Desktop X Questionnaire!

Hello everyone, you might have seen some of my work around on desktop X, I’ve only got 6 themes out at the moment as I’m working to try an achieve Quality and not Quantity. I’m currently still in the process of renovating my existing themes to make theme more functional and improving the quality of the graphics.

Basically a would like to know what people expect from desktop X, and what object, plug-ins, and short cuts people require.

So if you could list the components that you look for in desktop x, or components that you feel are not used enough, or are not exploiting their true potential.

This information would be handy while I’m improving my themes, and when I start my nest projects.

Thank you for your time.
4,720 views 17 replies
Reply #1 Top
Scripting

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Reply #2 Top
In a desktop X theme, I like:

Not too much screen space used
Link to Internet Explorer
Link to all the programs in the Start Menu
A clock would be handy
And so would an e-mail checker
Link to My Computer
I like animations, but not an overwhelming amount of them

Um, thats all for now.
I hope this is of some help, and thank you for asking my opinion
Reply #3 Top
Never use DX, don't know what I would want it for...

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Reply #4 Top
Adam,

I'm going to be starting work on my DXScript mini site this week to provide code samples to make things easier for novice users.

I will take some time before it's comprehensive but it will be a start.

_Martin_
Reply #5 Top
Adam, I would like to see a skin that is as functional as it is beutiull... take something like windows... and add to it... instead of starting from scratch... maybe take the start menu and add to it.. same goes for the desktop.. it makes the move from windows to your theme that much easier and more appealing... also... alot of people trow away funcionality to have something unique... make it easy to use... and also... if you could use it on a daily basis.. then probably so could everyone else

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Reply #6 Top
I am just beginning to get into DX. From what I have found, no matter what theme that I try, I always revert back to my start menu. Essentialy, because it would be next to impossible to custom skin someone elses entire start menu into a theme. Therefore, I look for the ever elusive "Start Button", name it what you will.. On the Desktop.. as little as possible with the basics as stated earlier by DavidMandle. I prefer a uncluttered look that is clean, crisp and not overwhelming with gadgetry. Gef's DX themes seem to have that look and feel to them.
Reply #7 Top
yeah... very true... i've noticed that the start menu.. or something similair is always needed... slight redesigns of it go along way... as I was saying... I believe desktop x s actually better for adding for the functionality of windows... one may completely redesign the desktop and such.. you get more by adding to what you already have...

and Lcars is a wonderfull theme... when I want to show the features of desktop x to my friends they always get a kick out of that one...

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Reply #8 Top
how about lcars with ripples
Reply #9 Top
I do not use DX anymore but before I quit I had a look at your latest X creation. I tried it and loved it. I still have it and DX but I have Swutched to StyleXP and LiteStep.
Reply #10 Top
Adam, I love semi-transparent objects. Things that you can position on different areas on my desktop. One thing I would love as an object is a monthly calendar. Hope this helps you.
Reply #11 Top
Probably my all time favorite dx theme goes back to the community skin, Heavy Equipment; love the animations, graphix, and a degree of functionalism. I prefer though, a minimal approach to consumed screen space, yet with great graphix and some slick animations. I like ease of user capability to conform the theme to one's specific needs (it's always nice to include blank icon holders, menus, etc. for this purpose). PC monitors. The typical shortcuts to folders and apps. I like to empty trash, close or eject CD, format floppies, get the weather, news, etc., with the mere touch of a button. And I want it clean looking. I've only done one dx theme and it certainly doesn't accomplish this.
Reply #12 Top
I loved heavy equipment myself... I remember the star menu bugging me... or some part of it that was always on top... blocked maximied windows... bugged me... made it impossible for me to use... it's little things like that, that are important...

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Reply #13 Top
I haven't found a theme that I can say "WOW". I'm looking for one that's functional, yet with some eye candy. Animations, choices of color schemes, easy to edit, low memeory usage, theme that isn't dark!, easy on the eyes etc. Something like your Critical Update one? With the bar on top and bottom. I have 1024 res. so I'm waiting for one, if you are working on it, and see how it works.

So, functionality, the eye candy, and low memory usage are the main thing for me.
Reply #14 Top
I just loved creating works for the Heavy Equipment suite...
Reply #15 Top
I found that I had a lot of fun playing with Desktop X, making objects and themes, but that I don't actually use it.
It's like a game, I open it to play and I shut it down when I'm done. hehehe!
Reply #16 Top
I want to use DesktopX, but have yet to find a theme that fits for me. Every one is either too minimalistic or has too many gadgets. If I find one that I like, well then it says its for one resolution and not resolution independent
Another problem is I like the taskbar up top( I find it much more convenient and the way XP should ship), but DesktopX themes rarely have it up there. I suppose it is possible to change the object so it is up top, but it may require other changes to the theme of which I wouldn't be sure what to do.

Someday one will be created that fits for me. I am a Star Trek fan and think the LCARS one Adam has created is incredible. Unfortunately it would seem to me that many of the functions would be hidden behind windows. But maybe I'll still try it out once the 1024x768 one is complete

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Reply #17 Top
Adam, I find that it just uses too much resources for the little benefit it gives me. I hardly ever see my desktop anyway. Most of the time, I toggle between 4 or 5 applications/windows opened at the same time. And I also hate to have additional toolbars wasting some screen realestate. And I don't like autohide either.
I'm just picky.