Cordelia’s Corner for the Complete Newbie
Introduction to Skinning: Part 1
Monday, January 3, 2005 by Cordelia | Discussion: Beginners
Disclaimer: This article is for the: Apprentice, Beginner, Draftee, Greenhorn, Initiate, Learner, Newbie, Neophyte, Novice, Pupil, Raw Recruit, Rookie, Student, Tenderfoot, Trainee or Tyro. If you are not any of those things, and if the term “power-user” applies to you, then you will most likely be bored by these articles.
Newbie
Pronunciation: 'nü-bE
Noun
Definition(s):
1. A newcomer to cyberspace and/or desktop customization
2. Someone who will get “flamed” when asking what others think are stupid questions
- Noob (adjective)
If you are a newcomer to desktop customization, and don’t wish to get flamed because you can’t figure out how to apply the great new wallpaper you downloaded, look no further! This is your forum to ask stupid questions. I promise I will never flame you for asking what might seem like a silly question (I can’t vouch for anyone else, but rest assured, flames will be deleted as soon as I see them).
Welcome! I am also a newcomer to desktop customization. I have been kidnapped and forced and mouse-point to download and apply “skins” to my computer. Oh the humanity! Who is doing all this “skinning” anyway, and why? That’s disgusting! Doesn’t it get messy? Don’t the authorities have anything to say about this?
It took me a while to realize that “skinning” refers to the process of redecorating your entire GUI (Graphical User Interface) to make it prettier, more functional, and just plain better. It’s even more diabolical than I thought!!!
My moral objections aside, I am not in any way, shape or form a “power-user”. I do like pretty things, however, and it turns out that skinning my computer is right up my alley. Getting started can be an intimidating process, and that is why I thought I’d share some of my experiences with my fellow Padawan learners.
What does it mean to skin your computer?
Here is a screenshot of the basic Windows XP interface:
Undoubtedly when Microsoft came up with the design for this interface they were trying to please everyone. Looks fine, and quite serviceable. In fact, it had been my best friend until I came here. Previously I might have changed my wallpaper to some picture I liked. I’m partial to nature scenes myself because they make me feel as if I am outside rather than locked in a dungeon, but everyone has their preferences.
Here is a screenshot of my desktop right now:
The biggest change you will see is in the wallpaper. This particular wallpaper is by kenwas and can be found here. You also notice the different color of the start bar and taskbar at the bottom and left side. This is the actual "skin". This particular skin was created by Skinartistry and can be found here. There are hundreds and hundreds of skins to choose from, so try a few on for size! I also changed the icons. We will talk more about icons in other articles, but if you click on the thumbnail and look closely (in the upper left and bottom right corners) you will see they are quite different. These are the "Exodo" icons by Cryo64 and they can be found here.
And that, my newbie friends, is skinning. It's all pretty simple in theory. In practice...well, it does get a little more complicated, but if I can figure it out then surely anyone can.
Tomorrow's Article: Just exactly how do I to "skin" my computer???
Find the mistakes in this article and win a free boot to the head!!!
(Offer not valid in countries with vowels in them.)
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Reply #23 Wednesday, January 12, 2005 2:39 PM
for WinCustomize. Great Articles, Cordelia To You.
Reply #24 Sunday, January 16, 2005 10:49 PM
to cornelia: wicked job on the posts, keep em coming dude... er.. r u a dude or dudette?
Reply #26 Thursday, March 31, 2005 3:47 PM
Reply #27 Saturday, April 2, 2005 7:44 AM
And chinakauai: I have a scalpel if you need to start... I prefer to begin with the mouse. I like the soft fur... Makes great pillowcases!
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Reply #21 Wednesday, January 5, 2005 10:39 AM