Dang, some of you are just harsh mofo's. For the original poster it really is a bad idea to keep things in the trash that you may want later, but I have done it as well. I would just create another folder as previously mentioned and drag the files you want to keep into it. Don't let the other morons get to you.
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Trash
- Thread starter JulesJ
- Start date
Grant Hutchins
Leading Member
It was just a joke dude.
If someone chooses to store things they want to keep in something labeled, "trash" and complains that it isn't as convenient of a (tugging collar and clearing throat) 'file management system' as they would like it to be, they should have a sense of humor (not a bit of a 'tude) about the responses they get.
Ya gotta admit, the question was a little funny.
I'm not trying to be mean but this one is akin to the urban legend about the tech report in which a woman called for tech support complaining she couldn't get the built in cup holder (disc drive tray extended) on your computer to stop retracting and spilling her drink.
If someone chooses to store things they want to keep in something labeled, "trash" and complains that it isn't as convenient of a (tugging collar and clearing throat) 'file management system' as they would like it to be, they should have a sense of humor (not a bit of a 'tude) about the responses they get.
Ya gotta admit, the question was a little funny.
I'm not trying to be mean but this one is akin to the urban legend about the tech report in which a woman called for tech support complaining she couldn't get the built in cup holder (disc drive tray extended) on your computer to stop retracting and spilling her drink.
JulesJ
Forum Pro
Trash on the Mac is purely and simply a folder. It is not automatically emptied.
Your simile below is a poor one.
jules
A
A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know. Arbus.
Your simile below is a poor one.
jules
A
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A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know. Arbus.
JulesJ
Forum Pro
it's sad that rather than accept my method you have to argue with it. Everything (in this case) in my Trash is duplicated on another computer, my workflow results in my finished retouching being networked to another computer from where it is uploaded to our printers the other side of town.
99.9999% of the time my trash is emptied.
I'm sure you have all lost a file now and then, it happens. we deal with thousands of important files and so far have not lost any because of our procedures.
It's a shame you can't just try to help rather than criticise, I'm not asking you to copy my methods, nor to comment on them.
If you can't handle that then please don't post on MY thread. I only want helpful posters and a couple of you have been just that.
Jules
A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know. Arbus.
99.9999% of the time my trash is emptied.
I'm sure you have all lost a file now and then, it happens. we deal with thousands of important files and so far have not lost any because of our procedures.
It's a shame you can't just try to help rather than criticise, I'm not asking you to copy my methods, nor to comment on them.
If you can't handle that then please don't post on MY thread. I only want helpful posters and a couple of you have been just that.
Jules
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A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know. Arbus.
JulesJ
Forum Pro
It completely depends how you treat Trash. I see it as a folder that is on it's way out of and off the edge of the system....but not quite yet. You obviously see it as something finished with.
You may like pizza, I may not. Is one of us wrong?
The trouble with these forums is everyone is so big headed they find it inconceivable that their point isn't the best one.
jules
A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know. Arbus.
You may like pizza, I may not. Is one of us wrong?
The trouble with these forums is everyone is so big headed they find it inconceivable that their point isn't the best one.
jules
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A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know. Arbus.
That's true, but it's still easy for someone to do it by accident. Also, unless you live in a vacuum, there is always the possibility of someone else not understanding your "filing system" and emptying the trash under the assumption that it is, well, trash.
JulesJ
Forum Pro
I know that keeping folders on the desktop slows things down but i do it anyway. I have a pile of folders and as I work tthrough them I move them up a column towards the top of the screen. When they are a out of date I delete them.
This means that at a glance i can see what i have done and when. It works for me.
We have a successful and profitable business that has been running for about twenty years now. Why should i change my habits of a lifetime, especially when they work.
How many of the people on this thread telling me how wrong I'm doing things sell thousands of pounds of photography every day of the week? If you do, well done, but I bet we have different workflows. My point being that success isn't always achieved the same way.
Jules
A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know. Arbus.
This means that at a glance i can see what i have done and when. It works for me.
We have a successful and profitable business that has been running for about twenty years now. Why should i change my habits of a lifetime, especially when they work.
How many of the people on this thread telling me how wrong I'm doing things sell thousands of pounds of photography every day of the week? If you do, well done, but I bet we have different workflows. My point being that success isn't always achieved the same way.
Jules
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A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know. Arbus.
JulesJ
Forum Pro
O dear, Oh dear. Are you in possession of all my facts? I am the only person who ever uses this computer. No one else touches it. And even for me it is hard to empty the trash by accident.
I don't live in a vacuum I assure you but a very air filled world.
Jules
A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know. Arbus.
I don't live in a vacuum I assure you but a very air filled world.
Jules
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A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know. Arbus.
webfrasse
Senior Member
Very true. Maybe this has been discussed already but Time Machine sounds like the perfect solution for you. Attach a really big drive (1TB, $129 at Costco). Let Time Machine use all of it for it's backup. This allows you to go back in time and see the state of your desktop every hour, day, week depending on how far back you look. If you trash something, just go back in time and get it from it's original location.
It is by far the best backup solution/recovery program you have ever seen.
Mikael
It is by far the best backup solution/recovery program you have ever seen.
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Mikael
Then just write a script to do what you want.
The Mac is a computer. You can write programs for it. Write one that does what you want.
Here's a place to start: http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20070613213146961
That said, I still think it's a dumb idea.
The Mac is a computer. You can write programs for it. Write one that does what you want.
Here's a place to start: http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20070613213146961
That said, I still think it's a dumb idea.
JulesJ
Forum Pro
JulesJ
Forum Pro
It's a G3 and the OS doesn't support Time Machine unfortunately. I also use a Macbook Pro and that does though.
Jules
Jules
Trash is not purely and simply a folder. It is also a folder that has special properties. Without selecting or highlighting it or any other action you can choose Empty trash under the Finder menu or simply do a shift-command-delete and permanently empty it. You cannot do that in any other folder. Apple has simply added one more failsafe move that almost all user interface designer do for permanent deletes. Trash used to have a setting option that would delete the contents when you shut the computer off. If that feature is still there I can't find it.
To me trash is trash. Once I put something there I intend to delete it. It is convenient because I don't have to go through a lot of failsafe moves on each individual file. The simile in this case is I fill up my waste basket in my office (Trash folder) and then carry it all out to the dumpster at one time (Empty command). Dumpster diving would be Time Machine or disk recovery software.
The answer to the original question is no there is no setting or way you can empty part of a Trash folder at least on a time basis. The locking and unlocking files I mentioned earlier would be too tedious obviously but answered the literal question. Moving files in and out of Trash when ready to empty would also be tedious. So I suppose setting up a workflow with temporary folders on the Desktop with date titles that can be moved to Trash when the time comes would be the most practical solution. Folders on the Desktop do not slow down the computer at least in any measurable manner.
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Davydd
http://www.porktenderloinsandwich.com
Then pay someone to do it.
Grant Hutchins
Leading Member
Suit yourself but there's a reason why it's called "Trash."
Wether it's MS "Recycle Bin" or Apple "Trash" the sole function of putting stuff in "Trash" is to tag said data "under the hood" to be overwritten upon executing the command to allow such. The fact that it isn't instantly "thrown away" (made available to be overwritten and no longer accessible to the user) when placed in "Trash" is a safety feature. It isn't an invitation to court disaster by tagging files you may want to keep as data to be removed from use until you pull the final trigger. You might want to keep in mind that in many cases, when you drag something from a non local drive across a network into the trash or recycle bin of your local computer, it gets deleted instantly.
Putting stuff you want to keep around in the trash, complaining it's too much work to keep separate from things you don't want, and getting a bit snarky at people who can't come up with a way to make that easy for you is a bit humorous. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind telling you I've done plenty of dumb things that make me chuckle at myself later. We all do.
As suggested by others, if you have trouble deciding what's to be erased or not, make an intermediary folder. Call it "To Be Trashed" or "Needs Sorting" or "George" or "Betty" or whatever. Put stuff there until you decide you want to get rid of it. Then you don't have to worry about sorting your trash folder.
There is another thing you can do if you are averse to regular file management or are always crunched and just don't have much time to do it. Keep some cheap writable CDs or DVDs around. When you find stuff you might want to get rid of but you're not comfortable deleting it forever at the moment and you need space . . .
By the way, even if you know what's what in your trash, unless no one else will ever touch your computer but you, as long as stuff is in the trash, it can be erased by some one else 'doing you a favor' who doesn't immediately see your (again, tugging collar and clearing throat) 'logic' - ;-) Believe it or not, I'v seen this very thing happen to others who share you're file management habits. Even to those who think no one else ever uses their computer (but still have coworkers with no personal boundaries, family, kids, cats who like to walk on keyboards when you're not looking—like mine does, and the most likely that someday WILL happen, you by mistake).
Wether it's MS "Recycle Bin" or Apple "Trash" the sole function of putting stuff in "Trash" is to tag said data "under the hood" to be overwritten upon executing the command to allow such. The fact that it isn't instantly "thrown away" (made available to be overwritten and no longer accessible to the user) when placed in "Trash" is a safety feature. It isn't an invitation to court disaster by tagging files you may want to keep as data to be removed from use until you pull the final trigger. You might want to keep in mind that in many cases, when you drag something from a non local drive across a network into the trash or recycle bin of your local computer, it gets deleted instantly.
Putting stuff you want to keep around in the trash, complaining it's too much work to keep separate from things you don't want, and getting a bit snarky at people who can't come up with a way to make that easy for you is a bit humorous. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind telling you I've done plenty of dumb things that make me chuckle at myself later. We all do.
As suggested by others, if you have trouble deciding what's to be erased or not, make an intermediary folder. Call it "To Be Trashed" or "Needs Sorting" or "George" or "Betty" or whatever. Put stuff there until you decide you want to get rid of it. Then you don't have to worry about sorting your trash folder.
There is another thing you can do if you are averse to regular file management or are always crunched and just don't have much time to do it. Keep some cheap writable CDs or DVDs around. When you find stuff you might want to get rid of but you're not comfortable deleting it forever at the moment and you need space . . .
- Burn it to disc.
- Name the disc "JIC" (for Just In Case) + the date.
- Make a folder, call it "JIC Directory" or whatever.
- Hit, command+shift+4, you'll get cross hairs.
- Draw a box around the files visible in the "JIC" disc window (with file names and dates showing)
- You'll get a .png file named "picture1.png" on your desktop (or whatever is the next highest number if you have older screen shots still around)
- Rename that .png file JIC-(InsertDateHere) to match the disc.
- Put that file in your "JIC Directory" folder.
- Throw your JIC disc in a CD book or something convenient.
By the way, even if you know what's what in your trash, unless no one else will ever touch your computer but you, as long as stuff is in the trash, it can be erased by some one else 'doing you a favor' who doesn't immediately see your (again, tugging collar and clearing throat) 'logic' - ;-) Believe it or not, I'v seen this very thing happen to others who share you're file management habits. Even to those who think no one else ever uses their computer (but still have coworkers with no personal boundaries, family, kids, cats who like to walk on keyboards when you're not looking—like mine does, and the most likely that someday WILL happen, you by mistake).
Grant Hutchins
Leading Member
If this is what you're doing, you are already pretty much doing what people are suggesting. For whatever reason, you've, in effect, decided to include "trash" as the last of your sorting folders—Don't!
If you need one more folder on your desk top between the last of your sorting folders you have now and deletion (or 10 more, or 30 more, or where ever you feel like quitting) just make it. Whatever, just don't make storing any file you may want in the "trash" as part of your work flow.
Eventually, ya just have to decide what needs to go and delete it. That is the stuff you put in the trash. If it's in the trash, and you still want to keep it, move it out of the trash. Like it or not, that's pretty much all you can do. Your computer can't decide what files to erase for you (you wouldn't want it to anyway).
If you need one more folder on your desk top between the last of your sorting folders you have now and deletion (or 10 more, or 30 more, or where ever you feel like quitting) just make it. Whatever, just don't make storing any file you may want in the "trash" as part of your work flow.
Eventually, ya just have to decide what needs to go and delete it. That is the stuff you put in the trash. If it's in the trash, and you still want to keep it, move it out of the trash. Like it or not, that's pretty much all you can do. Your computer can't decide what files to erase for you (you wouldn't want it to anyway).
JulesJ
Forum Pro
Each day you get a newspaper and read it and stick it in the trash or recycling box near your back door. Each day you've finished with the previous days paper right? There's now way6 you want to read old news is there? But even so you still have these papers at your disposal until the corporate truch comes and takes them away periodically.
But just once in a while a friend asks if you read an interesting article a few days ago and that it would really interest you.
luckily you still have it in your trash pile so you retrieve it.
That's good.
However, maybe it was from the week before. Too bad it's gone. But if you had too, there are ways to retrieve that article. It had not gone forever because there are copies somewhere, and will be probably forever.
Good night.
Jules
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A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know. Arbus.
But just once in a while a friend asks if you read an interesting article a few days ago and that it would really interest you.
luckily you still have it in your trash pile so you retrieve it.
That's good.
However, maybe it was from the week before. Too bad it's gone. But if you had too, there are ways to retrieve that article. It had not gone forever because there are copies somewhere, and will be probably forever.
Good night.
Jules
--
A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know. Arbus.
Grant Hutchins
Leading Member
Sigh.
Look, if you insist on keeping files you want in the trash, knock your self out, but to use your words to someone else above, it isn't the brightest move. The bottom line, you have decided to stubbornly stick to a rather unorthodox approach that frankly makes no sense. Sorry, but there it is. What people here have been trying to tell you in so many polite words is that putting stuff in the trash you aren't finished with is just plain stupid. If you think you want to keep something, than keep it, or back it up somewhere else off you hard drive but for Pete's sake man, don't keep it in the trash. You mentioned something like you've been doing this for 20 years now (wow). Apparently, it isn't working the way want it to or you wouldn't be asking about solutions for how to (trying not to laugh) organize your trash. You can rationalize your (I'll just put it out there) DUMB method all you want. If you like it, keep doing it. However, I suggest you stop thinking about the connotations of the words "trash" and "recycle" and use the feature as it was designed based on what's happening with the programming "under the hood." The trash is for the sole purpose of tagging files for deletion. That's it, nothing more and definitely not storage.
Look, if you insist on keeping files you want in the trash, knock your self out, but to use your words to someone else above, it isn't the brightest move. The bottom line, you have decided to stubbornly stick to a rather unorthodox approach that frankly makes no sense. Sorry, but there it is. What people here have been trying to tell you in so many polite words is that putting stuff in the trash you aren't finished with is just plain stupid. If you think you want to keep something, than keep it, or back it up somewhere else off you hard drive but for Pete's sake man, don't keep it in the trash. You mentioned something like you've been doing this for 20 years now (wow). Apparently, it isn't working the way want it to or you wouldn't be asking about solutions for how to (trying not to laugh) organize your trash. You can rationalize your (I'll just put it out there) DUMB method all you want. If you like it, keep doing it. However, I suggest you stop thinking about the connotations of the words "trash" and "recycle" and use the feature as it was designed based on what's happening with the programming "under the hood." The trash is for the sole purpose of tagging files for deletion. That's it, nothing more and definitely not storage.
slomtbr
Well-known member
In your Home Folder, create a "Future Trash" folder in list view with the older files at the top. Put it in the Dock. You can drag files there as easily as you drag them to the trash. As the files get old enough to be thrown away, trash them and empty the Trash.
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