Why do I need to install 3rd party software to skin Windows?
... when Windows already has the facility to do this?
Sunday, March 6, 2005 by mahoobley | Discussion: New Users
I guess the title says it - I'm just curious as to why the only themes that appear to be available to download these days require you to install StyleXP or Windowblinds or whatever to change the look of Windows?
I understand in the instances where additional functionality is added, such as sidebars, docks etc, but I have no need for such things - I just want to change the basic look of windows.
Now I know windows can already do this - under display settings is a list of 'themes', including the standard windows grey, and the more interesting Blue and Silver metallic themes. In fact, a year or so ago I was able to download a couple of other themes that I could load under display properties that made my Windows look a little like the Mac OS.
So why is it then that nobody makes any themes that use this already inherent functionality within windows? It seems absurd that I should need to install a 3rd party application (that may fill my computer with spyware and adware) to do something that my computer can do already. Is there perhaps an issue with the licensing of 'official' windows themes, or is there perhaps a vested interest from all of these 'theme' sites to support their commercial software?
I understand in the instances where additional functionality is added, such as sidebars, docks etc, but I have no need for such things - I just want to change the basic look of windows.
Now I know windows can already do this - under display settings is a list of 'themes', including the standard windows grey, and the more interesting Blue and Silver metallic themes. In fact, a year or so ago I was able to download a couple of other themes that I could load under display properties that made my Windows look a little like the Mac OS.
So why is it then that nobody makes any themes that use this already inherent functionality within windows? It seems absurd that I should need to install a 3rd party application (that may fill my computer with spyware and adware) to do something that my computer can do already. Is there perhaps an issue with the licensing of 'official' windows themes, or is there perhaps a vested interest from all of these 'theme' sites to support their commercial software?
 |
|
Page 2 of 2 | |
|
|---|
LittleBearJason
Reply #22 Monday, March 7, 2005 3:23 AM
What happened to the Aluria Software Certification?
Reply #22 Monday, March 7, 2005 3:23 AM
| (that may fill my computer with spyware and adware |
What happened to the Aluria Software Certification?
Thomas Thomassen
Reply #23 Monday, March 7, 2005 9:32 AM
Reply #23 Monday, March 7, 2005 9:32 AM
And don't forget that Windows also uses it own processes for handling the GUI painting. It's just hidden in one of them svchost.exe processes running on your computer. There's been tests done and they show that WB in some cases are actually faster than Windows native painting. However, it depends on what skin and system configuration you got. A poorly designed skin or a system not in tune can go sluggish with WB, but most often not.
Thomas Thomassen
Reply #24 Monday, March 7, 2005 9:37 AM
Reply #24 Monday, March 7, 2005 9:37 AM
When I said "native painting" I meant when it's painting the visual styles. Not the plain GUI.
Hazylunarrain
Reply #25 Saturday, March 12, 2005 3:59 PM
Reply #25 Saturday, March 12, 2005 3:59 PM
MAN! Talk about testosterone!!! Lol, I have been using WB for about 3 years now and I have never had any problems whatsoever.
Please login to comment and/or vote for this skin.
Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
- Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums and downloading skins.
- Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
- Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
- It's simple, and FREE!
|
|
Page 2 of 2 | |
|
|---|
Reply #21 Monday, March 7, 2005 3:18 AM