desktop DB/DF?

[eyeon]

I am a recent switcher, and in my transition to Mac I have noticed that whenever I copy anything to a CD or USB key drive or anything, OSX automatically includes desktop DB and desktop DF files. I once heard (I potentially read in somewhere in these forums once upon a time) that there is a way in Toast to make it so that it doesn't burn these files automatically. Anyone know how I would go about doing that? Just out of curiosity, what are those files anyway?

Thanks in advance.

[MisterMe]

I am a recent switcher, and in my transition to Mac I have noticed that whenever I copy anything to a CD or USB key drive or anything, OSX automatically includes desktop DB and desktop DF files. I once heard (I potentially read in somewhere in these forums once upon a time) that there is a way in Toast to make it so that it doesn't burn these files automatically. Anyone know how I would go about doing that? Just out of curiosity, what are those files anyway?

Thanks in advance.These files are the Desktop database and Desktop file. These MacOS 9/Classic files store your icons, your CREATOR/TYPE codes, and the association between your documents and the applications that can read and/or write them. From System 7 to MacOS 9.2, these files made the Mac the Mac.

[BrianKonarsMac]

you do know they are still in OS X right? so they continue to make the Mac...the Mac :P.

they basically store the size, placement of windows, icons, etc.

[jsw]

I'm pretty sure you can do it in Toast, though I don't know much about it.

I do know that you can delete them using Terminal:

Open Applications->Utilities->Terminal.

In Terminal, type (but do not hit return!):
cd
There is a space after 'cd' (i.e., so far, it's "cd ").
Drag the folder containing the files you don't want to the Terminal window and "drop" it - that'll add the path to your command (and won't actually move the folder), something like:
cd /Users/yourname/Desktop/TransferFolder
Obviously, the path will be different. Now hit 'return'.

That'll bring you into the offending folder. Now type (followed by 'return'):
ls -a

That'll produce something vaguely like:

. Dummy.jpg
.. OSXTips.doc
.DS_Store


To get rid of the files you don't need - basically, anything with a filename starting with '.' (except for the directory indicators "." and ".."), meaning it's hidden, type the following (followed by 'return') for each of those files (I use .DS_Store as an example):
rm .DS_Store

Now, do not open the folder again using the GUI. Just copy it over. The hidden files will remain gone.

[eyeon]

cool, thanks. Very informative. I was just wondering as my PC friends are constantly asking, "what the hell are these desktop DB / DF files?" -- even at Kinkos when I bring a graphic file in to get printed!

Thanks for the responses, that helps a lot.