13 June 2009

How to backup/locate your Opus config (Advanced)

Ken Alcock has written a detailed FAQ explaining what all the files in Opus's configuration folders do, how they are backed up, and so on.

This is a great guide if you want to dig into the config details beyond what the automatic Backup & Restore feature in Opus will do.

I'll just give you a link to the FAQ, instead of copying the text to here, as duplicating the formatting would be a pain:

HOW TO: Back-up or locate your Opus configuration (Advanced)

BTW, this FAQ is a companion to the older one: HOW TO: Back-up or locate your Opus configuration (Simple)

11 June 2009

Directory Opus version 9.1.3.0

Directory Opus version 9.1.3.0 – June 11th 2009

A free update for all Directory Opus 9 users is now available for download from GP Software.

Bugs fixed / minor changes:

  • Bold/italic styles defined through the Folder Colors system are now properly accounted for when initially auto-sizing columns after a folder is read.
  • Fixed incorrect/inconsistent handling of {file|noext} and similar command sequences with folders and files with no extensions.
  • The Image CONVERT command now automatically sets the 'Output to destination' option when running in interactive mode if the TO argument is given on the command line. This makes it reliable when used in the Drag & Drop menu for a file type.
  • The Send To menu displayed in Opus now respects the NoDrivesInSendToMenu system policy and will not display removable disks if this is set.
  • Lister Layouts now save and restore the state of the Lister Format Lock.
  • GifAnim plugin: Fix for incorrect dimensions in the status bar when changing from one tiled/flattened GIF to another.
  • Fixed layout issue introduced in last version with Utility pane open in conjunction with a vertical toolbar between dual file displays.
  • Fixed problem of startup folder shortcut being left behind after uninstall.
  • Fixed file change notification issue with short, Unicode filenames (could occasionally result in duplicate file entry).
  • Fixed auto-size column option when switching between two formats that only change the 'hide file extensions' setting.
  • The FAYT field will no longer auto-close if its context menu is visible.
  • PCX images can now be viewed from ZIP files.
  • Fix for ActiveX plugin not viewing files within archives and FTP sites.
  • Added switch parameter to Close SYSTEM command to initiate fast-user switching. Note that this option does not support the scheduling or prompting that the Close SYSTEM command normally offers.
  • Fixed a problem where drag & drop from Opus to the desktop would always copy the file rather than moving when appropriate. Also improved drag & drop from ZIP/FTP – moving via drag & drop now really moves the file rather than copying it.
  • Fixed incorrect bitrate shown for WAV files. Also, a duration is now shown for WAV files.
  • Fix for broken Rename Scripting in Vista SP2 x64 version.
  • Raw Digital Camera plugin:
    • Added several new file extensions to the defaults (e.g. .PEF).
    • Fix for multi-threaded thumbnails not always working.
    • Fix for having to restart Opus for changes to the list of raw extensions to take effect.

5 June 2009

Directory Opus version 9.1.2.2 (Beta)

This is an Opus Beta release only. If you aren't comfortable running the very latest version of Opus then you may like to wait for the public release of 9.1.3.0.

To download the new beta version, visit the Directory Opus 9.1.2.2 thread.

Bugs fixed / minor changes:

  • Bold/italic styles defined through the Folder Colors system are now properly accounted for when initially auto-sizing columns after a folder is read.
  • Fixed incorrect/inconsistent handling of {file|noext} and similar command sequences with folders and files with no extensions.
  • The Image CONVERT command now automatically sets the 'Output to destination' option when running in interactive mode if the TO argument is given on the command line. This makes it reliable when used in the Drag & Drop menu for a file type.
  • The Send To menu displayed in Opus now respects the NoDrivesInSendToMenu system policy and will not display removable disks if this is set.
  • Lister Layouts now save and restore the state of the Lister Format Lock.
  • GifAnim plugin: Fix for incorrect dimensions in the status bar when changing from one tiled/flattened GIF to another.

1 June 2009

Directory Opus version 9.1.2.1 (Beta)

This is an Opus Beta release only. If you aren't comfortable running the very latest version of Opus then you may like to wait for the public release of 9.1.3.0.

See the previous blog post for information on the new Opus Beta group.

This will be the only beta release with the "main program updates" tag here at the news blog. Future beta releases will only have the "beta updates" tag. If you're filtering the news and want to see future beta releases, update your filters.

To download the new beta version, visit the Directory Opus 9.1.2.1 thread.

Bugs fixed / minor changes:

  • Fixed layout issue introduced in last version with Utility pane open in conjunction with a vertical toolbar between dual file displays.
  • Fixed problem of startup folder shortcut being left behind after uninstall.
  • Fixed file change notification issue with short, Unicode filenames (could occasionally result in duplicate file entry).
  • Fixed auto-size column option when switching between two formats that only change the 'hide file extensions' setting.
  • The FAYT field will no longer auto-close if its context menu is visible.
  • PCX images can now be viewed from ZIP files.
  • Fix for ActiveX plugin not viewing files within archives and FTP sites.
  • Added switch parameter to Close SYSTEM command to initiate fast-user switching. Note that this option does not support the scheduling or prompting that the Close SYSTEM command normally offers.
  • Fixed a problem where drag & drop from Opus to the desktop would always copy the file rather than moving when appropriate. Also improved drag & drop from ZIP/FTP – moving via drag & drop now really moves the file rather than copying it.
  • Fixed incorrect bitrate shown for WAV files. Also, a duration is now shown for WAV files.
  • Fix for broken Rename Scripting in Vista SP2 x64 version.
  • Raw Digital Camera plugin:
    • Added several new file extensions to the defaults (e.g. .PEF).
    • Fix for multi-threaded thumbnails not always working.
    • Fix for having to restart Opus for changes to the list of raw extensions to take effect.

Directory Opus Beta Versions

Beta versions provide access to new Directory Opus updates ahead of their general release. This allows you to try new features and bug-fixes before they have been fully tested.

Like any other update, beta versions can be used by anyone with a valid licence for the same major version of Opus (e.g. "Directory Opus 10"). This includes evaluation licences.

(In the past, beta versions were released via the members-only Opus Illuminati forum at the Resource Centre. These days, anyone can download them.)

News of beta versions will be posted here, at the blog, using the "beta updates" tag. They won't be tagged as "main program updates", so if you want to filter them out you can.

Opus's built-in Update Checker will only prompt you to install non-beta updates. If you want to keep on top of new beta versions you should subscribe to the blog's RSS feed or keep an eye on the forum's News & Announcements area. In Directory Opus 10, you can also see a list of recent blog posts by manually opening the Update Checker via the Help menu.