The Norton DiskDoubler Pro package is a new name for a collection of utilities that was formerly sold under the name SuperDoubler. DiskDoubler Pro includes DiskDoubler (DD), a utility that compresses files, thus freeing disk space; AutoDoubler (AD), which searches your hard disk for files to automatically compress when the Mac is idle; and CopyDoubler, a utility that speeds up copying files in the Finder.
Symantec has rewritten the two programs in native Power Mac code. The programs' installer includes both 680X0 and native PowerPC code.
DiskDoubler, the core program in the package, has five levels of compression from which to choose. AD1 and AD2 are used for automatic compression with AutoDoubler; they compress quickly but not tightly. The remaining three levels — DD1, DD2, and DD3 — all use the same compression algorithm, but they trade compression time for compression efficiency. In my tests, compression speeds improved using a Power Macintosh.
After many complaints from users, Symantec has put back a feature removed from the last version of DiskDoubler: the ability to double-click on a file in the Finder and have it transparently decompress and then launch. The last version required that you double-click the file once to decompress it, then again to launch it. Version 1.1 lets you select either method via a Preference dialog box.
While previous versions allowed you to drag and drop files onto the DD application icon to compress them, DiskDoubler Pro lets you hold down the shift or control key when you drag and drop a file, which brings up a dialog box for changing the compression method.
AutoDoubler compresses files on your hard disk unobtrusively, and you should have to set CopyDoubler preferences only once. DiskDoubler Pro has lost none of its easy sophistication.
DiskDoubler converts StuffIt files (both archives and SEAs) to any of its own formats, but it has no other conversion capabilities. If you frequently send files via modem, you’ll probably want to use Aladdin Systems' StuffIt Deluxe package, which includes conversion utilities for many different compression formats.
If you use System 7.5 and turn on balloon help and point at the DD menu in the Finder, you get a false informational balloon referring to the “Printing Menu.” Symantec is aware of the problem and promises to fix it in a maintenance release.
The Last Word
The Norton DiskDoubler Pro package is a worthwhile investment if you want to squeeze more space onto your hard disk. Because of its ease of use, the package is also a good choice for beginners. AutoDoubler offers an excellent range of transparent compression options, and DiskDoubler works well for archiving and compressing files manually. CopyDoubler substantially speeds up copy operations in the Finder; you’ll soon wonder how you ever got along without it.
If you own a Power Mac, DiskDoubler gives a significant speed boost; and if you’re a SuperDoubler owner, take advantage of the free upgrade. But if you own one of the other Symantec standalone packages, you’ll have to decide whether it is worth the $39.95 to get the missing pieces.
Negrino, Tom. (February 1995). Norton DiskDoublerPro 1.1. Macworld. (pg. 73).
Under MacOS 9.2, the application is fully functional, but the DiskDoubler Finder Menu extension will cause Finder to crash whenever the menu bar is clicked and must be disabled after installation.
Lloyd L. Chambers and Dave Heller
System
out of 10 (1 vote)
240 / 
2021-03-12 / 
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Norton-DiskDoubler-Pro.img
Emulating this? It could probably run under: 
Mini vMac
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