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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Koasati
Reply #2 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 3:49 PM
Reply #2 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 3:49 PM
| toss desktopX...Memory hog |
That's entirely dependant on the theme/objects being used.
WindowBlinds is not a memory hog, quite the opposite.
You mention DX not having application skinning function...........why should it? We have WindowBlinds. 
You really should try everything again, now that you're using XP........ things that gave you problems on 98, most likely will not on XP. 
Jafo
Reply #3 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 4:08 PM
Reply #3 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 4:08 PM
StyleXP is a system dll hack so keep away.
Powerdesk hasn't been updated for ages and sometimes spits a dummy in XP....but still a great app.
NTFS is one main reason for switching to XP in the first place [from 9x].
Main Stardock App I have used since its inception is Windowblinds.....only gets better and better with each ver....)
kongit
Reply #4 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:19 PM
Reply #4 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:19 PM
Windowblinds, Iconpackager, cursorxp, and desktopx. can't go wrong with that. 
Essencay
Reply #5 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:26 PM
Reply #5 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:26 PM
Ditto......Travis recommendations, also resource free and safe, not necessarily adding any functionality..LogonStudio and Bootskin
MadPyro
Reply #6 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:33 PM
Reply #6 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:33 PM
oh yes. Bootskin and LogonStudio are a keeper. theyre free and small yet they are the first thing (and last in logonstudios case) that you see.
MadPyro
Reply #8 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:37 PM
Reply #8 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:37 PM
i, inlike others, dont fall asleep while my computer boots. 
*winky*
*winky*
kongit
Reply #9 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:43 PM
Reply #9 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:43 PM
I never see the bootscreen (maybe 1 or 2 sec.) and I have login in classic mode. kinda pointless for me to use logonstudio or bootskin. Also I don't normally use xp....
MadPyro
Reply #10 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:44 PM
Reply #10 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:44 PM
*sigh*
| he has been on linux too long mam, there is nothing i can do for him... |
kona0197
Reply #12 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:52 PM
funny thing is, I am using Win XP Pro and i use FAT with it.
Reply #12 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:52 PM
| NTFS is one main reason for switching to XP in the first place [from 9x]. |
funny thing is, I am using Win XP Pro and i use FAT with it.
Essencay
Reply #14 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:57 PM
Reply #14 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:57 PM
I read somewhere that FAT32 file system is faster than NTFS for gamers. I still use FAT32 with XP
Jafo
Reply #15 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:58 PM
Reply #15 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 5:58 PM
| funny thing is, I am using Win XP Pro and i use FAT with it |
Fat32, one hopes...and it's not 'funny' just naive...
Styl-X Design
Reply #16 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 6:48 PM Go with windowblinds and iconpackager, thats all you need.
Personaly have some nice experiences with styleXP too. Reinstalled my machine and styleXP isn't going to be on it anymore, nice program but indeed a system hack.
Reply #16 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 6:48 PM
Go with windowblinds and iconpackager, thats all you need.Personaly have some nice experiences with styleXP too. Reinstalled my machine and styleXP isn't going to be on it anymore, nice program but indeed a system hack.
kona0197
Reply #17 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 7:02 PM
no.. works better for my old games.
Reply #17 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 7:02 PM
| Fat32, one hopes...and it's not 'funny' just naive... |
no.. works better for my old games.
Jafo
Reply #18 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 7:10 PM
Reply #18 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 7:10 PM
File stability is superior in NTFS.....particularly with an unexpected shutdown/blackout.....no more corrupted/crosslinked files etc.....improved OS stability/reliability is a good enough reason to move from Fat/32
kona0197
Reply #19 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 7:15 PM
Reply #19 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 7:15 PM
I know all that Jafo. It is the fact that I have some very old games that will only work on FAT32
Fuzzy Logic
Reply #20 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 7:16 PM
Reply #20 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 7:16 PM
Any performance gain in FAT32 over NTFS is negligible. NTFS gives you stability as well as being less prone to fragmenting problems.
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Reply #1 Tuesday, February 24, 2004 2:35 PM
Keep WindowBlinds
Keep IconPackager
toss desktopX...Memory hog
toss objectbar...unstable
I recommend Object Desktop and you can pick and choose at anytime...I have it and everything is fast pace here. One year with all the updates...you can't lose. )