Is the Finder living up to it's potential?

I don't know the workings behind the interface of the Mac OS X Finder, but I've been told that it is essentually a database. Assuming this is true, why is the Finder so limited in functions? Not that I'm complaining, Its a good interface, better than any other. I just get the feeling that it could do so much more.
What is the Finder? Does it include Spotlight, expose and other features that have come and gone or are these actually part of the finder that does exploit the database qualities precent? I wouldn't want to see the Finder regress any more than it has. (I remember back, way back when the ability to have more than one window open and being able to see both was a highly touted feature and selling point. Now the exact oppisite is true. Although now we have a choice.)
But databases should be able to do more of the little things. I'm sure we used to be able to tile the screens. Is this still there somewhere? One way to minimize a window was to double click its name and have that window shade effect reduce the window to just the title bar. Simple and keeps the window in sight so its not missed at a crutial time. Why can't you calculate the size of your files and folders in a search? Why can't I color my text and use it as a sort feature or quick refernce to what project the file belongs to? Why can't I sort by two columns a first sort and then a second like Excel? Why can't I have more colors for labels or increase the number of labels? Can files be tagged and accessed from other software like mail or ical or even third party software? Are the reminders in iCal the same as in Mail's to do list? Why not? Why can't we mix the way files and forlders are presented in a finder window? It could be as simple as taking three differnt windows and combining them into one seamless window treated as one folder? Drag and move files between the seamless sections and in the back ground the files move to the correct folder if one folder is not used when the windows are combined?
Take a good hard look at what other database and spreadsheet software does and determine if it would be an asset in the Finder. And make the Finder backward compatible. So you don't have Rossetta in Lion. Its a seperate item in Snow Leopard. Why not let users install the feature from the Snow Leopard disk. A small market for legacy software could be created or you could sell these as Mac Apps on the store. Perhaps ever rework them into plugins or Widgets for the dashboard.
Are any of these things feasible? Are any of these desireable? Would it make the finder to complicated? I believe that the vast varity of useful feature exist that the best of the best should be incorporated in the finder — the forgotten database.
Thanks, I look forward to being ripped to shreds and I also apologize for the poor organization of this work. I don't have time to spend on creating a nice concise professional article. Sorry.
Rod

The Finder application is essentially a file finder, although it does deal with the whole desktop metaphor, along with the other parts of the operating system such as Spotlight and Expose. It has never been a database or a spreadsheet application. Legacy items such as Rosetta are not independent applications and require quite a few support frameworks - one thing I've noticed over the last 30 or so years is that Apple is not afraid to drop older technologies and move on.
Apple tends to design software based around the primary needs (or at least what it thinks are the primary needs) of the majority of users. Implementing every feature that anyone thinks should be included would lead to bloat and increased complexity which only benefits a small number of users. Simplicity and consistency tend to win over trying to match what others do. Apple seems to be more than willing to let third-party developers provide hacks tools and features that specialized users may want.
As far as I can tell, creating multiple Finder windows and adding comments haven't been changed, although I don't really use them that much. The design decisions as to what features the Finder has are made by Apple, you can provide feedback to them if desired.

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When I login, all of my desktop items are gone, the "Finder" icon is bouncing and a message asking to restore windows is blinking but unresponsive. I can't exit out of it. What do I do? I've tried force quitting, and it doesn't get rid of it.

When I login, all of my desktop items are gone, the "Finder" icon is bouncing and a message asking to restore windows is blinking but unresponsive. I can't exit out of it. What do I do? I've tried force quitting, and it doesn't get rid of this message. When I login to my husband's account, this message does not appear.

Hey sunnyday7!
Here is an article that can help you address this issue:
OS X: How to quit an unresponsive application using Force Quit
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3411
Additional Information
OS X automatically relaunches the Finder when it is quit. If the Finder is unresponsive, use Force Quit to relaunch it. Select Finder in the Force Quit Window or Dock, then click Relaunch.
Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities. Have a good one!
-Braden

How to delete when file in use by the finder?

I have two files in my trash which won't delete. I get the error that they are being used by another program. Holding down option, using secure empty trash, using the terminal method of deleting the trash.. none of them work.
So I did the terminal command: lsof /path-to-file and found out it was being used by Finder. I don't think I can exactly quit the Finder process in Activity Monitor.. so how can I get these files out of my trash?

Thanks. Unfortunately, when I quit finder and try to delete the files in the trash by the following command:
sudo rm -rf ~/.Trash/*
It tells me "Directory not empty". Argghh..
I feel like I've tried everything. Can someone give me some other suggestions? Thanks

How do I find a photo file in the Finder + future migration question

Being a recent Mac convert, I am just getting used to the 'complete control' approach to photo management that iPhoto has. I'm used to knowing where my photos physically reside on my computer - this is useful for doing things like uploading photos to a website for example. How do I actually find a particular photo in the Finder (or even give photo files recognisable names, as opposed to whatever automated naming system iPhoto uses)?
A followup question to this is, what happens if I ever want to migrate my photos out of iPhoto one day to another application or even back to a PC (God forbid - just my paranoia about being forced to use a particular system forever kicking in here!) - is there a way to do this, and keep photo modifications etc? Or once I start using iPhoto, have I made my decision for life??
My apologies if this has been asked before, I couldn't find anything in the forum when searching.

poddster
I hope you've a notebook and pen, but you've asked a lot of questions:
I'm used to knowing where my photos physically reside on my computer
You photos are stored in the iPhoto Library at your Pictures Folder. This is a Unix style Package Folder that very easy to see inside: right click on it and choose show package contents. A finder window opens with the library exposed.
Here's how the library is laid out:
In this folder there are various files, which are the Library itself and some ancillary files. Then you have three folders
Originals are the photos as they were downloaded from your camera or scanner.
(ii) Modified contains edited pics, shots that you have cropped, rotated or changed in any way.
iPhoto always preserves the original file, all operations are carried out on a copy.
(iii) Data holds the thumbnails the the app needs to show you the photos in the iPhoto Window.
And here's a warning: It is strongly advised that you do not move, change or in anyway alter things in the iPhoto Library Folder as this can cause the application to fail and even lead to data loss.
this is useful for doing things like uploading photos to a website for example
No it's not. Don't surf the iPhoto Library. The idea with iPhoto is that you do everything via the iPhoto Window or media browsers:
So, to access pics use one (or more) of the following:
There are three ways (at least) to get files from the iPhoto Window.
1. *Drag and Drop*: Drag a photo from the iPhoto Window to the desktop, there iPhoto will make a full-sized copy of the pic.
2. *File -> Export*: Select the files in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Export. The dialogue will give you various options, including altering the format, naming the files and changing the size. Again, producing a copy.
3. *Show File*: Right- (or Control-) Click on a pic and in the resulting dialogue choose 'Show File'. A Finder window will pop open with the file already selected.
To upload to MySpace or any site that does not have an iPhoto Export Plug-in the recommended way is to Select the Pic in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Export and export the pic to the desktop, then upload from there. After the upload you can trash the pic on the desktop. It's only a copy and your original is safe in iPhoto.
This is also true for emailing with Web-based services. If you're using Gmail you can use THIS
If you use Apple's Mail, Entourage, AOL or Eudora you can email from within iPhoto.
If you use a Cocoa-based Browser such as Safari, you can drag the pics from the iPhoto Window to the Attach window in the browser. Or, if you want to access the files with iPhoto not running, then create a Media Browser using Automator (takes about 10 seconds) or use THIS
iPhot doesn't name the files, those names are given by your camera. You can add titles in iPhoto and if you use the File -> Export command there's a facility there to name the resulting file (it'll be a copy - remember what I said about all operation being done on a copy...) with the title.
Do not rename files in iPhoto, That comes under the heading of making changes in the iPhoto Library Folder and alters the path to the files. If you do, iPhoto will lose track of the file. But the truth is there's simply no need to. However, you can rename the files before importing them if you like.
Migrating is really easy. You've seen the layout of the Library above. The originals are all there, in the originals folder, the Modified versions in their folder. If you want to have only the most recent versions of pics, then export them from iPhoto to a folder on the desktop.
By all means post back if you need more.
Regards
TD

How to Open a Specific Folder in the Finder via Shortcut Key

I'm sure this has been covered elsewhere, so sorry for not finding it...
Is it possible to assign a shortcut key to open a specific folder with Automator or AppleScript? There are 4-5 commonly used folders buried 10-11 levels deep on a server and I'd love to have a shortcut key to open those particular folders in the Finder.
Could you give me some assistance?
Thanks!

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"the finder cannot complete the operation because some data in [name of iMovie file] could not be read or written (Error Code 26)

Hi all,
I have an iMovie project in iMovie HD 6.0.3. (Mac OS 10.5.8)
It plays, but I cannot copy the file (including saving it to a flash drive). I get either a message
"the finder cannot complete the operation because some data in [name of
iMovie file] could not be read or written (Error Code 26)" or the
message "A project file is missing. The file [name of the QuickTime
movie inside the project.dv] couldn't be opened and is being skipped."
This happened suddenly, I was able to save a backup version numerous
times while working on the project.
I followed some of Karl Petersen's advise on apple discussions. I opened
the package contents, and everything seems to be there. The source file
(original QuickTime movie) is there and can be opened and played. I
replaced the current project file with the backup in the package
contents, but that did not change anything. I was able to export the
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able to copy the current project.
Thanks for any ideas..

Make sure all drives are formatted as "Mac OS Extended". (Journalling preferred, but not necessary).

My iPhone was stolen a few days ago. It appears to be offline on the Find My iPhone app. If the person who has it turns it on only for a brief moment and then turns it off immediately, will the location still be found? Once it returns to be

My iPhone was stolen a few days ago. It appears to be offline on the Find My iPhone app. If the person who has it turns it on only for a brief moment and then turns it off immediately, will the location still be found? Once it returns to being offline will the location still be sent to me? And also, how can I retrieve my pictures from my iCloud?

Anything is possible.

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My new LaCie external hard drive is 'seen' by my iMac and I can go into the Finder and open files and folders. I am using the hard drive for Time Machine back up. However Time Machine says it can't find the drive.
The same thing happened recently between Final Cut Express and my other LaCie external hard drive used as the Scratch disk. It fixed itself.
I've run out of ideas. Help would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

have you done some searches on FCPx and time machine? Is there a known issue with using a TM drive with FCPx? dunno but ...wait...I'll take 60 sec for you cause I'm just that kind of guy.... google...." fcpx time machine problem" Frist page link
http://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/fcpx-bug-best-practices-for-using-external-hard- drives-and-final-cut-pro-x/
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booya!

My iPad has been stolen, I need some help with the Find my iPhone app and iCloud please

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Q - if either the iPad or the iPod goes into an unlocked wifi area, will I be notified on my phone?
Q - can anyone actually break into my iPad as it is locked?
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Q - I've reported this to the police - does Apple need to know?
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What To Do If Your iDevice or Computer Is Lost Or Stolen
If your Mac, iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch, or iPad is lost or stolen what do you do? There are things you should do in advance - before you lose it or it's stolen - and some things to do after the fact. Here are some suggestions:
1. Reporting a lost or stolen Apple product
2. Find my lost iPod Touch
3. AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon can block stolen phones/tablets
4. What-To-Do-When-Iphone-Is-Stolen
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7. Find My iPhone
It pays to be proactive by following the advice on using Find My Phone before you lose your device:
1. Find My iPhone
2. Setup your iDevice on MobileMe
3. OS X Lion- About Find My Mac
4. How To Set Up Free Find Your iPhone (Even on Unsupported Devices)
Third-party solutions for computers:
1. VUWER 1.5.4
2. Sneaky ******* 0.2.0
3. Undercover 4.7
4. LoJack for Laptops Premium Mac
5. STEM 2.1
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10.6.8 update crashed before it completed and now the Finder won't launch

This morning I was installing the update on my 25" iMac 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (was at 10.6.7) and after almost 15 minutes of the installer claiming to be moving files around, the screen went blank except for being backlit. After few minutes of pondering what to do, I restarted the computer and the "Finder quit unexpectedly." message started and all my iMac wants to do is have me send thousands of reports to Apple. I tried the safe restart and nothing changed expect the process number in the reports restarts in the low hundreds.
I have LOTS of applications on my dock and while most of the Apple applications (Safari, Disk Utility, etc.) crash upon launching, a few applications don't (Firefox takes a few minutes to crash while Chrome seems okay enough for me to send this report). The "About this Mac" claims that 10.6.8 is installed, so Software Update claims there are no updates, so I can't use that to reinstall the update (I'm not sure I should even if I could).
Because I cannot do is relaunch the Finder from either the Dock or via the "Force Quit" command I can't reinstall 10.6.8 via the. I can open a terminal window but I'm not sure what to do with that to get me out of this situation. I downloaded the combo update but without the Finder running, I don't know how to launch it via the a terminal window. Any suggestions welcomed.
TIA.

I've got my Mac back!
Even though the Finder wasn't running, because I had populated my Dock with dozens of applications, I was able to launch the Terminal app and open a window. From there I was eventually able to launch the Installer, point it at the 10.6.8 Combo Update (for some reason, fortunately, I had downloaded it rather than letting Software Update do it), and wait at least 30 minutes when the installer claimed that there was less than 1 minute left to complete the install. After it was done and I restarted the Mac, it no longer insisted that I needed to send/ignore thousands of "Finder quit unexpectedly." messages and the Finder was running.
BTW, towards the end of the installation (or re-installation), the Finder began to function (my desktop icons appeared and I could open folders) and now the only remaining issue is the Menu Bar won't appear unless I click the Finder in the Dock.
Thanks to those who helped me by providing the instructions needed to use the Terminal window correctly.

What's wrong with the Finder?

I don't understand it, When I select multiple items in a list, either by command-click or shift-click, when I attempt to move them or copy them, the moment I start to drag them I'm only holding one item, or half of what I selected. The rest of the selected files or folders stay put.
Also does anyone else have this problem.... In TextEdit or any other application, when I just click inside a window the default system highlighter becomes active. Meaning when you select text it becomes highlighted, well I'm just clicking in a TextEdit window to make the window active and it highlights whatever I click, especially when returning from another application or window.
Also in the finder or any other app. for that matter, but mostly in finder when I select multiple files or folders by command click, all of a sudden, it just depends when it wants to, all of the files or folders will open at once. So files open without being double-clicked. I checked my mouse preferences and that's not the issue, My double-click speed is fairly low and I'm not ripping through the list speed clicking everything. I'm all software updated, ran permissions, cleaned cache files, including font cache, re-boot nothing works. What's going on.

Dumpfbacke. thanks for getting back.
That was one of the first things I did.
Battery status shows 83% good for 30 days
there is also what's called LCC Connection utility, which allows you to
troubleshoot, well, connection issues and that's fine. I guess the mouse may just
be on the fritz.

The "Find" Feature in Adobe Acrobat 9

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Can you select this word using the Text Selection tool? If not, then the
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I have added the Documents folder to the Dock, however when I save a document it doesn't appear in the Documents folder on the Dock, only the Documents folder in the Finder. Is this a quirk, so am I doing something wrong?

I like having my Documents folder on the Dock so I added the Documents folder from the Finder to the Dock. When I save a document to the Documents folder, the saved document appears in the Documents folder from the Finder and not in the Documents folder on the Dock. Why is this happening? And how can I change this?

newbieAK wrote:
I opened the Finder, selected Documents, then right clicked and selected Add to Dock.
Oooh. I never new that was there.

When I go to my downloads folder on my dock and click the file all the content shows up but as soon as I go to open it in the finder, I get a blank window. Has anyone else had this problem, if so, How do you fix it.

When I go to my downloads folder on my dock and click the file all the content shows up but as soon as I go to open it in the finder, I get a blank window. Has anyone else had this problem, if so, How do you fix it. I also cant delete anything from this folder because of it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hey Allen,
I am having the same issue here in September. How did yor situation get resolved. My iPad Siri works great. My iPhone 5 Siri has been out of comission (OOC) for almost a month and I am beginning to get a little frustrated since Siri works so well in July....ANY assistance would be highly appreciated... Thanx

Set the Finder's Search Box default to current folder? How?

How do I set the the Finder's default Search Box parameters to be the current folder that I'm in, instead of searching the whole flamin' computer? (I have to quickly click on the folder name) And also instead of the default being 'Contents', how can I set it to be 'File Name'? It would speed up so many of my searches. I could still click on 'This Mac' to get that, and 'Contents' likewise.
Tks in advance
Drew

I complitely agree and very very frustrated with that problem too just wrote this to feedback system:
The problem that many people find is that when you have a finder windows open and that you browse a file like "Appplication" then due to the large number of application you use the search bar by taping the application name.
That's where the problem come from.
Once you tape the application name it start searching in the all computer ! instated of in the file
The second problem is that he is searching the content and it will be better to have as default by file name.
If i wanted to do that kind of search i will use the spolight button next to the clock and people want that search bar in finder to be searching in the folder you are in not all computer.
Last problem is that we don't have a custom option in spotlight preference or finder preference.
I would recommend to have that default search in finder change to search in file ONLY and to add Spotlight option in the Finder Preference for people to be able of customizing it.
When you use that search bar everyday many times a day it becomes very very frustrating.

Is the Finder living up to it's potential?

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