suites

software needed

from WinCustomize Forums
Am new to customization of one's system and wanted to give mine a complete makeover... was thinking about purchasing one of the suites I saw on your site. My question is before I purchase it what other software do I need to have installed to be able to have my computer run properly with it?



Raivyne
beginners
1,408 views 1 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Raivyne,

It will depend upon which suite you are looking at.

For suites without the Theme Manager installer, you will want to go here: Link, and download Theme Manager, as well as the core programs shown on the page.

Other programs that may or may not be needed:

- LogonStudio Link, this program is not officially supported by Stardock, so your support resources will generally be here at WinCustomize forums.

- ObjectDock Link

Some versions of premium suites include a version of the Theme Manager software that will install the necessary component softwares and an interface dialog box allowing you to apply either the suite, or return to the default Windows theme.

Usually if the suite includes a version of Theme Manager, the description of the suite will indicate this, otherwise you should assume that you will need to install the softwares at the Theme Manager link above.

Note - there are shareware (free) versions, and enhanced (purchased) versions of the softwares available. Some of the functions/abilities of the enhanced versions are not available in the shareware versions. It would be my suggestion to try the shareware versions to get an idea of how they work, if they are compatible with your machine (if you run Windows 2000, or XP - they should be), and whether or not customization is your cup of tea. If you install the shareware versions from the above links, you will also be able to download some (though not unlimited) different skins/themes/packages from the libraries here at WC to use.

The shareware versions are designed to give you a good idea of the functionality of the programs, as well as being an investment by Stardock in the hopes that you will like what you see, and purchase the enhanced versions. If you do decide to purchase in the future, I would also suggest looking into Object Desktop if you are going to purchase more than two of the programs.

If you are running Windows XP, and you are going to install the shareware softwares, you will want to create a restore point (Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore) - before installing the softwares. This will allow you to restore if you have a problem, and give you the use of your system to post here at WC to get some support ideas (as well as support at Stardock). Always unload all programs before installing anything on your computer to prevent problems.

If you purchase the programs in the future, make sure to back-up all downloaded skins/themes/packages, then uninstall the shareware version before installing the enhanced versions.

Well, that should about cover all the bases.

I hope this answered your question - if not, please post the suite you were interested in, and someone will be able to steer you in the right direction.