from 
JoeUser Forums
JoeUser Forums
LogonStudio is probably the first program that I install on a computer when someone I know wants to customize their computer.
Why is that?
Its because its an incredible program! Anyone can make a Logon, and even if you cant, so many have been made its easy to find one thats likable. Its a great way to take a big step away from the standard Windows XP look. Even if people dont mind the XP look, the logon annoys me to no end, so its my favourite thing to change. That said, its great to have LogonStudio to change it! However, that program is no longer being developed.
Since its the best program I've ever seen for changing the login screens, I'd be interested to hear what everyones opinions are of the future of the program. I, personally, would like to see Stardock create a replacement program that can import the original Logons from Logonstudio. That way, we can get a more complete skinning engine that has more features and will give us more freedom in the logons. Here are some features I'd like to see:
:: Animation support! It would be great if we could have some animated buttons, or just ambient animations.
:: Sounds. Although a continuos soundtrack might get monotonous, I think that entering the login screen, or clicking a user, should produce sound.
:: Complete customization of the location of the "User" boxes.
:: More of a free-form skinning idea
Although these features would be great to have, with development halted on the project, it seems doubtful they will be added. In a post from a Stardock representative, it was said that "LogonStudio development for XP is at an end." As unfortunate as that is, there may still be a future for logons.
With the upcoming Longhorn operating system, its uncertain whether or not there will be a "Logon"-esque interface for accessing the different users. (This is, of course, assuming that there will be seperate user profiles in Longhorn) If there is, however, it would be great to be able to skin them. Stardock, being as close to Microsoft as it is, would probably be the leader in Logon skinning developement. With the Avalon skinning engine becoming more and more apparent in Microsofts vision of Longhorn, the logon screens will probably be governed by it. With Avalons direct link to the graphics cards, all the visual aspects of the operating system will be ran through the card, NOT through your processor. What does this mean? It means that everything will be faster because very few of the graphics will be processed by the processor.
One of the main annoyances about logons currently is the fact that many are resolution dependant. If Avalon is used to skin the future Longhorn OS's logon screen, these annoyances would be removed. How is THAT possible? Simple: Avalon will support vector graphics. That means that all graphics will be defined using numerical co-ordinates, allowing them to be infinitely scaled. Instant resolution independence! Plus, the whole idea of "resolutions" will probably become moot, since it'll all be vectored anyways. Pixels wont really be an issue except when you're using the "old" rastor, pixel-based images.
So, in summary, while the future of the LogonStudio can be summed up with this phrase, "LogonStudio has no future.", there is still a future to Logon skinning. Assuming that Longhorn has a logon-type screen in the OS, you can bet that there will be applications to skin it. I'd put money on the fact that if third-party programs are needed to do it, Stardock will be leading the way with the best program available to do it.
Article by CerebroJD. He's not affiliated with Stardock in any way besides being a satisfied customer.
Why is that?
Its because its an incredible program! Anyone can make a Logon, and even if you cant, so many have been made its easy to find one thats likable. Its a great way to take a big step away from the standard Windows XP look. Even if people dont mind the XP look, the logon annoys me to no end, so its my favourite thing to change. That said, its great to have LogonStudio to change it! However, that program is no longer being developed.
Since its the best program I've ever seen for changing the login screens, I'd be interested to hear what everyones opinions are of the future of the program. I, personally, would like to see Stardock create a replacement program that can import the original Logons from Logonstudio. That way, we can get a more complete skinning engine that has more features and will give us more freedom in the logons. Here are some features I'd like to see:
:: Animation support! It would be great if we could have some animated buttons, or just ambient animations.
:: Sounds. Although a continuos soundtrack might get monotonous, I think that entering the login screen, or clicking a user, should produce sound.
:: Complete customization of the location of the "User" boxes.
:: More of a free-form skinning idea
Although these features would be great to have, with development halted on the project, it seems doubtful they will be added. In a post from a Stardock representative, it was said that "LogonStudio development for XP is at an end." As unfortunate as that is, there may still be a future for logons.
With the upcoming Longhorn operating system, its uncertain whether or not there will be a "Logon"-esque interface for accessing the different users. (This is, of course, assuming that there will be seperate user profiles in Longhorn) If there is, however, it would be great to be able to skin them. Stardock, being as close to Microsoft as it is, would probably be the leader in Logon skinning developement. With the Avalon skinning engine becoming more and more apparent in Microsofts vision of Longhorn, the logon screens will probably be governed by it. With Avalons direct link to the graphics cards, all the visual aspects of the operating system will be ran through the card, NOT through your processor. What does this mean? It means that everything will be faster because very few of the graphics will be processed by the processor.
One of the main annoyances about logons currently is the fact that many are resolution dependant. If Avalon is used to skin the future Longhorn OS's logon screen, these annoyances would be removed. How is THAT possible? Simple: Avalon will support vector graphics. That means that all graphics will be defined using numerical co-ordinates, allowing them to be infinitely scaled. Instant resolution independence! Plus, the whole idea of "resolutions" will probably become moot, since it'll all be vectored anyways. Pixels wont really be an issue except when you're using the "old" rastor, pixel-based images.
So, in summary, while the future of the LogonStudio can be summed up with this phrase, "LogonStudio has no future.", there is still a future to Logon skinning. Assuming that Longhorn has a logon-type screen in the OS, you can bet that there will be applications to skin it. I'd put money on the fact that if third-party programs are needed to do it, Stardock will be leading the way with the best program available to do it.
Article by CerebroJD. He's not affiliated with Stardock in any way besides being a satisfied customer.
WinCustomize Forums
