Why Use Application Launchers???

[MisterMe]

Amie, I tend to agree with you. I find it easier to double-click the file I want to edit. This automatically launches the default application and loads the file I want. This is one easy step. MacOS X provides the Dock for launching frequently-used applications and selecting running applications. The need for additional launchers is lost on me. If you like them, however, more power to you.

I have no idea what camgangrel21's indecipherable rant is all about. He appears to believe that Apple did not provide a launcher in MacOS 9. If this is the case, he could not be more wrong. In MacOS 9, Apple provided a Control Panel called Launcher. It remains a part of the Classic environment.

[Amie]

OK, OK. All very valid, good points. I can see where you're all coming from per app launchers. But I still think it would be easier to just click on the app's icon. Even if you can't fit all 300 or however many apps you use into your Dock, you could make folders and put many in each folder, that way when you click and hold the folder in the Dock, the menu of apps will pop up ... and you just click. I think most of you just like installing stuff on your computer. Hence, app launchers. lol

[Amie]

Originally Posted by MisterMe

Amie, I tend to agree with you. I find it easier to double-click the file I want to edit. This automatically launches the default application and loads the file I want. This is one easy step. MacOS X provides the Dock for launching frequently-used applications and selecting running applications. The need for additional launchers is lost on me. If you like them, however, more power to you.

I have no idea what camgangrel21's indecipherable rant is all about. He appears to believe that Apple did not provide a launcher in MacOS 9. If this is the case, he could not be more wrong. In MacOS 9, Apple provided a Control Panel called Launcher. It remains a part of the Classic environment.

Wow. Someone actually agrees with me. I'm speechless...

[Mikuro]

Originally Posted by Amie

Even if you can't fit all 300 or however many apps you use into your Dock, you could make folders and put many in each folder, that way when you click and hold the folder in the Dock, the menu of apps will pop up ... and you just click.

True enough, but once you start using menus for items in the Dock, you're no longer using it for what it's best at. If you want a menu of apps, it ought to be in the menu bar — just like in OS 9! Of course, there's no shortage of programs that will do this in OS X. But I don't use them anymore (Butler! Butler! ).

Besides, using menus isn't as fast as hitting a few keys. At least I find that to be the case. So I prefer to put my priority-1 apps in my Dock, and use other means for everything else.

I think most of you just like installing stuff on your computer. Hence, app launchers. lol

Uh oh. Busted! I have to admit, that's part of it. But...but it's efficient! Efficient I say!



Oh, and lest I turn people away from Butler just because they don't need/want an app launcher, let me say that Butler does much, much more than just that. You can use it to launch web searches, control iTunes, execute AppleScript's...you name it. All with customizable hotkeys. And it's free! Freeeee! So check it out. It rocks.

Man I love Butler.

[Amie]

Originally Posted by Mikuro

True enough, but once you start using menus for items in the Dock, you're no longer using it for what it's best at. If you want a menu of apps, it ought to be in the menu bar — just like in OS 9! Of course, there's no shortage of programs that will do this in OS X. But I don't use them anymore (Butler! Butler! ).

Besides, using menus isn't as fast as hitting a few keys. At least I find that to be the case. So I prefer to put my priority-1 apps in my Dock, and use other means for everything else.


Uh oh. Busted! I have to admit, that's part of it. But...but it's efficient! Efficient I say!



Oh, and lest I turn people away from Butler just because they don't need/want an app launcher, let me say that Butler does much, much more than just that. You can use it to launch web searches, control iTunes, execute AppleScript's...you name it. All with customizable hotkeys. And it's free! Freeeee! So check it out. It rocks.

Man I love Butler.

All right, pipe down, Mikuro. That's enough. You sound like an advertisement. lol

Seriously though, thanks for the info. I just might check out this beloved Butler you speak of so fondly. Tell me though, does Butler also cook and clean?

[Lt Major Burns]

actually while we're on the subsect of the dock, is there any programs, hacks, tweaks or mods/scripts that i could change my dock to be a double-click-to-launch?

it's my only, and biggest gripe about the dock is that i frequently launch the wrong app and have to force quit it quickly...

[Amie]

Originally Posted by Lt Major Burns

actually while we're on the subsect of the dock, is there any programs, hacks, tweaks or mods/scripts that i could change my dock to be a double-click-to-launch?

it's my only, and biggest gripe about the dock is that i frequently launch the wrong app and have to force quit it quickly...

Hey, Mister Busy Fingers, why do you have to force quit? Why not just quit? Is there something wrong with your Dock that causes apps to freeze when launched or something? If I accidentally launch the wrong app from my Dock, I simply quit the app (usually Apple (Command) + Q). Just a regular quit, no force quit.

[Lt Major Burns]

while the application is still bouncing, it, by default, doesn't respond, force quit is the only option until the program stops bouncing, but i'm too quick for that y'see :P