RotateMF7 is an FKEY for System 7*. It provides a keyboard equivalent for the application menu in the upper right of your menu bar. When you invoke RotateMF7 FKEY, the front application will go to the “back” of the application list and the next one will come to the front. (“Next” application is somewhat ambiguous; the “next” application is the one that appears next in the application menu.)
* Yes yes, I know full well that FKEYs are verboten under System 7. This one works anyway. When the Meanies release a new interface for FKEYs, I'll probably update this to follow it.
Installation and De-installation
Unfortunately for you, I am too lazy to provide an installation program for this FKEY. This means you have two options. Use ResEdit to paste the FKEY resource into the System file (or a Suitcase file) or use one of the many capable third party FKEY installers. Eventually Apple will provide an interface for this. If you want to remove the FKEY, you have the same two options.
Technical History
RotateMF7 is a re-write of a program I wrote once upon a time. That program would click in the upper right of the screen where the cute little MultiFinder application icon lived. Clicking there would tell MultiFinder to switch to the next application. The old program provided a keyboard equivalent for that. Under System 7, that icon is still there, but clicking on it now pulls down a menu. So the old program does next to nothing.
The new program dumps all the subterfuge of convincing the Mac to switch processes by simulating clicks in special places. It now goes right to heart of the matter, to the processes themselves. This is made possible by the explicit process control supported by System 7.
Distribution
RotateMF7 FKEY is relatively freely distributable. It is copyrighted, and all rights belong to me. However, you may distribute this program wherever you like, provided you
1) don’t charge money for it other than a disk copying or download fee not to exceed $5 per disk or $1 per file with allowances for inflation
2) include the original documentation
If you are a shareware or freeware disk seller, don’t bother me. Do not call me, do not write me. Do not attempt to ask my permission in any way, shape, or form to re-distribute my program. Just do it. As long as you don’t exceed the disk copying fee guidelines above, you have no reason to hassle me. I will ignore all communications in opposition to this paragraph. If you absolutely, positively need my signature, you’re out of luck.
Usage License
If you use this program for more than, say, a week, you are obliged to, get this… pay one of the shareware fees you’ve been meaning to pay for a long time but haven’t. That’s right, pick a program you use fairly often, dig up the documentation file, find out how much the author wants, and pay. Pick the cheapest one if you like. But pay the fee.
Support
All support is via electronic mail. I will be happy to reply to email. Real USPS mail is a hassle I don’t like. Voice phone calls are right out. If you don’t have any access to email, find someone who does and ask them what to do about it.
America Online: Zow
(When will AOL get bridges? RSN.)
InterNet: gurgle@well.sf.ca.us
CompuServe: >INTERNET: gurgle@well.sf.ca.us
AppleLink: gurgle@well.sf.ca.us@internet#
MCI Mail: “TO: ” Pete Gontier (ems)
“EMS: ” internet
“MBX: ” gurgle@well.sf.ca.us
Connect : DASNET
first line of message: “\“gurgle@well.sf.ca.us\”@DASNET
TeleMail: [INTERMAIL/USCISI]TELEMAIL/USA
first line of message: “Forward: ARPA”
second line of message: “To: gurgle@well.sf.ca.us”
