eggrock

Join Date 02/2005

Help me understand DesktopX

I'm afraid I don't really understand what DesktopX is all about. I'd love to be able to completely customize XP to my own format and it looks like a bonus is learning VB (VBScript?) at the same time (I loathe Javascript).

What I don't get is, why not write desktop modification software as a standalone program? VB is basically free (with the free SDK), or C/C++ or whatever. I guess I don't get how DesktopX enhances the whole customizing experience except that it allows everyone to share their work--which is a nice thing by itself. Except one could write a piece of code and share it without having to buy DesktopX.

I'm not knocking the software at all and it looks like the developers run a good shop based on the software they've put out. I just don't get *what* DesktopX provides...? Help?

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Island Dog

Join Date 06/2003

+1048

That's a real broad question you are asking. DesktopX provides me with the weather, and if I have any e-mails waiting for me. That's just the simple part I guess.

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That's the end result, and it sound like you need to write code to retrieve the weather data (as an example) and then display it. What does DesktopX give me that I'd want to pay $70 for versus writing my own executable?

[edit] I'm almost overwhelmed with the number of different products out there--which is great! What I'd like to do to start off with is have the functionality of windowblinds; I've always wanted tabs on my desktop.

Next, I'd like to put up some stats, CPU, HDD, temps. and so on. Not with window borders or anything, just an image with text on it, like an LCD display or something easy to start with. I'd enhance later.

Then get into the Start menu and change how it's displayed--semitransparent would be nice.

The most important things would be to a) shut this completely off when I want to game, and

be able to tie everything together as a theme.

DesktopX sounds like what I want, or possibly a combination of windowblinds and some other programs. I don't know, any advice would be helpful and I'm still reading up on all the stuff out there. Looks like I'm in the right ballpark at least.

Oh yeah, something else that would be nice would be if I could tweak somebody else's theme if I decided to use one not of my own creation (or to save time etc.) Or is this whole thing closed source?

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Corky_O

Join Date 04/2004

I am not a coder, so it sounds like you are way ahead of me there.

I do know that DesktopX does not skin or modify the Explorer shell, Taskbar, or Start menu - "WindowBlinds" is the program that does that job.

"Tabs on your desktop" sounds like you want a tabbed dock set-up with links to system functions, programs, and URL's - "ObjectDock Plus" does this job (ObjectDock only uses non-tabbed docks, but it is free).

Display of Stats can be done in "DesktopX" (which works well for someone like me who is not a coder, but can create his/her own graphics and use DX to establish the links for functionality), or you can use "Sysmetrix" which basically specializes in Statistical Display, is skinnable, and has a wide variety of skins available here at WC as well as on other sites.

DesktopX, WindowBlinds, ObjectDesktop, and Sysmetrix can all be unloaded easily using the SystemTray Icon that is available for each of these programs. WindowBlinds will unload leaving you with the Classic Style shell (in beige), which you can change back to say "Windows XP default" through the Display Properties>Theme tab interface - or just reload WindowBlinds after gaming, which will reapply the skin that was previously selected. The other 3 programs will unload immediately, with no changes required afterward, and can be reloaded just as easily.

As far as tying it all together in a theme, Theme Manager is probably your best bet, because it can save and apply all parts of a theme (i.e., WindowBlinds, DesktopX, ObjectDock, Sysmetrix, IconPacager, etc.). In this case, you just apply the customizations to your GUI and run Theme Manager and select "Save theme", and follow prompts and you will be set.

A certain amount of "tweaking is possible in these programs, the obvious proviso is that you need permission from the original author(s) if you wanted upload the "tweaked" theme for others to download.

Object Desktop contains a majority of the programs I mentioned with the exception of ObjectDock Plus ($14.95 for Object Desktop owner's) and Sysmetrix (Free), as well as Icon Packager (which applies the IconPackages available here at WC,and allows you to package your own Icon Packages), SkinStudio which allows "tweaking" and creating WindowBlinds, and Icon Developer which allows "tweaking" and creating of icons.

From my understanding the coding option is very time consuming and you would be either creating programs like those I mentioned, or hacking the "Tweak UI" to get the results you want - but again, I am not a coder and don't know for sure.

I hope this helps you in some way.

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What does DesktopX give me that I'd want to pay $70 for versus writing my own executable?

That would be something only you can decide. For a lot of us who are not expert code writers DesktopX makes it a lot easier to create a stand alone item that looks good and that we can share with someone.

Looking at Link you can also upload and make some $ from the objects you create. Me, I didn't go pro cuz I suck at ideas, imagery, execution and can't write a script for a children's play much less a computer.

If you decide not to go pro, but are thinking still wanting DestopX, WindowBlinds and some of the other programs, you might consider the OD disk for $20 less ($49.95). That;s what I did. I happy with it. With the programs I can dress my computer anyway I want.

yeah I know, I also suck at helping.

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Koasati

Join Date 07/2001

+21

If you coded your own app, and you wanted to make the app skinnable, you'd have to figure that out too. With DX the skinning bit is already coded for you. But I too am no coder, and have no idea what is really involved. You best bet is probably writing to sales@startdcok.com, and ask them what the advantages are. Or maybe ask in the DX newsgroup found at news.stardock.com

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i agree with Bichur, i purchased Object Desktop and Object Dock Plus, it will do all of the applications you described, there are literally tons of weather, stats, and other widgets on wincustomize sites all available to you for d/l with the registered version of OD, sysmetrics is a usefull program as well for weather and such once you have your desktop as you want it, save it as a theme in thememanager or as in ODP in a theme for your docks, then you can load it on command after gaming etc...all tied together, its a great set of programs and options, an endless supply of tweaking, changing options, all to make your desktop exactly the way you like it... I have no clue about codeing, so i'll pay to use other peoples artwork to achieve the desktop and features i like

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Thanks everybody, that gets me much of what I need to know. My goal isn't 'pretty' (in the eye candy sense) but 'functional' (and stable/compatible), so I can access certain things on my PC faster than otherwise. Power Toys gives me a little of this (primarily the Command Prompt Here exe), Tweak UI will give me more, and now I'm looking at TPAs like these to add more desktop things, and I guess a little 'pretty' if I'm up to it. Stuff like a Google search popup on the desktop, easy access to certain folders, hotkeys for launching apps etc. A lot of this I can get already but a package that ties everything together is preferable.

Plus I might as well learn VB since it looks like ActiveState is dropping development efforts for Perl. ): Boo!

It's not about paying money for software and definitely not about making money, just giving me more functionality (and maybe some goodies for my wife's account). I absolutely love the idea of pseudoapps that can easily provide functionality more easily than full blown applications.

Sounds like DesktopX doesn't require coding...?

It also sounds like Object Desktop + Object Dock Plus might be what I'm looking for.

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Koasati

Join Date 07/2001

+21

Sounds like DesktopX doesn't require coding...?

DX requires coding if you want to build your own custom objects, and widgets.

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I might as well e-mail sales, I've a few more questions. And PayPal's down to $48 right now, figures.

Thanks for all the replies.

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