Fortress Forever

Go Back   Fortress Forever > Off Topic > Chat

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 02-17-2007, 11:55 AM   #1
o_jinx
 
o_jinx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
Widgets, Windowblinds, StyleXP, etc...?

*stolen/inspired by my multiple desktops thread*

I've been trying to find extra goodies for the computer. Most minor background programs use little CPU, just memory. With 2.5GB of ram I can have a lot of junk running in the background with little impact on performance. Also, even with a lot running I expect XP is still less of a resource hog than Vista would be.

Okay. Going to start with the stuff that I *have tried*, then ask about some other stuff that I *have not tried*, because I'm a bit leery of them.

First I started with some nice little programs that run in the background. I used to be obsessed with NOT having crap like that running, but with all that ram and me rarely playing high-end games, I don't care that much. Also, I paid for all that freaking ram, I might as well use it:

Last.FM (2.5mb ram)


L33Tsig (10mb ram)


They are both nice goodies to put on your webpage, etc. L33Tsig is just for g33kiness. Last.FM keeps track of what you play, but in conjunction with the website it does a lot more that I haven't even touched yet.

If anyone knows some other nice small programs like these two, please share!

Yahoo! Widgets (8-15mb ram for each widget)
I saw widgets in OSX and was like "ooo shiny!". Found a few that are rather nice. They take a little ram, but unless you have like 15 of them running it's hardly a big deal. I like having a bigger clock, a calendar, and system monitoring stuff right on the desktop. (to show all the ram I'm wasting on this crap lol)

- - - - - - - - -

Here are some programs I am considering trying, but which I am a little leery of because they do major alterations to Windows. Has anyone used these? Any feedback? I don't want to try them without hearing from people I trust whether or not they are relatively stable and safe:

StyleXP
This looks okay, but doesn't sound as powerful as the Stardock stuff below.

Windowblinds (Stardock)
-This is the major thing I'm considering. Particularly interested in the fact that the newest version uses hardware acceleration. I'm assuming this is similar to what Vista and OSX do, and if so it might actually make the desktop run smoother and faster.
-I'm concerned because it sounds very invasive (would have to be). I am also seeing some user reviews that say its uninstall doesn't work right and that they had to reinstall Windows to return to normal settings

DesktopX (Stardock)
I'm mostly interested in this because it sounds like it can run Widgets, but keep them under the same process (more efficient I guess). Also has "Objects", which sound like a higher-end version of Widgets..?

WindowFX (Stardock)
I guess this lets you add transparency effects and other Vista-like stuff.

VirtuaWin
Multiple desktop program that Mooga found me. Has anyone used this?

Another issue with these programs- will they mess with games or cause other bugs? I don't mind giving up some resources to them, as long as they don't cause crashes and other problems.

Just thought I would see if I could get some feedback about this stuff before I try it. I've read a mix of reviews, but I'd rather hear from people I know who use their PC for similar tasks (ie gaming). I'm trying to squeeze a little more prettiness and usefulness out of XP, but the last thing I want right now is to screw up Windows

Last edited by o_jinx; 02-17-2007 at 12:06 PM.
o_jinx is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 01:04 PM   #2
o_supergazz
 
o_supergazz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
I personally use windows blinds and have been for some time. I have 1Gb of RAM and play games a bit. Never noticed a decrease in fps/performance. Run a x1900GT 256mb too. Nothing magic but does the job.

Never had the problems of installing/uninstalling either that you mentioned. I am not sure of the exact numbers on memory usage but my guess is not very much. I use the freeware version so always get the pop up screen on startup and have limited access to the editing functions. But tbh theres so many downloadable skins for it out there.

It has a icon in the system tray which you can closed at any point and revert back to the original windows look setup.

I get the skins from this site http://www.wincustomize.com/



Shoulda prob shrunk it but am a lazy sod . The bars and buttons have all been reskinned, background didn't come with it, neither did the winamp skin, I just found ones that would match nicely
o_supergazz is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 01:43 PM   #3
o_luminous
 
o_luminous's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
i use stylexp/uxtheme.dll cus its the easiest of them all i reckon. its good if you dont mind not having all the bells and whistles, just basic change of desktop. there are some good skins on deviantart which can be found.

mine came with a matching mouse, and links to the matching winamp and Rainlendar/Rainmeter (two good progs themselves) skins

o_luminous is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 02:04 PM   #4
o_lithium
 
o_lithium's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
StyleXP / Hacked UXtheme.dll

o_lithium is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 02:14 PM   #5
o_jinx
 
o_jinx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
wow, nice. I was afraid everyone was going to be omgfz don't use them!#$%!

anyone have a preference between windowblinds and stylexp? the former sounds more powerful, and like I said the hardware acceleration seemed like it might be a big plus. Does your desktop run any smoother/faster, Gazz?
o_jinx is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 03:07 PM   #6
o_skull
 
o_skull's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
Windows blinds didn't run well on my last pc.
Haven't tried on this one.
I'll maybe give it a shot


*Edit*
If you're looking for a full desktop replacement, try aston shells.
It's teh best.

Oh, and btw, windowblinds doesn't work here :/


My desktop (just made it )


Last edited by o_skull; 02-17-2007 at 04:03 PM.
o_skull is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 04:34 PM   #7
o_jinx
 
o_jinx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times


Okay, Aston Shell is looking like the best, because that company also makes Altdesk, which lets you manage multiple desktops, the other thing I wanted. That way I would know that the two are compatible, they are even sold together as a package.

Have you used Altdesk, Skull? btw, that desktop is... lovely... that's one sexy system monitor. Are there a lot of widget-like items like that and the clock built-into Aston?

Last edited by o_jinx; 02-17-2007 at 04:42 PM.
o_jinx is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 04:34 PM   #8
o_()))crayola))_>
 
o_()))crayola))_>'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
Google Desktop. Kicks ass.
o_()))crayola))_> is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 04:46 PM   #9
o_skull
 
o_skull's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jinx


Okay, Aston Shell is looking like the best, because that company also makes Altdesk, which lets you manage multiple desktops, the other thing I wanted. That way I would know that the two are compatible, they are even sold together as a package.

Have you used Altdesk, Skull? btw, that desktop is... lovely... that's one sexy system monitor. Are there a lot of widget-like items like that and the clock built-into Aston?
It varies from theme to theme.
But a lot has them. :]
o_skull is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 04:47 PM   #10
o_vampiricus
 
o_vampiricus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
Quote:
Originally Posted by skull
Windows blinds didn't run well on my last pc.
Haven't tried on this one.
I'll maybe give it a shot


*Edit*
If you're looking for a full desktop replacement, try aston shells.
It's teh best.

Oh, and btw, windowblinds doesn't work here :/


My desktop (just made it )

your not claiming that are you? that looks to be one of the themes that comes with the proggram
o_vampiricus is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 04:48 PM   #11
o_()))crayola))_>
 
o_()))crayola))_>'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
I think he meant he just made the screenshot.
o_()))crayola))_> is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 04:51 PM   #12
o_skull
 
o_skull's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
Quote:
Originally Posted by ()))Crayola))_>
I think he meant he just made the screenshot.
Thanks for the explanation.
No, I didn't make the theme, I'm just using it.


Btw, If you want Jinx, I can upload a pack with themes.
I dl'd it from oink and it came with a 23 theme pack.
Some are really l337
o_skull is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 04:57 PM   #13
o_jinx
 
o_jinx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
I'll take 'em. Though I still haven't decided yet. I would have to buy Aston, but it's $35 for Aston+Altdesk so that's not a bad deal if they work well. I might check some online reviews, too, see what others think. Wondering if it is as full-featured as Windowblinds, too.

Might just do the trials of each, see which I like better.
o_jinx is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 04:58 PM   #14
o_skull
 
o_skull's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
Or you can just get a cracked version..
Anyway, AltDesk CREATES other virtual desktops or it just manages 'em?
o_skull is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 04:58 PM   #15
o_vampiricus
 
o_vampiricus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
ive used desktop x in the past. even though I have 2 gigs of ram, I dont always feel like that gives me the freedom to see how much I can take up. Ive tried altering my desktop several times but just end up going back. Ill use yahoo widgets for a clock or weather (got public calenders from exchange for my calender) so I dont really desire it.

*shrug*
o_vampiricus is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 06:12 PM   #16
o_jinx
 
o_jinx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
Quote:
Originally Posted by skull
Or you can just get a cracked version..
Anyway, AltDesk CREATES other virtual desktops or it just manages 'em?
I would assume creates, since they don't exist otherwise in Windows?

Yes, looked into cracked stuff, they don't look reliable, though. I'll probably do the trial; if I really like it, the price is pretty reasonable.
o_jinx is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 06:28 PM   #17
o_mooga
 
o_mooga's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: A Small Box
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
I've been told that LiteStep is really good but I have yet to try it. I also want to "pimp" out my desktop with some decent graphical stuff

It's a LOT easy for Linux users
o_mooga is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 07:19 PM   #18
o_uber
 
o_uber's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
It's like bl4h, but more subtle.
o_uber is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 08:09 PM   #19
o_jinx
 
o_jinx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
Quote:
Originally Posted by uBeR
It's like bl4h, but more subtle.
I haven't seen bl4h for a while, and I think I know why:
o_jinx is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-17-2007, 08:40 PM   #20
o_bl4h-8800
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times
they blocked me. I can see my own posts but no body else can. Dont ban this one im not going to talk much.



heres a video of mine

http://bl4hster.branzone.com/samp.wmv

i dont use widgets
o_bl4h-8800 is offline   Reply With Quote


Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 07:56 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.