Monday's Mac Gadget by John F. Braun Snitch Rats On Your Files Snitch 2.6.1 ($20, Shareware) Mitch Jones One of the features that make Mac OS a pleasure to use is that a type and creator code are stored with each file, allowing you to simply double-click on a file to launch the associated application. No need to mess with archaic three-letter suffixes, which some otherwise modern operating systems use to associate files with applications. The Internet and File Exchange control panels round things out by setting these values for files that your computer obtains from Internet sites and PC media. But there may be times when you want to inspect or change these values. Alas, Mac OS offers no way to do this. Snitch extends the functionality of the Get Info dialog by adding fields where the type and creator of a file can be viewed and changed. Adventurous souls can enter new values manually, but most people will probably want Snitch to base the type and creator on that of an existing file. Frequently used values can be added to a small pull-down menu for each setting. A plug-in architecture allows information other than the default More Info (shown below) to be displayed. Some additional plug-ins include extended time and date info, and a text preview of the file contents. A Contextual Menu plug-in allows access to all Snitch options, including a batch change option, which can be tricky to access via the keyboard. Snitch feels like a natural extension to the Finder, and will help keep your files in order. Useful Link Snitch Home Page Monday's Mac Gadget is here to help you with those cool things that we all just have to have on our Macs. Shareware, Freeware, Postcardware, Emailware, and even commercial apps, Monday's Mac Gadget is here to help you find and use the best of these programs. John is a software engineer who works in the corporate R&D group of a Fortune 500 company, focusing on all aspects of communications technology. He has several degrees that claim he knows what he's doing when it comes to computers. After watching co-workers reinstall Windows, search for device drivers, and experience other horrors during the day, he's glad that he comes home to a Mac (compatible) computer. Have any comments, suggestions, or favorite Gadgets? Drop John a line at You can also Post Your Comments below. Current Monday's Mac Gadget Want to Supercharge Your Dock? Check Out Todos! - August 21st Worried About Your Mac Getting Jacked? Get JackSMS - June 12th Want iChat with Tabs? Try Chax! - April 3rd Visit Monday's Mac Gadget Archives for more great Mac Gadgets!