Themes and MONEY?? and a bit of info

January 18, 2003 2:16 AM from

I've been going around through this site and have been very impressed by a lot of the works here and, of course, would like to apply some of the themes on my own pc. So I go around to check out the available programs and they ALL COST AROUND ~$20. Except for CursorXP and Litestep (I think). Why so expensive?

Anyway, I'd like to know is there anyway to apply themes on my pc for free? What are the dangers associated? What's the difference between applying a theme, changing the GUI, and changing the shell? I have a feeling the latter can make ur pc unstable + wouldn't one have to learn something like that all over (like learning windows for the first time)? I'd be grateful to anyone who can address my concerns. Thanks a ton... I'm off for some FREE wallpapers.. hehe.

1,294 views 5 replies

Reply #1 January 18, 2003 2:39 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

i've noticed that the system runs less stable to a point when replacing the shell...simply because windows explorer sucks anyways and is designed to be crap... aston is a good replacemnent but hard to use... I prefer desktop x which is now easier to use than ever with IconX technology... and of course you don't need to worry about it affecting the shell since it runs along side explorer and does not replace it... although it should (maybe desktop x 3.0) and as for the themes unfortunatly they are all specific formats... like the visual styles are all for windowblinds... but the good part is that windowblinds actually runs just about as fast as windows classic, and alot faster than windows xp's built in visual style engin (this has been proven) so it's worth the money... if you pay USD49.99 you get Objet Desktop which has all of the stardock programs on this site... well worth it when you consider everything you get... if you like the works... buy the package you won't regret it... I guarantee it...

Reply #2 January 18, 2003 4:12 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

$20.00 is expensive?

Better to go for the full set as da_zman20 suggested, and another $10.00(?) for a subscription.
You can always trial Windowblinds before you buy, but the OD package is the best deal.

Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse

Reply #3 January 18, 2003 7:25 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

CursorXP is available in 2 vaersions. One is free, one is shareware.
the second one has more features.
Litestep is freeware becuase it is an open source project, maning anyone can work on it.

As for the other progs, they're not 'that' expensive, but they do cost money becuase someone took time to sit and code them. Shareware apps generally have better support and development, becuase the coder is making enough money to justify and warrant spending time on the prog, whereas a freeware coder will not be able to afford to spend time working on their program as much, possibly due to having another job or whatever.

Reply #4 January 18, 2003 7:26 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Good lord, that's an incredible amount of typo's in there by me.
I even managed to misspell 'because' every time I typed it.

Reply #5 January 18, 2003 7:36 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

It's OK, Hippy....making spelling errors is a Capital Offence, but my axe is sharp...I won't feel a thing... Spell checker

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