What to Keep? What to Toss?
Tuesday, February 24, 2004 by migraine | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
I have used some Stardock apps successfully in the past on my Win-95-98 systems. But, there were always limitations and memory problems.
Now that I have a WIN-XP Pro w/SP1 system set-up, I am trying to determine what I want and what I should just toss. I AM using Icon Packager & Cursor XP.
But, the last thing I want to do is Install and Uninstall apps.
Years go only WindowBlinds was available so it was that or nothing.
But, over the years I have tried (and still have on CD) WindowBlinds 4.1, Desktop X 2.0, Object Bar 1.6.
I am reading mixed reviews about WinStyles 1.50, Talisman desktop, Style XP, NextStart, etc.
I am working from memory so please bear with me and remember these questions are from WIN-98 experiences.
Window Blinds was a memory hog?
Some apps and/or parts of apps did not skin with Window Blinds? For example, I seem to recall parts of PowerDesk retaining the original desktop theme.
Desktop X had no application skinning function?
Object Bar is an eleborate WindowBlinds type app for the taskbar only?
This new system "seems" to have the ability to handle anything Pentium 4 2.80ghz, 1 GB RAM, ASUS NVidia GEForce FX 5600 Ultra graphics card w/ 128mb ram.
But, I do seem to have occasional trouble with a slow screen refresh. I am trying to find out if the NTFS file system is that problem.
I use the "Old Type" taskbar at this time, until I can get my Start-Up folders set as I like them. So would that effect eithor or both Desktop X and Object Bar?
So what is the minimum configuration of Stardock or some of the newer apps, that would give me a pretty complete customization, but be most system friendly.
This is both a request from you with more Tech experience and a poll of users.
Thanks in advance.
Mike Mc
Now that I have a WIN-XP Pro w/SP1 system set-up, I am trying to determine what I want and what I should just toss. I AM using Icon Packager & Cursor XP.
But, the last thing I want to do is Install and Uninstall apps.
Years go only WindowBlinds was available so it was that or nothing.
But, over the years I have tried (and still have on CD) WindowBlinds 4.1, Desktop X 2.0, Object Bar 1.6.
I am reading mixed reviews about WinStyles 1.50, Talisman desktop, Style XP, NextStart, etc.
I am working from memory so please bear with me and remember these questions are from WIN-98 experiences.
Window Blinds was a memory hog?
Some apps and/or parts of apps did not skin with Window Blinds? For example, I seem to recall parts of PowerDesk retaining the original desktop theme.
Desktop X had no application skinning function?
Object Bar is an eleborate WindowBlinds type app for the taskbar only?
This new system "seems" to have the ability to handle anything Pentium 4 2.80ghz, 1 GB RAM, ASUS NVidia GEForce FX 5600 Ultra graphics card w/ 128mb ram.
But, I do seem to have occasional trouble with a slow screen refresh. I am trying to find out if the NTFS file system is that problem.
I use the "Old Type" taskbar at this time, until I can get my Start-Up folders set as I like them. So would that effect eithor or both Desktop X and Object Bar?
So what is the minimum configuration of Stardock or some of the newer apps, that would give me a pretty complete customization, but be most system friendly.
This is both a request from you with more Tech experience and a poll of users.
Thanks in advance.
Mike Mc
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kona0197
Reply #22 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 7:29 PM
Reply #22 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 7:29 PM
never thought about that sput. As soon as my new HD gets here, I will do that.
Jafo
Reply #23 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 7:37 PM
Reply #23 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 7:37 PM
| Kona0197 - given the clear benefits you know about NTFS, how about 2 partitions? NTFS for the system and most apps, and a separate FAT32 one for the old games? |
Same thing applies for multiple OS boots....can be set to have non-NTFS reading OSs access the same data as XP by putting the data on a non-NTFS partition for old 9x to read....
kongit
Reply #24 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 8:45 PM
Reply #24 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 8:45 PM
actually most oses can read ntfs, just can't write. 
at least out of the microsoft arena
[Message Edited]
at least out of the microsoft arena
[Message Edited]
Shameless Designs
Reply #25 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 9:36 PM
Reply #25 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 9:36 PM
Joining the chorus, I would have to agree that Windowblinds 4.2 on WinXP is a true joy, and I have only very rarely seen memory use increase over running one of the MS Luna themes, and even then it wasn't enough to cause any concern (certainly not with 1GB of RAM). I really like Icon Packager as well, though it took me a while to get used to a few quirks.
As for the others, I would have to say it depends on how you use your computer. DesktopX, will use some system resources, but I find that the benefits in time saved and convenience pay for themselves many times over. And if you are one who likes to have icons on your desktop, IconX, which is part of DesktopX gives you tremendous control over sizing, labeling, controlling, and arranging your icons. And I truly believe that DesktopX has the potential to revolutionize the way people use WindowsXP.
Personally, I think the money I paid for Object Desktop to have it all is one of the best software investments I've made in a very long time.
As for the others, I would have to say it depends on how you use your computer. DesktopX, will use some system resources, but I find that the benefits in time saved and convenience pay for themselves many times over. And if you are one who likes to have icons on your desktop, IconX, which is part of DesktopX gives you tremendous control over sizing, labeling, controlling, and arranging your icons. And I truly believe that DesktopX has the potential to revolutionize the way people use WindowsXP.
Personally, I think the money I paid for Object Desktop to have it all is one of the best software investments I've made in a very long time.
aufisch
Reply #26 Wednesday, February 25, 2004 2:06 AM
Reply #26 Wednesday, February 25, 2004 2:06 AM
Kona, have you ever tried the Abandon Loader for your older games? It is freeware (donations are welcome) and you can find it here http://www.angelfire.com/realm/zeroone/abandon.htm
I run all my old games (even DOS games) under XP (using NTFS) without any problems.
I run all my old games (even DOS games) under XP (using NTFS) without any problems.
Essencay
Reply #27 Wednesday, February 25, 2004 2:42 AM
Reply #27 Wednesday, February 25, 2004 2:42 AM
Abandon Loader is a great tool, also get VDMSound, it works with Abandon Loader and provides legacy sound support, one of the biggest problems with older games. Finally for stuff that is just to old to run on XP get Virtual PC (this one will cost you, but there is a free time trial from MS).
Very Old Games On New Systems (VOGONS) http://vogons.zetafleet.com/ has a lot of info on getting just about any old dos game to run. Most definitely lurk there and read everything....the site admin there isn't a kind soul like jafo
Very Old Games On New Systems (VOGONS) http://vogons.zetafleet.com/ has a lot of info on getting just about any old dos game to run. Most definitely lurk there and read everything....the site admin there isn't a kind soul like jafo
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Reply #21 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 7:21 PM