Future Purchaser

Icons are changed by Icon Packager.

Its probably worth your while getting the entire Object Desktop package if you want WB & IP as you get so much more with OD.

I was thinking that, my next question is when purchased via the whole package, can you choose whats always running in backround? Also, if I download the entire theme, will it automatically install the icons? Or do I have to download/install seperatly?

If you download a theme then you can use ThemeManager to apply it & so pick those parts you want to be applied.

Nice! Im thrilled! And im assuming thats only of course with the whole object desktop package right? If so im pretty much sold. Ill prob get it when i get out of work. My question is, is there alot of stuff that runs in the backround with the whole package, vs just having icon packager and windowblinds? If so, is it stuff that can be disabled. One thing i liked over the window blinds software is its not a resource hog. It runs smooth, if anything, smoother than the stock windows themes.

You should be able to pick & choose what you want to run.  You just install the bits you want to use.

Nice, ill be getting this sometime tonight or tomorrow!

Ok another quick question. Can i also install this no my laptop, or will i have to purchase another copy to do that?

You can install it on both, providing you don't use them at the same time.

hermmm....what happens if theyre both on at the same time..?

just kidding...per the EULA you agree to use them at the same time

My question is, is there alot of stuff that runs in the backround with the whole package, vs just having icon packager and windowblinds?

It depends on what you decide to run.

Stardock Central, which is the program used to register, install, archive, and uninstall the Object Desktop programs - in and of itself, will only run when called.

WindowBlinds and IconPackager you already know about....

DesktopX can be minimal on background resources, or a significant user of resources depending on the quantity and type of objects/widgets you load and use in a theme. It will not run in the background unless you load it, other than required support files for running widgets without loading the actual DesktopX program.

The function of the widget or object will determine the resources required to run in the background.

ObjectDock will use minimal resources if no docklets are run, and if magnification (animation) is deselected. It will use more resources if these are used - though not a prohibitive amount if you have a recent CPU, Video adapter, and at least 512 MB of RAM.

SkinStudio, and IconDeveloper are artistic creation programs, and will use resources only when loaded into memory.

In general, the programs which modify the shell, icons, or offer non-animated functions will be very resource friendly - and do not require significant background processes to do their job.

Any program using animation on a significant level (not simple button animations), read system information, or update information via the web - will add to the resource use.

If you need a mini tutorial for installing Object Desktop, you can go here http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=83625

Note - you will want to save any downloaded content files to a temporary folder, and uninstall any 'shareware' versions of the software you intend to install as part of Object Desktop - prior to installing Object Desktop programs via Stardock Central.

Corky, I apreciate all your tech feedback. I've already uninstalled all trial stuff of everything and am back to my default win xp theme. I'm still going to purchase this program either tonight or tomorrow, most likely in the next 10 minutes... but i have one final question. Lets say i load up a game...will the window blinds themes will not be using any video cpu/mem for the themes while the game is running? Or am i wrong, or does it just use less. Im a heavy gamer which is why i ask. Although i havent noticed any performance increase and ive been using trial for awhile now.

 CDGTCC ....there'll be no performance 'hit' while gaming and running Windowblinds at the same time.

I have about 60 games installed....[half are simple demos, though]...but graphic-intensive ones such as Doom 3 or Quake 4?

Not a problem...

nice, i have beaten doom3 with it on, noticed no hit on performance, so yeah, im actually installnig the object desktop as we speak lol, i couldnt wait. very sweet product btw, i didnt expect this whole amazing install thing!

i didnt expect this whole amazing install thing!

It is well done....[and no, I'm not biased]...

One recommendation would be to unload ObjectDock before gaming, if you decide to use this program.

I am not a real wiz with 'overlay' issues, but there may be resource conflicts with 3D games and ObjectDock to some degree, depending on the theme set-up, etc.

I run ObjectDock Plus, and have a hot-key to load it, so unloading is not an issue before gaming or watching a video. (note - before a hot-key, I just pinned the ObjectDock executible to my Start Menu to make for easy loading).

Have fun.

Forgot to mention - the tutorial sets up Stardock Central to show only released versions of programs, so you will probably want to select the "Show pre-release versions" to install the latest beta of WB5.

This is due to a change being made in the program, where Stardock decided to switch from the ODBC data source path, to an ".ini" file set-up. This should be much more compatible with a greater number of users - some of whom had connection problems between said ODBC source and WB5.

Current version with the ".ini" file use is 5.00[b].006, and should work great for you.

well its all installed and working great, i only have icon pack, winblinds 5, and theme manager installed so far. ill play with it when i have more time. I know i read it somewhere, but, what is hyperpaint do again? Also, the purchase comes with a year of free updates right? The software doesnt stop working after that time right?

what is hyperpaint do again

I believe this uses the memory and acceleration on high-end Video adapters.

Also, the purchase comes with a year of free updates right?

Absolutely correct.

The software doesnt stop working after that time right?

No, the software will continue to work - though you may run into issues with skins made for a newer version of the software not applying correctly with the older version.

Note - you will want to make use of the "Archive" functions in Stardock Central to save your skin files, and program versions for installation in the future if you want to use an older version, or install with Stardock Central off-line.

If you click my name, you will find a few mini tutorials on my home page that may be of use.

surround sound 5.1 Card

Thanks for the info - loving the software!

I wonder if CDGTCC is really just Frogboy with (yet) another newby handle??? Hmmmm