nkannan99

Join Date 07/2003

Desktop widgets???

I saw this new library on wincustomize called "Desktop widgets". How is this different from DesktopX objects???

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DavidK

Join Date 03/2001

They're free-standing gizmos - no need to have DX running to use them.

but you do need DX installed...

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That sounds nice. Is it possible to convert a DX object to a desktop widget???

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Yes, very possible nkannan, all you need is the Enhanced version of DesktopX. Then, when you export a DX Object, you have the option to export it as a Widget.

If my memory serves me correctly, you DO NOT need the Enhanced version to use a Widget, just to make them...

EDIT: Here's a link for more info... https://www.stardock.com/products/desktopx/

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correct hus, widgets do not require desktop x at all. they are .exe files if i'm not mistaken. but you need Desktopx professional to make a widget.

did someone finally copyright the term 'widget' ? i hope not.

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Hey just a related question,
Widgets are cool (although why have DX installed if your not running it??)
My question is more about stand-alone DX objects (.exe files) How large are these compared to objects and widgets? Say my wired30 tracker is about 170k as an object, and about the same as a widget... but how large will it be as a stand alone application file?

l2andom,

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Time to start making some widgets...

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TRandom, the Widgets will vary in size, depending on the original object and its complexity. An example, Frogboy uploaded a Color Picker Widget, it's about 150k in EXE form. The same object in DXPACK form is about 50k. So, Widgets will always be larger, but I guess it would vary from object to object (naturally).

BTW, DesignCaddy, you don't need DX Professional to make widgets, you need the $19.95 version, DX Enhanced. Professional is $499.99 and it makes stand-alone applications...not widgets.

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The EXE should be around 5K larger than the .dxpack. All extra space is for the .ico inside the .EXE.
About runtime memory used, that should be less in Widgets running stand alone, since you don't have the whole DesktopX workframe running. There are also lots of other benefits like instance isolation (if something crashes it won't bring down everything). All in all Widget stand alone mode is the best way to run these objects.
DesktopX.exe main purpose now is as a development/authoring workframe to make the actual widgets, or for running a complete theme if you need to modify shell parts as taskbar/systray/icons etc.

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DX Enhanced. Professional is $499.99 and it makes stand-alone applications...not widgets.

cooooool

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I downloaded widgets and opened them to the desktop. They were running fine, and than I closed windows.
Upon rebooting they were no where to be found. How/Where would I find them to reload them?
Is there a default to load them at start-up, or restart?

Thanks

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