I'm thinking of purchasing the Natural Desktop
Tuesday, October 11, 2005 by sgand | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
Has anyone got this and have any comments on it? I would glady like to know before I make this purchase. It's only 10 bucks, so not really a lose if I'm not thrilled. But it does seem like a cool idea though. 
Also thinking of getting IconPackager, since my trial is running out soon.
Also thinking of getting IconPackager, since my trial is running out soon.
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sgand
Reply #2 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 12:24 PM
Reply #2 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 12:24 PM
As far as system resources and such, I have a laptop with only a 16mb video card, should I be fine using this?
Cyberworld
Reply #3 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 12:28 PM
Reply #3 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 12:28 PM
Check program specs in online store or at Stardock's site,i think it says about it somewhere,not sure though... 
sgand
Reply #4 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 12:34 PM
Reply #4 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 12:34 PM
I didn't see it at the store. I keep getting as far as the billing information, then chickening out, lol.
Septimus
Reply #5 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 1:03 PM
Reply #5 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 1:03 PM
Works fine on my work Dell with its crappy onboard Intel GFX.
GreenReaper
Reply #7 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 3:23 PM
Reply #7 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 3:23 PM
I would say it's a good deal for $10. You get 16 very nice wallpapers, some background sounds and an animated window that can show you the weather anywhere in the world. Of course, I helped make it, so . . .
If you are concerned about performance - as Septimus said, the requirements are not very onerous. It also offers three speeds of animation, so if you find it's taking too much power you can always adjust it. If you don't actually look at the desktop much but just want the sounds, you can hide it in the corner and it won't take any CPU time drawing the animations.
We just came out with an update that fixes the US weather forecasts (they changed the site on us!
), so if you do buy it, be sure to download it using Stardock Central, having turned pre-release versions on in the View menu. It's in the Misc section.
If you are concerned about performance - as Septimus said, the requirements are not very onerous. It also offers three speeds of animation, so if you find it's taking too much power you can always adjust it. If you don't actually look at the desktop much but just want the sounds, you can hide it in the corner and it won't take any CPU time drawing the animations.
We just came out with an update that fixes the US weather forecasts (they changed the site on us!
), so if you do buy it, be sure to download it using Stardock Central, having turned pre-release versions on in the View menu. It's in the Misc section.
sgand
Reply #8 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 3:48 PM
Reply #8 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 3:48 PM
Ok I just bought it and installed it, but when I click the shortcut to it nothing happens. The weird thing is that it shows as a running application and process in the task manager. Help!!!
GreenReaper
Reply #9 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 3:51 PM
Reply #9 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 3:51 PM
*sighs* - There was a problem with a recent update and I guess they didn't update the full file yet.
Please do the following:
* Uninstall the current version from add/remove programs
* Get Stardock Central from here if you don't already have it: https://www.stardock.com/sdnet_login.asp
* Login with your Stardock.net/WinCustomize account
* Fill in your Natural Desktop registration details on the Registration Info screen in Tools
* Turn on View/Show pre-release versions
* Install Natural Desktop 1.5b from the Misc section
That version should work a little better. I've asked Kris to update the standalone installer right now, so that people who install from there don't get caught out by it.
Please do the following:
* Uninstall the current version from add/remove programs
* Get Stardock Central from here if you don't already have it: https://www.stardock.com/sdnet_login.asp
* Login with your Stardock.net/WinCustomize account
* Fill in your Natural Desktop registration details on the Registration Info screen in Tools
* Turn on View/Show pre-release versions
* Install Natural Desktop 1.5b from the Misc section
That version should work a little better. I've asked Kris to update the standalone installer right now, so that people who install from there don't get caught out by it.
sgand
Reply #10 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 4:12 PM
Reply #10 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 4:12 PM
Thanks that did the trick.
You did an outstanding job with this, I love it!
Now all I need is Icon Packager and a subscription and I'm all set.
You did an outstanding job with this, I love it!
Now all I need is Icon Packager and a subscription and I'm all set.
GreenReaper
Reply #11 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 4:44 PM
Reply #11 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 4:44 PM
Excellent! Hope you enjoy the programs. Remember, if you do get IconPackager, it's only $35 if you want to upgrade to OD (of course, you could just get that right now for $50, but no rush ).
).
Lantec
Reply #12 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 5:36 PM
Reply #12 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 5:36 PM
I can't believe no one told you to subscribe first to Wincustomize......and then purchase Natural Desktop. It looks better that way. 
Slackers!!
Slackers!!
sgand
Reply #13 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 6:30 PM
Reply #13 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 6:30 PM
Well I do not have enough money to spend on all three (subscription, tnd and ip), so I am gonna get the two that I want first.
sgand
Reply #14 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 6:31 PM
Reply #14 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 6:31 PM
Just curious, why would getting the subscription first been the better thing to do?
Lantec
Reply #15 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 6:40 PM
Reply #15 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 6:40 PM
Actually, I assumed, incorrectly I guess, that you already had an Object Desktop Subscription. After that the next most important thing would be the Wincustomize Subscription, unlimited downloads, a blog site (I think that's still included), a private gallery for displaying your work, your own webpage, Special Wincustomize browser and Tray notification applet.
aimzzz
Reply #16 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 6:56 PM
No pressure, but I thought I'd point out that IP is part of Object Desktop if you worked it out to get OD. (otherwise, you do get the discount if you get IP now, & decide to get OD later)
Your discussion is making me want Natural Desktop...
Reply #16 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 6:56 PM
| Well I do not have enough money to spend on all three (subscription, tnd and ip) |
No pressure, but I thought I'd point out that IP is part of Object Desktop if you worked it out to get OD. (otherwise, you do get the discount if you get IP now, & decide to get OD later)
Your discussion is making me want Natural Desktop...
Lantec
Reply #17 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 7:03 PM
Reply #17 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 7:03 PM
Citizen Sgand, I noticed in another thread you said if you someone get you a WC subscription that you that you would purchase Object Desktop. Is this still the case?
sgand
Reply #20 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 7:07 PM
Reply #20 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 7:07 PM
aimzzz, I STRONGLY recommend TND. It's so cool!!! I love every bit of it. The wallpapers are fantastic, and I LOVE how it all changes with the time and weather.
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Reply #1 Tuesday, October 11, 2005 12:20 PM