Fixing the Trash Can: Automated Deletion?
Linked by Thom Holwerda on Mon 28th Apr 2008 21:38 UTC, submitted by kiddo
Graphics, User Interfaces The trash can metaphor in computing is as old as the desktop metaphor itself. It was first introduced with the Apple Lisa user interface, and found its way to the Macintosh. Apple patented the whole idea, and sued anyone who tried to use the same name, resulting in other user interfaces implementing the exact same principle but just named differently. Despite its old age, and the fact it barely changed over the decades, many people have issues with the traditional concept.
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Comment by Verenkeitin
by Verenkeitin on Tue 29th Apr 2008 22:04 UTC
Verenkeitin
Member since:
2007-07-01

Just set Trashcan full icon to be the same as Trashcan empty. Problem solved. If you have to have some sort of automation, set up a script that deletes oldest files in the Trashcan when drive space starts to run out or when some set time has passed. That way you don't need to care about or see any trash, but you retain dumpster diving capabilities for saving accidental deletes.

Trashcan is pretty good metaphor, but it doesn't go far enough. What it needs is a garbage dumb where trash is taken after the trashcan is emptied. ;)

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