tredje design - Eric Roller

TrashLater Server

A file removal utility that enforces a grace period before any move takes place. Items can be moved to other folders or to the Trash.

During its operation, TrashLater watches over selected folders, keeping track on their contents. Any unmodified file that resides in a folder for longer than the grace period is removed. Modified files are regarded as new files.

Beginning with version 4.2, TrashLater can be run as a system daemon. In this server mode, the client process will run with system-level (root) access rights, allowing it to manage folders for all users.

TrashLater Server

Naturally, the server mode is ideal for system administrators that have to manage many user accounts, e.g. using Mac OS X Server. However, it works just as well on a single-user machine running a regular installation of Mac OS X (even Yosemite).

In the current version, TrashLater Server requires the use of the Terminal application and admin (root) access for its installation and configuration.

TrashLater

The non-server version of TrashLater has been discontinued. There is no further development. Shareware sales have been suspended. If you already own a valid license key or serial number, it will continue to operate as normal.

TrashLater

Manage a download folder

It may be a good idea not to delete the .tar, .dmg and .sit files straight away - just in case you might need them again. But since you want to get rid of them eventually, why not leave them in your download folder and instruct TrashLater to trash these files a few days later?

Automatic trash collection

TrashLater can also remove items from the Trash itself. In this way, you would no longer have to empty it by hand. Better still, since TrashLater would only delete the older items you would always have access to the files that you put into the Trash more recently.

Clear your browser cache

A browser cache caters for a faster internet experience - whether you should keep a large cache for several days is a different question. Some people prefer to get rid of those files at the end of the day. TrashLater can do this job for you automatically.

Manage backup folders

Many tools offer to save backup files in designated folders. Potentially, these folders can grow quite large and should be cleaned out once in a while. Having said that, you never want to delete the most recent backups, so, why not let TrashLater trash only the older files?

Self-cleaning "fridge" on your desktop

Next to the Trash, you should have a fridge! In this folder, you put any temporary items that you would like to keep for a few weeks or months.

For instance, before you edit an important document, you can option-drag (i.e. copy) it to the "fridge".

Based on your preferred "cooling time", the items will remain in the fridge until they pass their "best before date", Once that happens, TrashLater puts them where they belong: in the Trash.

Trash bag collection

Imagine a trash bag (folder) next to your Trash. In there you put files ready for trash collection at a later date.

Limitations of the Trash

Yes, you can keep items in the Trash and they will remain there until you empty it. However, once you do empty it, all files are gone! Would it not be better if you could say: "Get rid of only those items that I put in the Trash last week".