Skin Performace

from Stardock Forums
New Windowsblinds user here. Never thought a pragmatic old dude like me would say this, but I've become a WindowBlinds junkie. Love experimenting with the different skins, wallpapers, and desktop looks. Great software.

I have two questions, both likely to been discussed numerous times before. The system I'm running WindowBlinds (v5.1) is a modest 2.4 GHz P4 1GB RAM GeForce FX5500. OS = XP Home.

I've noticed subtle differences in performance, window refreshes, programs snapping open, etc from one skin to another. Is it normal to see slight performance differences between skins or am I just imagining this? My low end video card surely could be a factor. If performance is skin related, any recommendations what to look for when chosing one skin versus another for performance?

I just turned off and diasabled the Windows Themes service. I saw an old forun post recommending one do this to eek out a little more performance. I can't think of any reason to run the Themes service if WB is running. Am I overlooking something? Any common programs need that service?

Thanks

windowblinds
3,194 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Nah, the themes service is best turned off.

The only (mild) difference I've noticed in skins is when the frame is set to stretch instead of tile. Tile is the quickest draw method. My WB skins always seem quicker than the standard Luna skin, at least that's what I see.

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I think what you're experiencing is mostly the theme elements being loaded into memory. Windows takes awhile to place things in memory. If you use the same theme for awhile, does the performance improve? If so, then that's what's causing the initial slow response. Your system specs are fine, although I'm not familiar with the GeForce FX5500. If it is an older card then that would play a role also.  
WindowBlinds - Free yourself of the default settings, customize your desktop.
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
Thanks guys. I'll leave the Themes service off. If I run into any problems, I'll recognize it soon enough.

Dog, to your question about performance getting better with time - not sure. I'll watch. I understand what you're saying. The GeForce FX5500 is a low end card. I suspect it's a significant factor here. I switched this morning from a highly colored, fairly graphic intense skin to a more modest skin and noticed some screen refresh differences. First time I saw this. Was surprised. Not a big issue, but it perked my curiousity. Wasn't sure if was hardware barrier or difference in the way the skin is designed.