Desktop managers/shells - How to make Windows cool

Shinova · Post by **Shinova** » 2004-05-24 11:47pm

My current one, though I might change it a bit

That's with Aston Shell, which replaces "explorer.exe", which is the default GUI desktop shell that Windows operates with. You also have the option of switching back to explorer if you wish.

Basically you can not only have your own wallpaper, but you can also customize your desktop further, and make it cool to your liking.

Other such programs out there include but not limited to, Hoverdesk, StyleXP, etc. Feel free to give them a spin if you want.

darthdavid · Post by **darthdavid** » 2004-05-25 12:16am

I'm betting us poor saps on windows 2000 our left out in the cold with these things aren't we?
*edit: Nevermind a quick google showed the fact that that one atleast, works with older versions of windoze...

Sarevok · Post by **Sarevok** » 2004-05-25 12:23am

The default XP interface sucks. Windows 2000 has the best interace.

Hamel · Post by **Hamel** » 2004-05-25 12:27am

Custom shells like Litestep, etc, look nice, but are unstable as piddlewigs~

Saberslash · Post by **Saberslash** » 2004-05-25 03:33pm

Where does one get these "shells", cause that looks sweet.

Super-Gagme · Post by **Super-Gagme** » 2004-05-25 03:41pm

There is an even easier one, you can simply get a hacked GUI dll to replace the system one and then download themes that totally skin XP.

Pu-239 · Post by **Pu-239** » 2004-05-26 01:10am

[linux zealot] Bah, the >63 window managers available on Linux shall always 0wn3rz your pitiful \/\/1|\||)0Z3 "5|-|311z" Oh, and each WM has it's own set of themes[/linux zealot]
:d

In seriousness, I use the Ion3 window manager, despite being the debian packager for WMI (http://wmi.berlios.de) since I'm waiting for WMI to become slightly more mature before I use it, since it's lacking drag and drop support for windows into frames and good multi-monitor support. I might start submitting patches once school is over, since many features on my wishlist are easy to implement. Don't tell anyone, sicne it would kinda be scandalous.

Here's my current setup:

http://www.broken-llama.com/images/screenshot.jpg (dead link until tomorrow).

As you can see, no background images... 100% use of space.
The grayed out area is the dead zone due to my pairing of a 1280x1024 with an 800x600 monitor.

Pu-239 · Post by **Pu-239** » 2004-05-26 08:02pm

Up now.

Saberslash · Post by **Saberslash** » 2004-05-26 08:47pm

Pu-239, that looks... uh, interesting.. and a little complicated and bland...

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2004-05-27 12:38am

I can't see a reason to change my shell, I see it, oh I guess about 5 minutes total each day, no reason. And, of course, I don't use X.

Ace Pace · Post by **Ace Pace** » 2004-05-27 04:25am

I've got no complaints currently with explorer, since I use a plugin that gives me multiple desktops. very nice and easy.

Post by **The Wookiee** » 2004-05-27 04:41am

I use Rhodium Edge with AquaDock.

Please note that I've since changed the background to the Fruit Fucker Prime wallpaper from ObeytheTube.com.

Chardok · Post by **Chardok** » 2004-05-27 08:30am

can someone link me to free downloadable "Shells"? I have never known you can change the GUI in windows...I am....impressed. Also stupid.

DocHorror · Post by **DocHorror** » 2004-05-27 08:43am

This looks quite interesting, how stable are they? Are they system hogs?

Where can I get them

Pu-239 · Post by **Pu-239** » 2004-05-27 02:59pm

InnocentBystander wrote:I can't see a reason to change my shell, I see it, oh I guess about 5 minutes total each day.

?? Explain. You use the console only? Or do you game exclusively on Windows? Or do you simply mean that your attention only goes to the shell about 5 minutes a day, and the rest to the browser or whatever you are working on?

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2004-05-27 03:34pm

I have no reason to change my shell from Explorer -- it works fine for me.

Super-Gagme · Post by **Super-Gagme** » 2004-05-27 04:41pm

This "AshtonShell" is ridden with spyware and pesters you about registering all over, doesn't even give you 30 days. All in all it's shit. There is a reason professionals design marketted shells and not morons like whoever wrote AshtonShell.