Changing the looks of your desktop.

from WinCustomize Forums
Okay, here's another one of my general questions.

We have been provided many tools to change our desktops from Stardock such as WindowBlinds, Wallpapers, IconsPackager, DesktopX Objects, Widgets and Themes to name a few.

So for the nonskinners out there, how many of the programs or in what combinations of them are you using to customize your desktop? Why really isn't important unless you want to pass on some knowledge to rest of us.

For the skinners out there, when you are putting together a theme are you just thinking about the skin you're working on or how the other programs my fit into the theme. For instance if you're doing a WB, are you looking at RC, OD and Icons?

No real purpose here, just wnat to see what people are doing. Me, I probably use the least amount of tools, WB, WP, IP, CXP, Objects and Widgets. Does anyone use WindowFX?

Have a great day.           
7,224 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Oh darn, I kind of thought someone would have replied by now. Guess it just wasn't that good of a post, sorry.   
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
So for the nonskinners out there, how many of the programs or in what combinations of them are you using to customize your desktop? Why really isn't important unless you want to pass on some knowledge to rest of us.

Because I'm lazy...I've copied this from my Wiki user page, hehe:

Skinning Utilities Used: WindowBlinds, CursorXP, BootSkin, LogonStudio, AveDesk, SysStats, IconPackager, ObjectDock Plus, SkinStudio, Enhanced File Dialog, Winamp.
The Political Machine 2024
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
99% Objectdock Plus w/sysstats (5 dock custom GUI layout)

Logon Studio

WinAmp with ClearOne skin, tied to
CD Art Display with Gothic II skin

On XP only, WindowBlinds with Vienna skin.

Multiplicity Pro to control four monitors across three computers as one desktop.

In testing, Miranda IM with ModernClear Slick skin (for transparent/glass Messenger contacts, etc.)
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
that'll be long

_BootSkin (Stardock)
_CursorXP Plus (Stardock)
_ObjectDock Plus (Stardock)
_LogonStudio (Stardock)
_Enhanced File Dialog (Stardock)
_RightClick (Stardock)
_DesktopX Pro (Stardock)
_ObjectBar2 (Stardock)
_WindowFX(sometimes) (Stardock)
_IconPackager (Stardock)
_WindowBlinds (Stardock)
_Sysmetrix
_Rainlendar
_Xion

Not all in same time don't worry depends of the day mood
Plus to Make them/edit them:

_NotePad++ or Objectedit (Stardock)
_Photoshop7
_Gif Movie Gear
_AniUtil (Stardock)
_SkinStudio (Stardock)
_IconDeveloper (Stardock)
_WinRAR

Since i got ODNT when i made a skin i think on how it will fit with others applications cause i use them too.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
For my desktop, I like it really empty and clean. So, my list is minimal: WP, WB, IP, weather widget, and Desktop Sidebar set on autohide (non-Stardock). I am still running XP on my computer.

When making blinds, I use Skin Studio, Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, Animation Shop, and occasionally MS Paint. Fortunately, I have a skinning partner that makes the widgets, rainys, and occasionally RC to match my blinds...I, too, like things to match.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Always using Right-Click
Windowblinds of course
OD+ or Object Bar - I have them configured to do the same things
some Konfabulator Widgets (Clear Calendar, Weather Radar & RSS Ticker mostly)
Iconpackager - usually set it and forget it
Sysmetrix - unless I'm using widgets to do the same
Winamp - tend to oscillate between ClearOne & KamaleonDUI

When making skins (which is pretty rare these days) PaintshopPro, SKS & notepad
For walls (mine are almost all photos nowadays) Adobe Lightroom & Neatimage
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hello folks, thanks for the replies. I know I said in the original post that there was no real purpose to the question. Just realized that there is one, it just might encourage people to try more of the customizeing tools.

Just look at the difference between Excalpius and Quentin94 desktops, in fact those that have replied take different approaches in designing their desktops. Should have asked people to "show" us their desktops as they have them set up, thst would have been good. Oh well.   
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
WindowBlinds, CursorXP
The 2 used the most and my 2 favorites.
These are the 2 that make people who come to my house ask "How do you do that?"
This also helps send them to the site and several have become members.
Wish all my friends and family would pay a couple bucks and join but some of these people are just cheap.
Oh well not all old dogs learn new tricks....  
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hi there, Mrs Mschleisner, thanks for replying. Now sending people here to become members is what it's all about. A gift subscription just might get some of those family members hooked.  Even starting them off with the trial version might work.  
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Agreed. Very interesting to see the differences. Thanks for sharing everyone.