Welcome to Copland Icons Release II! This is the second edition of my popular "Copland System Icons" package, which I created about a year ago. Like the original, this release is designed to give you a taste of what the upcoming Copland operating system will be like. It doesn't give you a complete Copland immersion experience, as Aaron does (more on that later), but it does provide a fast, easy and trouble-free way to improve your Mac's interface.
I am proud to say that the original release has been a big hit, having been distributed on numerous CD-ROM titles, included with "Essential Software" type books, and uploaded to countless on-line services. Because of all that, and because of the fact that we are now a year closer to Copland, I thought it was time for an update.
What's New in Release II
The new features in this release are based on feedback–positive and otherwise–that I have received from the users of the first version. Release II includes:
• An updated look for all the icons: All icons now have a softer, more 3-Dish feel to them. Among other things, this includes a lighter shadow for all the folders as well as a consistent light source coming from above left. I believe these icons are closer to the actual icons Apple will release with Copland.
• An new Installer: Previous versions required the user to use ResEdit to install the icons in the System File, which was a scary process for even the most experienced guru. Using ResCompare by Michael Hecht, I have created an installer program to take care of the dirty work. There is still a manual installation option for those who want to use it.
• Further MacOS 7.5 compatibility: The pervious version of my Copland icons did not update the "Recent Applications, Recent Documents and Recent Servers" icons in the Apple Menu. This version also installs new resources in the Apple Menu Options Control Panel, which takes care of the problem.
• No extension conflicts or other such problems: This actually isn't a new feature per-se, but is worth mentioning anyway. Since these icons are literally just that–icons–you won't have to worry about Extension conflicts or any of the other problems that upgrades like this one typically provide. Indeed, this upgrade is completely transparent to the system–it won't even know it's been done.
• Updated Information: I have updated my e-mail address. The old one will soon be going out of service; people should now e-mail me at ordal@poboxes.com. I have also created a small web page for these icons, which should facilitate their distribution. It is available at http://www.halcyon.com/ordal/copland/.
That just about covers the main new features in Release II. As before, if you have any suggestions on what you'd like to see in the future, please pass them along.
Installation Instructions
There are two ways to install Copland Icons Release II–either manually or using the Installer. You should try using the Installer first–it will be able to handle most installations. To do so, just open it and follow the instructions on the screen. Occasionally, the Installer will not work properly, and in those situations you should install the icons manually. To get started with that procedure, read the "Installation Instructions" file in the "Manual Installation" folder.
Aaron
Since the initial release of these icons, an interesting new option for getting a Copland style interface on your Macintosh has become available. Even though it technically is my "competition", I would be remiss if I didn't tell you about it.
Aaron, written by Greg Landweber, gives you a complete Copland "interface immersion" experience. In addition to new icons, it gives you a 3-D Apple for your Apple Menu, a new gray menu bar, "spring loaded" 3-D style windows–the works. However, unlike these Copland Icons, it is an extension, and is therefore prone to extension conflicts. Furthermore, it has the tendency to slow your computer down significantly, since it has to take over from the Macintosh many of the display routines. It is also $10 shareware, and so if you use it for more than a few days, you are obligated to pay for it.
I personally do not use Aaron, because I find it makes my computer way too slow and causes too many display problems. Furthermore, I can't really justify paying for something that I will be able to get free from Apple in less than a year. However, if it sounds interesting to you, I encourage you to give it a try. Aaron is available on many major Macintosh archive sites.
Troubleshooting
Q: The Recent Items icons in the Apple Menu don’t display properly. I see the old icons.
A: The Apple Menu Options Control Panel often doesn't automatically update the icons for the Recent Items folders it creates in the Apple Menu. To force an update, follow these steps:
• Go into the Apple Menu Options Control Panel and uncheck the "Remember recently used items" box.
• Close the Control Panel.
• Go back into the Control Panel, and re-check the "Remember recently used items" box. The icons will now display properly.
Q: I can't install the icons properly using the Installer. It says I may need to perform a manual installation. Why is that and how do I do it?
A: Sometimes the Installer can't automatically update the icons because it finds strange things (such as other Copland icons) in the System File. You can still use the icons, but you'll have to install them the old fashioned way. Look in the "Manual Installation" folder for a file called "Installation Instructions." Open it and follow the directions.
In any case, good luck, and enjoy your new "Copland" interface! As always, please feel free to send me your questions, comments and suggestions via e-mail. My address is ordal@poboxes.com.
DISCLAIMER
These icons are provided as a service to the Macintosh community. As such, the entire Copland Icons Release II package is provided "as is". I, David Ordal, make no warranties on this package or anything contained herein, and am not in any way responsible for any damage, destruction, interruptions of work, or loss of data it may cause.
One more thing…As before, these icons are absolutely free. You are free to copy them, redistribute them, modify them, re-color them, or do whatever you want with them. Enjoy!
