Thread: CarShell v2

Unfortunatly, no. If explorer is not set as the shell, running it will only open a single explorer window (which yes, you can embed). However, I do not know of a way to launch the explorer shell (with the start menu, task bar, tray icons, etc.) without modifying the registry and changing it back once you are done.

The explorer shell sucks to use on a 7" TS anyway. This is why we need a light-weight shell replacment that still allows us to use EVERY program (even if it only works through a tray-icon or right-click context menu).

Originally Posted by RPM_VR4

Unfortunatly, no. If explorer is not set as the shell, running it will only open a single explorer window (which yes, you can embed). However, I do not know of a way to launch the explorer shell (with the start menu, task bar, tray icons, etc.) without modifying the registry and changing it back once you are done.

The explorer shell sucks to use on a 7" TS anyway. This is why we need a light-weight shell replacment that still allows us to use EVERY program (even if it only works through a tray-icon or right-click context menu).

Yeh true I've noticed this aswel.

And agree- a custom shell would be ideal.

as you mentioned in the 'boot your front end as a shell thread', I would reall like to see this more robust, configurable and stable. I am starting to redisign it in C# and I intend to design a intensive class structure that will allow it to be all of the above. In a few weeks maybe I will see If anyone is interested in participating in the project, I think that its scope might be beyond the time constraints of one programmer working 40 hours and attending school full time.

I'm not having a dig at Carshell 2- I think its the right idea, just not what I'm after.

Sadly though I couldn't code it myself- much as I've picked up basic coding knowledge I wouldn't have the time or skills to do much of the work (A2 level modules and exams this year).

Giving this some thought, perhaps we could make a list of what a carshell really needs- I could see many carputer owners wanting a decent alternative to explorer (which is slow and tricky to use on touchscreens) could be plenty of demand for it. Just an idea.

So requirements for a car shell:
- QUICK startup/shutdown with minimal resources
- The ability to be hidden except when it is required (so doesnt appear on startup before RR etc. has loaded)
- Very rapid loading of progs in startup folder
- Ability to time intervals between loading of programs on startup, and the ability to run them minimised or in the background somehow.
- A Desktop
- Changeable background for wallpapers/colours
- Acess to start menu shortcuts
- Acess to all fixed drives, network drives and removable media
- Network connections and network places
- Locking ability/password control on bootup
- Command prompt & shortcut to explorer with buttons to quickly set explorer as shell for next bootup.
- Ability to detect mouse gestures in RR etc (would be cool so that one could for example, load up onscreen keyboard by drawing a K on the screen).
- Systray
- Large, easy to touch icons. Perhaps tabs rather than windows.

thanks for the input, that is exactly what i need to see, I have just been working off what i thought would be benificial.

I had planned to make the redesign skinnable, do you think you would rather see it configurable as you list above (wallpapers, background/window colors, ect) which would be easier for the user to change on his/her own, or do you think it wshould be skinnable which may be beyond the abilities of the every day user to create, but will offer a better appearance (assumeing that you like the ones available)

Cheers alti

Skinnable is a nice idea, but for me it would be OTT.

RR is what most people see, I'd really only use the shell when I was copying over files/ updating the system etc. So for me I'd like it to look good but really simple and so use few resources.

Thinking about windows now, you have 3 taskbar colours or classic and whatever image you'd like in the background. That'd be more than enough for me.

I have started making some progress on the recoding.

I need opinions on the interface..... check out this thread.

Need opinions!!! on new file explorer for car use