Newb Requesting Help

Information

Thursday, August 3, 2006 by SilentHysteria | Discussion: Community

Ok, Im a newb to all this stuff. Ive skinned my OS (XP Home SP2).

Pretty much my start menu stuff. Ive added a new Logon screen. Also an object dock Thing i think. Makes my PC kinda like a MAC with the little thing where the icons are. Did ya get that. I dont think i even understand what i wrote.

Also im interested in adding a bootskin. Ive heard alot of nasty rumors about them though. Is it worth the risk if i use the bootskin program here.

Ok So the real reason im posting now that ive given you an idea of my knowledge and stuff.

What are all the diff things i am reading about on the forums and their purpose.

Widgits
icon/pngs
docks/docklets
zoomer


Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Also any information on how i can make my own log-on screen. Im a crazy fan of 24 and i know that there is alot of logons for them but it seems that they all place you logon icons over some of the artwork. Does anyone know where i can get a howto guide.

Thanks again
JMody

13 Reply 3 Referrals
WebGizmos
Reply #1 Thursday, August 3, 2006 6:19 AM
Bootskin...I don't use it. Heard to many problems with it myself so I didn't need the headaches.

Logonstudio...I used to use this and never had a problem with it. But there are some people that have. I made a few logons for myself just to see if I could and they worked fine with no problems. Didn't have a tutorial...just did it...so I can't really help you there.

Widgets are applications you can use for all kinds of things like getting the weather...telling the time...changing wallpaper...checking email...etc. ect. You need DesktopX installed, but it doesn't have to be running.

Icons/Pngs are pretty much the same thing. The only difference is file size and slight appearance. You can convert any Icon to a Png or Png To Icon. Its just a matter of preference.

Docks are can be tabbed or non tabbed (zoomer) docks. They are what you use with ObjectDock to place your icons in for shortcuts to applications...games or anything else you might have on your desktop....they can all be placed in a dock. Not sure about the recylce bin though.

Zoomers are the docks placed on the Top/Bottom/Left/Right of your screen that can be hidden from view and pop out when you move your cursor to the edge of the screen. They are called zoomers because you can set them to have your icons/pngs to enlarge/magnify when you mouse over them.

aufisch
Reply #2 Thursday, August 3, 2006 6:39 AM
I once wrote a whole crash-course about where to install Bootskins or not.

The compact version:

On out of the box systems: Don't install
On Laptops: Don't install
On custom made systems: Try it

Bootskin might work on certain Laptops and "out of the box" system, but if you are not computer savy, don't risk it.

SilentHysteria
Reply #3 Thursday, August 3, 2006 6:40 AM
What are icon/pngs though.

What is their function?


P.S. Thanks for the other information.

WebGizmos
Reply #4 Thursday, August 3, 2006 6:59 AM
Do a google search..."What is a png?" And you'll get the info you seek.

SilentHysteria
Reply #5 Thursday, August 3, 2006 11:06 PM
I figured it was something else. Didnt think they would mean an image file extension.

Cool!

Thanks for the help everyone.

SilentHysteria
Reply #6 Thursday, August 3, 2006 11:11 PM
Aufisch: Im actually now running a Bootskin, Logon Skin, OS skin, Object Dock and some other minor things. Im happy to say that so far the only problem i have had was trying to download a file that was a widgit. Unfortunately i have been unable to install it because my firefox downloads it as a .zip file. I use Izarc BTW.


File: https://www.wincustomize.com/ViewSkin.aspx?SID=1&SkinID=742&LibID=34


I do have DesktopX. But i have no idea how to install this file or what to change the extension to so it will work.

Anyone have any ideas.


Regards,
JMody

Koasati
Reply #7 Thursday, August 3, 2006 11:31 PM
Open the ZIP file, and extract the "SD_LaunchBar_2.09.exe" inside. That's your Widget. DX must be installed, but doesn't have to be running to use Widgets.

WebGizmos
Reply #8 Friday, August 4, 2006 4:39 AM
Install the file in the "Widgets" subfolder in your DesktopX folder. Then if you want you can create a shortcut on your desktop or in a dock to open it.  

SilentHysteria
Reply #9 Friday, August 4, 2006 6:59 AM
The thing is when i download the file i dont get anything inside. its just an empty shell. o'well.

Bichur
Reply #10 Friday, August 4, 2006 9:37 AM
clear all you temp files and such and redownload - sounds like it corrupted - happens once in a while

munkey106
Reply #11 Monday, August 7, 2006 9:04 AM
What's wrong with Bootskin? I use it on my laptop and desktop. Sure I tweaked them up a little, but not much.

What problems are people having with them?

BigDogBigFeet
Reply #12 Monday, August 7, 2006 8:33 PM
Well since this is an older post and others more qualified than myself might not see this and offer a better explanation than I, I thought nonetheless I should give you my best answer. And that answer is it all depends. Apparently for some people with some system hardware software combinations and in particular system BIOS release levels Bootskin can cause system hangs and the like. And, since the system hangs on startup it can be quite unsettling if it should occur on your machine. However, if you are using it without trouble on your current hardware, it will probably be okay. At least that was my unerstanding of Bootskins reputation as I read others' posts. Since I tend to be more risk adverse, I don't use it. And, because I don't use it, I don't have any real firsthand experience on which to base this opinion of mine. I hope that helps.

Bichur
Reply #13 Monday, August 7, 2006 9:57 PM
I tried it.
It didn't hang me up, but it didn't work either.

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