I call it a bad idea. From the early days of the Web until recently, a lot of parents would have been in a real surprise when their children typed "whitehouse" if their browser autocompleted "whitehouse.com" when they were trying to reach "whitehouse.gov." As you may know, "www.whitehouse.gov" is the website of the President of the United States. Until recently, "www.whitehouse.com" was the most famous porn site on the web. As a general proposition, "convenience" is responsible for more feature-bloat and lost productivity than anything else in software development.
that is your opinion
if someone did not know the proper extension for a government domain they would have typed the .com themselves
still don't see the problem
if they know it then they will type in the extension manually
it is a useful feature and a good idea as it saves time
the best thing to do would be to make it a preference that you can turn off and on depending on what you want
someone called it a hack
its funny that things that aren't a normal part of a process is called even in web design we have hacks which are actually useful for making the site display properly in older browsers
anyway it does not have to be implemented in the way that was described
no DNS has to be used
it could be done simply by using an IF in the logic of the safari software itself
if there is no extension,take the user to domain.com
simple really and that may even be the way it is in tiger
Anyway I hope the guy running the deb build of 10.5.2
is accurate and that they add it back in because it sounds like they forgot to put it in leopard
That way you can set this up for any browser - and you can actually set up your own shortcuts such as typing "ai" and hit return... loads up appleinsider.com
Once you start down this path, you wonder how you ever got along without it.
That way you can set this up for any browser - and you can actually set up your own shortcuts such as typing "ai" and hit return... loads up appleinsider.com
Once you start down this path, you wonder how you ever got along without it.
OpenDNS is great and yet with a localized cache that isn't large one running sqlite via Apple CoreData would easily see updates to database changes and by first checking a locally cached schema one can extend WebKit not just to autocomplete web domains by offering the options, but one can add meta information that briefly gives info on the site and allow one to extend this to spotlight searching by offering ways to reduce poor search results, before needing to open a thread through port 80 and thus later with this background process extend it by creating smart searches lists.
That way you can set this up for any browser - and you can actually set up your own shortcuts such as typing "ai" and hit return... loads up appleinsider.com
Once you start down this path, you wonder how you ever got along without it.
I should not have to do ANYTHING.
And I don't want to use OpenDNS. To be honest, I checked it out and am a little uncomfortable with everything they record.
that is the whole point.
I don't need to use a third party and then go through setting up shortcuts. If I knew every site I would visit, then I would have it in my history or bookmarks.
The method you describe still does not solve the issue.
I should not have to set up anything.
Safari used to work the way I described and since Leopard, no longer does. Macs are supposed to work "out of the box," not requiring third party hacks and services.
It worked in Tiger and it is a woeful omission in Leopard.
Using OpenDNS and the like just reminds me of the PC world, which I bought a Mac to get a way from.
OpenDNS is great and yet with a localized cache that isn't large one running sqlite via Apple CoreData would easily see updates to database changes and by first checking a locally cached schema one can extend WebKit not just to autocomplete web domains by offering the options, but one can add meta information that briefly gives info on the site and allow one to extend this to spotlight searching by offering ways to reduce poor search results, before needing to open a thread through port 80 and thus later with this background process extend it by creating smart searches lists.
Who wants to do all of that?
I just want to type a domain and have Safari take me to the .com version of that domain...
LIKE IT USED TO.
I don't want to create smart searches and add meta tags and use OpenDNS to get a localized cache.
I just want to type in a domain and get the ".com" automatically.
It is very simple and should be very simple. that is the Apple way.
Anyhow, the poster who said that he is using the 10.5.2 version says the capability is in his version. here's hoping it makes a comeback.
This feature has been in Safari since the beginning. Before that it was also in Netscape Navigator and Communicator. As I understand it, if there are no search domains configured either in UI or in a hosts file, and one enters a partial domain in the browser, the browser will assume www. and .com. It's not autocompleting from history, it just adds those to what the user has entered. (There is also the autocomplete feature as well, which works both from history and bookmarks.)
Internet Explorer and Firefox do not work the same way (at least not without additional modifier keys). They assume the user wanted to perform a search on the entered terms.
Under certain circumstances in the past, it has been necessary in my company to add search domains in Network PrefPane or in etc/hosts.conf. This has always broken the ability to use these "one-word" .com URLs.
It looks to me like what changed with Leopard is that a default search domain is automatically created in the Network PrefPane, which cannot be removed. Maybe this is different for some depending on the LAN setup, which might explain why it doesn't seem to affect some users. I CAN verify that the same thing is occurring on my MacBookPro with a fresh Leopard install. I too, was using this feature right up to the seconds before I installed Leopard. I have always, for example, just entered "google/maps" to go to www.google.com/maps or "adobe/type" to go to www.adobe.com/type.
Whether this is a hack or a feature I won't try to decide, but I don't like having a specific search domain shoved down my throat and I feel it should not be proper for any OS to insert that information without my specifying it. At very least, I should have the option to remove it.
With OpenDNS you don't have to set up shortcuts (although you can like I mentioned and they are fantastic) but there is the option to automatically add ".com" just as you wish. So it DOES fix your problem. Not to mention that it fixes it for all browsers not just Suckfari.
As for personal details, they do not keep any of the info unless you want them to, and you can manually delete it at any time if you so wish. (which is waaay more than Google offers btw.)
I don't know why this is such a big deal to you, when the fix is there and then some.
Even if Apple removed this "feature", there can be good arguments made as to why they would - especially since this is something that you can add on your own.
But, to each their own I guess... if you wish to keep ranting about it, that is your right.
It was not removed - I just downgraded back to 10.5.1 and if I enter a domain name (e.g., "chevron") in the address bar and hit return, Safari changes it to "htt p://www.chevron.com", just as it always did.
There is something else misconfigured on your machine.
I don't really see the problem here. If you've visited the site once before and it's still in your history, it autocompletes. You're very stubborn and difficult.
This is not being stubborn and difficult. Just like you said, autocomplete only works for URLs that are in your History or bookmarks. Many times, one wants to go to a URL that is not in History or Bookmarks. Maybe a site that you haven't visited in months. As I said before, for years every time I have needed to visit www.adobe.com/type, I have been able to simply type adobe/type and hit enter. Now I don't visit that URL often enough for it to always be in my History cache, but when I do I would much rather type adobe/type than www.adobe.com/type. If I thought about it for a few minutes I could come up with dozens of URLs that I regularly visit using this feature. As I've written to Apple, I'm sure there are many people who need Search Domains configured to access various machines by name within their own LANs. But I suggest that for every one of them there are dozens or hundreds of people that do not need that function and would rather prefer to not have a requirement to specify a Search Domain, instead having the flexibility to quickly go to URLs without having to enter redundant information.
i replied to this post earlier and said that safari automatically goes to a ".com" if i type 'ibm".
After reading further through this thread I decided to try many other site names without adding the ".com" and not once did safari fail to add the .com.
However, when I tried "PBS" which should be a .org it took me to pbs.com(that kinda sucks)
so safari in leopard automatically add the .com to every site i attempt to go to.
I believe the OP has a problem with his install and maybe needs to try to archive/install or maybe a clean install again if he hasn't tried that route yet.
I don't really see the problem here. If you've visited the site once before and it's still in your history, it autocompletes. You're very stubborn and difficult.
EDIT: I'm addressing the thread starter.
wow,
That is a little immature.
i started this thread to address an issue that I have discovered is widespread. Because I don't want to add services and agree with other people's philosophy that Safari "sucks" or OpenDNS is the way to go, I am difficult? Okay...
Actually, I wanted to know if this was a Leopard specific change and if so, how to get my pristine Leopard install to do what it should do within the confines of the OS (ie: checking a preference)
As far as your reference to autocompleting history, I always maintain a clean system. That means no cookies, no history, etc. You sound like you have not read through most of the posts. Everyone knows it autocompletes sites in history and bookmarks. If you have something to offer, then please do. If you only have your personal character judgements, do everyone a favor and keep them to yourself. the only thing that is difficult is getting a clear answer as to what has changed in retail Leopard's Safari.
This feature has been in Safari since the beginning. Before that it was also in Netscape Navigator and Communicator. As I understand it, if there are no search domains configured either in UI or in a hosts file, and one enters a partial domain in the browser, the browser will assume www. and .com. It's not autocompleting from history, it just adds those to what the user has entered. (There is also the autocomplete feature as well, which works both from history and bookmarks.)
Internet Explorer and Firefox do not work the same way (at least not without additional modifier keys). They assume the user wanted to perform a search on the entered terms.
Under certain circumstances in the past, it has been necessary in my company to add search domains in Network PrefPane or in etc/hosts.conf. This has always broken the ability to use these "one-word" .com URLs.
It looks to me like what changed with Leopard is that a default search domain is automatically created in the Network PrefPane, which cannot be removed. Maybe this is different for some depending on the LAN setup, which might explain why it doesn't seem to affect some users. I CAN verify that the same thing is occurring on my MacBookPro with a fresh Leopard install. I too, was using this feature right up to the seconds before I installed Leopard. I have always, for example, just entered "google/maps" to go to www.google.com/maps or "adobe/type" to go to www.adobe.com/type.
Whether this is a hack or a feature I won't try to decide, but I don't like having a specific search domain shoved down my throat and I feel it should not be proper for any OS to insert that information without my specifying it. At very least, I should have the option to remove it.
Thanks for your post. It shows that I am not losing my mind. While we disagree on the benefits of having ".com" appended auto for a partial domain, we both agree that it should at least be a preference.
In any case, it used to be in Safari and now it is not. Apple has said nothing about this. My coworkers would always admire how much easier a Mac made things and this is one of them. though it is a small detail, it is just one more thing that bothers me about Leopard, which I mostly am happy with, feature wise.
i replied to this post earlier and said that safari automatically goes to a ".com" if i type 'ibm".
After reading further through this thread I decided to try many other site names without adding the ".com" and not once did safari fail to add the .com.
However, when I tried "PBS" which should be a .org it took me to pbs.com(that kinda sucks)
so safari in leopard automatically add the .com to every site i attempt to go to.
I believe the OP has a problem with his install and maybe needs to try to archive/install or maybe a clean install again if he hasn't tried that route yet.
I have clean installed Leopard. Erase and Install. Everything went flawlessly.
there are many others on this forum and on the Apple Support page that reflect this issue.
It seems that upgrade and install keeps this from Safari, but a pure Leopard install leaves this out. I am wondering if there is a way to re-enable it or if it is just plain left out.
I don't really see the problem here. If you've visited the site once before and it's still in your history, it autocompletes. You're very stubborn and difficult.
EDIT: I'm addressing the thread starter.
Normally I would delete this, as it is off-topic (the topic is not whether anybody is stubborn or not), but it's been quoted. It is also a personal attack which is not permitted.
The topic is why one user is not getting the auto-add of ".com" and others are. It is a technical question, not a personality question.
Do not post any more comments about the personal aspects of anyone. If you know how to correct the problem, please contribute.
I just want to type a domain and have Safari take me to the .com version of that domain...
LIKE IT USED TO.
I don't want to create smart searches and add meta tags and use OpenDNS to get a localized cache.
I just want to type in a domain and get the ".com" automatically.
It is very simple and should be very simple. that is the Apple way.
Anyhow, the poster who said that he is using the 10.5.2 version says the capability is in his version. here's hoping it makes a comeback.
The person using 10.5.2 is under NDA and should be addressing this to ADC.
Regarding my idea to extend this functionality it wouldn't have anything to do with the user but it would extend functionality to 3rd parties with a clean API and the consumer should have an option to customize whether it is used or not.
The path to interface hell is paved with optional features.
Everything could be optional, we'd only need five billion check boxes. That way, every time you sat down at someone else's computer, you'd only need to reconfigure those five billion check boxes in order to have a familiar interface.
(I'm not taking a stand on this particular issue really. Just pointing out that saying a feature is optional, doesn't mean that users will be unaffected.)
One item that might help clear things up a bit for some.
When referring to automatically adding ".com," I don't mean that Safari autofills ".com" in the address bar. What happens under Tiger is that I type in, for example "ibm" and then hit enter. Safari then pulls up ibm.com. This is not dependent on sites in my history or bookmarks.
it used to be that i could type in foxnews, hit enter, and foxnews.com would pull up. Now, it doesn't do that any longer.
Comments
I call it a bad idea. From the early days of the Web until recently, a lot of parents would have been in a real surprise when their children typed "whitehouse" if their browser autocompleted "whitehouse.com" when they were trying to reach "whitehouse.gov." As you may know, "www.whitehouse.gov" is the website of the President of the United States. Until recently, "www.whitehouse.com" was the most famous porn site on the web. As a general proposition, "convenience" is responsible for more feature-bloat and lost productivity than anything else in software development.
that is your opinion
if someone did not know the proper extension for a government domain they would have typed the .com themselves
still don't see the problem
if they know it then they will type in the extension manually
it is a useful feature and a good idea as it saves time
the best thing to do would be to make it a preference that you can turn off and on depending on what you want
someone called it a hack
its funny that things that aren't a normal part of a process is called even in web design we have hacks which are actually useful for making the site display properly in older browsers
anyway it does not have to be implemented in the way that was described
no DNS has to be used
it could be done simply by using an IF in the logic of the safari software itself
if there is no extension,take the user to domain.com
simple really and that may even be the way it is in tiger
Anyway I hope the guy running the deb build of 10.5.2
is accurate and that they add it back in because it sounds like they forgot to put it in leopard
That way you can set this up for any browser - and you can actually set up your own shortcuts such as typing "ai" and hit return... loads up appleinsider.com
Once you start down this path, you wonder how you ever got along without it.
Why not just use OpenDNS? http://opendns.com/
That way you can set this up for any browser - and you can actually set up your own shortcuts such as typing "ai" and hit return... loads up appleinsider.com
Once you start down this path, you wonder how you ever got along without it.
OpenDNS is great and yet with a localized cache that isn't large one running sqlite via Apple CoreData would easily see updates to database changes and by first checking a locally cached schema one can extend WebKit not just to autocomplete web domains by offering the options, but one can add meta information that briefly gives info on the site and allow one to extend this to spotlight searching by offering ways to reduce poor search results, before needing to open a thread through port 80 and thus later with this background process extend it by creating smart searches lists.
Why not just use OpenDNS? http://opendns.com/
That way you can set this up for any browser - and you can actually set up your own shortcuts such as typing "ai" and hit return... loads up appleinsider.com
Once you start down this path, you wonder how you ever got along without it.
I should not have to do ANYTHING.
And I don't want to use OpenDNS. To be honest, I checked it out and am a little uncomfortable with everything they record.
that is the whole point.
I don't need to use a third party and then go through setting up shortcuts. If I knew every site I would visit, then I would have it in my history or bookmarks.
The method you describe still does not solve the issue.
I should not have to set up anything.
Safari used to work the way I described and since Leopard, no longer does. Macs are supposed to work "out of the box," not requiring third party hacks and services.
It worked in Tiger and it is a woeful omission in Leopard.
Using OpenDNS and the like just reminds me of the PC world, which I bought a Mac to get a way from.
OpenDNS is great and yet with a localized cache that isn't large one running sqlite via Apple CoreData would easily see updates to database changes and by first checking a locally cached schema one can extend WebKit not just to autocomplete web domains by offering the options, but one can add meta information that briefly gives info on the site and allow one to extend this to spotlight searching by offering ways to reduce poor search results, before needing to open a thread through port 80 and thus later with this background process extend it by creating smart searches lists.
Who wants to do all of that?
I just want to type a domain and have Safari take me to the .com version of that domain...
LIKE IT USED TO.
I don't want to create smart searches and add meta tags and use OpenDNS to get a localized cache.
I just want to type in a domain and get the ".com" automatically.
It is very simple and should be very simple. that is the Apple way.
Anyhow, the poster who said that he is using the 10.5.2 version says the capability is in his version. here's hoping it makes a comeback.
Internet Explorer and Firefox do not work the same way (at least not without additional modifier keys). They assume the user wanted to perform a search on the entered terms.
Under certain circumstances in the past, it has been necessary in my company to add search domains in Network PrefPane or in etc/hosts.conf. This has always broken the ability to use these "one-word" .com URLs.
It looks to me like what changed with Leopard is that a default search domain is automatically created in the Network PrefPane, which cannot be removed. Maybe this is different for some depending on the LAN setup, which might explain why it doesn't seem to affect some users. I CAN verify that the same thing is occurring on my MacBookPro with a fresh Leopard install. I too, was using this feature right up to the seconds before I installed Leopard. I have always, for example, just entered "google/maps" to go to www.google.com/maps or "adobe/type" to go to www.adobe.com/type.
Whether this is a hack or a feature I won't try to decide, but I don't like having a specific search domain shoved down my throat and I feel it should not be proper for any OS to insert that information without my specifying it. At very least, I should have the option to remove it.
As for personal details, they do not keep any of the info unless you want them to, and you can manually delete it at any time if you so wish. (which is waaay more than Google offers btw.)
I don't know why this is such a big deal to you, when the fix is there and then some.
Even if Apple removed this "feature", there can be good arguments made as to why they would - especially since this is something that you can add on your own.
But, to each their own I guess... if you wish to keep ranting about it, that is your right.
There is something else misconfigured on your machine.
EDIT: I'm addressing the thread starter.
After reading further through this thread I decided to try many other site names without adding the ".com" and not once did safari fail to add the .com.
However, when I tried "PBS" which should be a .org it took me to pbs.com(that kinda sucks)
so safari in leopard automatically add the .com to every site i attempt to go to.
I believe the OP has a problem with his install and maybe needs to try to archive/install or maybe a clean install again if he hasn't tried that route yet.
I don't really see the problem here. If you've visited the site once before and it's still in your history, it autocompletes. You're very stubborn and difficult.
EDIT: I'm addressing the thread starter.
wow,
That is a little immature.
i started this thread to address an issue that I have discovered is widespread. Because I don't want to add services and agree with other people's philosophy that Safari "sucks" or OpenDNS is the way to go, I am difficult? Okay...
Actually, I wanted to know if this was a Leopard specific change and if so, how to get my pristine Leopard install to do what it should do within the confines of the OS (ie: checking a preference)
As far as your reference to autocompleting history, I always maintain a clean system. That means no cookies, no history, etc. You sound like you have not read through most of the posts. Everyone knows it autocompletes sites in history and bookmarks. If you have something to offer, then please do. If you only have your personal character judgements, do everyone a favor and keep them to yourself. the only thing that is difficult is getting a clear answer as to what has changed in retail Leopard's Safari.
This feature has been in Safari since the beginning. Before that it was also in Netscape Navigator and Communicator. As I understand it, if there are no search domains configured either in UI or in a hosts file, and one enters a partial domain in the browser, the browser will assume www. and .com. It's not autocompleting from history, it just adds those to what the user has entered. (There is also the autocomplete feature as well, which works both from history and bookmarks.)
Internet Explorer and Firefox do not work the same way (at least not without additional modifier keys). They assume the user wanted to perform a search on the entered terms.
Under certain circumstances in the past, it has been necessary in my company to add search domains in Network PrefPane or in etc/hosts.conf. This has always broken the ability to use these "one-word" .com URLs.
It looks to me like what changed with Leopard is that a default search domain is automatically created in the Network PrefPane, which cannot be removed. Maybe this is different for some depending on the LAN setup, which might explain why it doesn't seem to affect some users. I CAN verify that the same thing is occurring on my MacBookPro with a fresh Leopard install. I too, was using this feature right up to the seconds before I installed Leopard. I have always, for example, just entered "google/maps" to go to www.google.com/maps or "adobe/type" to go to www.adobe.com/type.
Whether this is a hack or a feature I won't try to decide, but I don't like having a specific search domain shoved down my throat and I feel it should not be proper for any OS to insert that information without my specifying it. At very least, I should have the option to remove it.
Thanks for your post. It shows that I am not losing my mind. While we disagree on the benefits of having ".com" appended auto for a partial domain, we both agree that it should at least be a preference.
In any case, it used to be in Safari and now it is not. Apple has said nothing about this. My coworkers would always admire how much easier a Mac made things and this is one of them. though it is a small detail, it is just one more thing that bothers me about Leopard, which I mostly am happy with, feature wise.
i replied to this post earlier and said that safari automatically goes to a ".com" if i type 'ibm".
After reading further through this thread I decided to try many other site names without adding the ".com" and not once did safari fail to add the .com.
However, when I tried "PBS" which should be a .org it took me to pbs.com(that kinda sucks)
so safari in leopard automatically add the .com to every site i attempt to go to.
I believe the OP has a problem with his install and maybe needs to try to archive/install or maybe a clean install again if he hasn't tried that route yet.
I have clean installed Leopard. Erase and Install. Everything went flawlessly.
there are many others on this forum and on the Apple Support page that reflect this issue.
It seems that upgrade and install keeps this from Safari, but a pure Leopard install leaves this out. I am wondering if there is a way to re-enable it or if it is just plain left out.
My solution was to stop using the verizon DNS.
I don't really see the problem here. If you've visited the site once before and it's still in your history, it autocompletes. You're very stubborn and difficult.
EDIT: I'm addressing the thread starter.
Normally I would delete this, as it is off-topic (the topic is not whether anybody is stubborn or not), but it's been quoted. It is also a personal attack which is not permitted.
The topic is why one user is not getting the auto-add of ".com" and others are. It is a technical question, not a personality question.
Do not post any more comments about the personal aspects of anyone. If you know how to correct the problem, please contribute.
Who wants to do all of that?
I just want to type a domain and have Safari take me to the .com version of that domain...
LIKE IT USED TO.
I don't want to create smart searches and add meta tags and use OpenDNS to get a localized cache.
I just want to type in a domain and get the ".com" automatically.
It is very simple and should be very simple. that is the Apple way.
Anyhow, the poster who said that he is using the 10.5.2 version says the capability is in his version. here's hoping it makes a comeback.
The person using 10.5.2 is under NDA and should be addressing this to ADC.
Regarding my idea to extend this functionality it wouldn't have anything to do with the user but it would extend functionality to 3rd parties with a clean API and the consumer should have an option to customize whether it is used or not.
Everything could be optional, we'd only need five billion check boxes. That way, every time you sat down at someone else's computer, you'd only need to reconfigure those five billion check boxes in order to have a familiar interface.
(I'm not taking a stand on this particular issue really. Just pointing out that saying a feature is optional, doesn't mean that users will be unaffected.)
When referring to automatically adding ".com," I don't mean that Safari autofills ".com" in the address bar. What happens under Tiger is that I type in, for example "ibm" and then hit enter. Safari then pulls up ibm.com. This is not dependent on sites in my history or bookmarks.
it used to be that i could type in foxnews, hit enter, and foxnews.com would pull up. Now, it doesn't do that any longer.
i hope that is helpful.
The path to interface hell is paved with optional features.
...
I cannot agree more. One need look no farther than Windows to see the folly of this approach.