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DESCRIPTION
TinkerTool is an application that gives you access to additional preference settings Apple has built into Mac OS X. This allows to activate hidden features in the operating system and in some of the applications delivered with the system.

The tool makes sure that preference changes can only affect the current user. You don't need administrative privileges to use the tool. With this design, it is no problem to use TinkerTool in professional networks where users have restricted permissions. The program will never change any component of the operating system, so the integrity of your system is not put at risk, and there will be no negative effect on system updates.

All preference settings changed by TinkerTool can be reset to Apple's defaults, or to the state that existed before using the tool. No dangerous background processes are used for TinkerTool's operation. You may send bug reports here.

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WHAT'S NEW
Version 4.1:
  • By user request, settings for iTunes 9 are now available when running Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, too. (In addition to settings of iTunes 8 in Leopard).
  • Added preference for Snow Leopard and iTunes 9 to allow ratings with half stars.
  • Added preference for Snow Leopard and iTunes 9 to show a master playlist for the entire media library.
  • Added preference for Snow Leopard and iTunes 9 to load excerpts of tracks completely beforing playing them when browsing the iTunes Store. This is helpful when using slow Internet lines.
  • Corrected a problem where the check mark ”Maintain full-screen mode when switching to other applications” for QuickTime X could show the opposite state.
  • Corrected a problem where font smoothing of Mac OS X was assuming a different background color during animation of the preference panes. This could lead to visible artefacts on specific combinations of graphics chips and monitors.
REQUIREMENTS
Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

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SCREENSHOT

Developer:Marcel Bresink
Downloads:322,307
  - Version d/l:10,857
Utilities:Desktop
License:Free
Date:22 Mar 2010
Platform:PPC/Intel
RATING
****½

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TinkerTool User Reviews (68 posts)Write A Review
sort: smiles | time
Feb 22 2010

TORGOBOB  I see the listing for:

Added preference for Snow Leopard to let QuickLook inspect folders by showing them with transparent covers.

However, when I check this off & use QuickLook on a folder, nothing looks different. Either I'm not understanding what this is describing or its seemingly not working on my system...  
(Version 4.0)

praisebury
0
[ 2 Replies - Reply ]
Replies:
Feb 24 2010

APIKOROS  I also see no change when that QuickLook feature is invoked. Moreover, the feature to prevent the quarantine message for newly-downloaded apps ("… are you sure you want to open…" [etc.]) doesn't work. I still get that annoying message. This is on a first-generation (early 2006) 32-bit Intel Core Duo iMac running OS 10.6.2.  
(Version 4.0)

praisebury
0
Mar 22 2010

ANONSUPPORT  You need to restart the Finder to activate QuickLook-related stuff (logout/login is the safest method). If you want to change something related to quarantine-information, you have to restart your Mac (a kernel extension handles the quarantine information).  
(Version 4.1)

praisebury
+4

Feb 22 2010

TORGOBOB  I see the listing for:

Added preference for Snow Leopard to let QuickLook inspect folders by showing them with transparent covers.

However, when I check this off & use QuickLook on a folder, nothing looks different. Either I'm not understanding what this is describing or its seemingly not working on my system...  
(Version 4.0)

praisebury
0
[ Reply ]
Feb 22 2010

KALUNLAU  All text in TinkerTool's main window looks kinda funky. Font smoothing is either turned off or not working properly within TinkerTool. Apart from that everything seems to work fine.  
(Version 4.0)

praisebury
0
[ 2 Replies - Reply ]
Replies:
Feb 22 2010

DORKYPANTS  I concur about the jaggedy font.  
(Version 4.0)

praisebury
0
Feb 22 2010

DORKYPANTS  I should add: Snow Leopard 10.6.2 on MBP 13" with all Apple Software Updates applied.  
(Version 4.0)

praisebury
0

Jun 10 2009
*****

VRH  Solid, handy, and free. Good stuff. This app has been well maintained and it offers easy access to lots of otherwise hidden features.  
(Version 3.94)

praisebury
+6
[ 1 Reply - Reply ]
Replies:
Jun 11 2009

GRYPHONENT  Indeed... glad to see that both Tinker Tool and Tinker Tool System are still in active development.  
(Version 3.94)

praisebury
0

Dec 11 2008
*****

BADABING  Once there was a little tool (don't know the name anymore) to active the docks "single-application" mode in Tiger (clicking on an app icon in the dock activates that app and its windows while automatically hiding the windows of all the other apps) is it possible to integrate that in TinkerTool?

That's an easy way to prevent window clutter, I've been looking for that feature for a long time but can't remember the apps name.

I think it would be a very useful enhancement for TinkerTool.

Oh, ...and thank you for TinkerTool.  
(Version 3.93)

praisebury
+1
[ 1 Reply - Reply ]
Replies:
Feb 22 2010

HOWARD KAUFMAN  I agree that TT is great! The feature you are looking for though is available in Show Desktop. I can't remember if it's free or not.  
(Version 4.0)

praisebury
0

Nov 11 2008

MSWFUJOWDFFYC  iTunes

Some time ago I used the "Terminal" to link the iTunes-Arrows to the Library. After starting this app and displaying the iTunes-Section: it reversed my handmade-change (without asking). Now, the arrows are linking to the store again... enough reason for me to trash-it as untrustworthy. Sorry.  
(Version 3.92)

praisebury
-7
[ 1 Reply - Reply ]
Replies:
Dec 9 2008

SHERLOCKBONES  If you've updated iTunes any time after making those changes you can blame iTunes for reconnecting to the store.  
(Version 3.93)

praisebury
+6

Nov 10 2007

MACHSPEED5  why is "skipping checksum verification of DMGs" grayed out? running leopard on ppc powerbook 12 1.33. no mention in faq.  
(Version 3.8)

praisebury
0
[ 1 Reply - Reply ]
Replies:
Sep 21 2008

HOTFUSION  I believe the reason the option to "disable checksum on dmgs" is grayed out on Mac OS 10.5 systems is because you can now do that through Disk Utility.

Launch Disk Utility and go to Preferences under the Disk Utility menu.  
(Version 3.91)

praisebury
+1

Nov 8 2007
*****

DOC RENAUD  Beautiful icon :-)

And thanks for updating TinkerTool for 10.5 users.  
(Version 3.8)

praisebury
+3
[ Reply ]
Nov 8 2007

MAC ADAM  is it allow have translucid bar ?  
(Version 3.8)

praisebury
-3
[ Reply ]
Nov 8 2007

GURUBEZ  Great App, works perfectly also with LEO!!

THX  
(Version 3.8)

praisebury
+2
[ Reply ]
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