So I bought Object Desktop... now help me pick a theme!

from WinCustomize Forums
I'm looking for something sleek and very simple. Something that will minimize the clutter of XP (or at least look nice once I clear out that clutter myself)and leave me with a nice, fresh screen. However, I'm not particularly keen on the really shiny "futuristic"-looking themes. I like simplicity and subtlety. I'd also like load screens, wallpaper, log-in screens etc. that go with the theme if possible.


If possible, I would also like to put stats right on the desktop like this: http://home.pacbell.net/flynnk/newdesktop.jpg I have sysmetrix, but haven't been able to locate the option or skin to do that.

Suggestions? Some personal favs perhaps? Pay no attention to my tastes if posting your personal fav themes.
1,758 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Sounds like you are in need of a minimilist theme. Thats not really my cup of tea however many of the other guys and girls will point you in the right direction.

For logon screens download logon studio from Stardock which will change your logons........its free as well.

Sysmetrix is quite easy to add skins to. Just download the skin of your choice and unzip it and send it to the skins or themes folder in Sysmetrix. when you have Sysmetrix displayed on your screen just right click it and choose configuration and change the theme or skin

Good Luck........the others will be along in a minute and point out some nice themes for you
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Most sysmetrix skins run in a little window like Winamp tho, I'd like one that's just right on the wallpaper almost. If you look at that pic, you'll see what I mean. It nmay not even by Sysmetrix, but I think it is.
Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I think that is the samurize programme but i have never used it so hopefully someone else can give you some pointers on this
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Wow, I never even heard of that program, but I may actually like it better than Sysmetrix! Here's a cool screenshot of a desktop I would like:

http://www.samurize.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/12238/blue2.JPG
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It sounds to me that you are interested in what DesktopX2 has to offer. Currently there is a basic meter available that shows CPU, RAM, SWAP and a couple other things. Its an object on the desktop. There are clock and calender objects also. These objects may not currently be exactly what you want, but there are new ones being made as DX2 gets released (currently in beta).
Also I use DesktopX to be somewhat minimalistic. I only have system tray, no taskbar. Instead I use ObjectDock for my taskbar, but you can use other things that take up less space.
Check out http://www.desktopx.net and the newsgroups stardock.desktopx and stardock.desktopx.binaries for helpful info on DX2.



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Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
#5 by Wizop MikeB314 - 7/29/2003 2:05:53 PM

My hero.........What a skinner........Astro Lad pop over to Skinplant some time and have a look at Mike and Marks work. Fantastic. These boys are the tops
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Samurize is a nightmare to setup so you better hope there is something already created that you like.

DX is easier to work with and soon, there will be a ton more scripts/objects for it.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Very nice themes guys! Been having lots of fun playing with them, trying to pick a good one. I found this one, too and I like the style VERY much as it's almost exactly what I'm looking for: http://www.deviantart.com/view/2273121

Only problem is I can't get the tray on the bottom right to show up properly (?) and I'm having navigation problems, but these may all be due to my ineptitude with the program.

Speaking of which... what is the difference between Windowblinds and Desktop X? Is X a wholly unrelated program? Is using X the same as using Windowblinds except like using Blinds w/ wallpaper, icons, etc.? Which one uses more resources? Which one do you feel is better? It seems like there's more freedom with Blinds, as you can pick a theme and then put in the icons, wallpaper, etc. you want, but X seems like it's an easier, faster approach.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Actually, I think you're describing WinStyles, which allows you to apply WindowBlinds, icons, wallpaper, and more all at once. DesktopX is a desktop replacement, but it doesn't skin your programs. It changes the way your desktop works, by replacing (or removing) the taskbar and system tray, and allowing you to put interactive objects on your desktop, such as meters, animated icons, etc.

WindowBlinds, as you've probably figured out, changes the way all of your windows and programs look, including the taskbar, startmenu, folder backgrounds, etc.