupportLib often installed a copy, just to make sure it was there.
Beginning with System 8, however, the functionality of ObjectSupportLib
was included in the System file. Most installers, though, don¹t know this
and still install a copy of ObjectSupportLib. Unfortunately, its presence
is almost certainly bound to cause problems with your Mac. For instance,
you may see the Finder repeatedly load the desktop and be unable to
launch any applications. If this happens, you¹ll probably find that your
Finder preferences file has been corrupted and all settings have reverted
to their default values; the only way to get your values to ³stick² again
is to Trash the Finder preferences file, restart your computer and then
set your values. Something of a pain, all because of that one little file.
How do I use it?
OSL Handler may be run at any time by double clicking its icon. However,
since most installers which place anything inside the System Folder at
least suggest, if not require, that you restart your computer, the best
place to put OSL Handler is in the Shutdown Items folder inside the
System Folder; that way, it will usually run and check for an
ObjectSupportLib just before shutdown or restart.
More complete details on the use of OSL Handler are available in the
TexEdit format file, "OSL Handler Read Me".
Requirements
If you¹ve gotten this far, you probably realize by now that OSL Handler
requires AppleScript, and that you should only use it with System 8 or
later. That¹s it.
Testing
If you want to test OSL Handler, place a copy of any file (not a folder)
in your Extensions folder and rename it ³ObjectSupportLib² (without the
quotes). Double click on OSL Handler¹s icon and, assuming that you¹re
running System 8 or later, OSL Handler will do its thing.
Caveats
There are only two that I¹m aware of. First, some installers seem to
by-pass the normal shutdown routine, such that an item in the Shutdown
Items folder won¹t be run. Obviously, if OSL Handler isn¹t run, it can¹t
check for a copy of ObjectSupportLib. Fortunately, for me at least, this
is a rare occurrence.
The second is more insidious. A friend told me today that he found a copy
of ObjectSupportLib in the System Folder rather than in the Extensions
folder where it¹s supposed to be, and that it was active. I suppose I
could have OSL Handler look throughout the System Folder but most people,
I suspect, wouldn¹t want to wait as long as would be required for such a
search.
Shareware
OSL Handler is being released as shareware. No annoying reminders. No
expiration. Just a simple request that you mail $1.00 to me at:
W.S. Mardis
45 Victoria Court
Holland, PA 18966