Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

Is There an app that can open a note when a folder is opened

Feb 19, 2012 4:53PM PST

I'm using a G5 PPC - OS-X 10.5.8

Discussion is locked

GeeCeeDee has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

- Collapse -
In theory
Feb 20, 2012 12:20AM PST

In theory, you could create a simple AppleScript script that is executed every time a specific folder is opened, and then that could just make an entry in a log file somewhere for you to check later. However, I'm guessing anyone who has to ask this question isn't going to be up to the challenge of creating such a script, and you'd also have to figure out a way to eliminate possible false-positives from things like Time Machine and Spotlight.

So, long story short, if you don't want someone accessing certain files, keep them on some kind of removable storage that you take with you every time you get up from the computer.

- Collapse -
In Acknowledgement
Feb 20, 2012 1:34PM PST

Thank you Jimmy Greystone for taking time out to reply to my question.

- Collapse -
Such a program
Feb 20, 2012 11:17PM PST

Such a program would be a significant security risk, because if you have the ability to launch a text editing program with some file, what's to say you couldn't launch any random executable program you wanted? Microsoft tried this with the whole auto-run idea in Windows, and it was exploited mercilessly until Microsoft finally disabled the feature by default.

For every legitimate use of such a feature, there's another one that's more nefarious.

One thing you can look into, and I have to admit to not knowing exactly how it is done, but you can modify the way a specific folder looks. You see it happen a lot of times when you download a program like say Adium (just as an example I saw recently). So, you might be able to just put a big README type icon somewhere as something of a compromise. Modify the background and icon placement so that anyone who doesn't read the README only has themselves to blame.

- Collapse -
Thank You
Feb 21, 2012 3:26PM PST

Thank you Jimmy.

That was illuminating. Never thought of that for a second. Shame though.

At least my questions are answered and I can now put that idea to rest and figure out something else.

Thanks again.

- Collapse -
README
Feb 20, 2012 11:29PM PST

I agree that the standard for this one over the years is the README file.
Bob

- Collapse -
Thank You
Feb 21, 2012 3:31PM PST

Thank you R.Proffitt.

I am very grateful to you for taking the time to answer my question.