New frontend software concept

**deadweasel** · 12-09-2003, 05:26 PM

I have been researching another possibility that may help alleviate some of the frustration and hassle that I have been running into under VB, and wanted to run an idea by you guys.

Has anyone considered LiteStep as a possibility? I mean, it's a completely customizable shell replacement. What better way to get a lightning-fast system than to make the shell into the controlling interface with a custom shell theme? I'm envisioning some custom modules and scripting that turns the Windows blah desktop into a completely interactive control solution.

The Windows desktop is nothing more than a representation of a directory on the drive, where LiteStep throws that junk right the hell out the window (so to speak) and displays a set of modules that act as your interface instead. For example, I can get a completely configurable taskbar that can be detached from the border. I can have live system monitoring positioned anywhere on the screen, or even set as the background itself.

I was wondering if any of you had tried it or considered it for what I'm thinking of.

It's certainly an appealing concept...

**aultl** · 12-09-2003, 08:15 PM

Or how about blackbox? it has been released for windows and the modules would cross over to anyone wanting to use linux, Theoretically.

**Seraph** · 12-09-2003, 08:18 PM

I have. It's very nice. But like I said before, it's not mine so I can't fully make things the way I want. Modular ( as in you can load what you want from the taskbar). My idea came from that line of thought. For those of you that are not big into programming, litestep may be the key here.

**_maelstrom** · 12-09-2003, 08:31 PM

I've used Litestep before. I actually liked it alot. I've used Talisman too. I basically ran out of free time available to design the desktop shell, so I reverted back to windows. I've been thinking about going back to either Talisman or Litestep, just haven't gotten around to it yet. I don't think I have a copy of either anymore though.
Either program will definately give you a unique look. If you have the time to completely design the custom shell, I say go for it.

**lopan** · 12-15-2003, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by Seraph

I have. It's very nice. But like I said before, it's not mine so I can't fully make things the way I want. Modular ( as in you can load what you want from the taskbar). My idea came from that line of thought. For those of you that are not big into programming, litestep may be the key here.

I checked out the software on the site, I think it's really awesome, I don't really program. I'm wondering if theres anykind of document that explains how to configure this with WMP9 and/or other software, I notice some stuff in the .ini file but I'm a little scared to start whacking away at it without some kind of example....

Thanks
Brett

**Seraph** · 12-15-2003, 02:22 PM

I am working on the ini writer so that it will make things easier for you.

give me a couple of days.

**lopan** · 12-15-2003, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by Seraph

I am working on the ini writer so that it will make things easier for you.

give me a couple of days.

Sweet, yeah I wasn't complaining or anything... but I suck at programing and things of that nature...

**deadweasel** · 12-15-2003, 06:10 PM

Man, I know what you mean with those damned config files! I have three or four themes that I absolutely love, but that won't work on multiple monitors. Supposedly, there's a way to configure everything so that your setup will work properly, but everytime I went in and tried to change something..... CRASH! And not just some "Sorry, this won't work and I'm shutting down, k?" error either. I mean the "HOLY ****! You broke it! I need you to burn in hell while I delete your FAMILY!!!" error.

**Seraph** · 12-15-2003, 07:24 PM

LOL

I got pretty smart after about 20+ code revisions. You should see my config files now.

I have 3 that I use at any given time. 1 for general config, 1 for day skin and one for night skin. I made skins with their own config for future skinning updates. Got to think ahead.

As for the config, it has app names, wait time etc. Also, my latest version(not released yet) can do 800x480 or 800x600 resolution change. Pretty much I made the core with 2 sets of stuff. Now I have a hard time trying to figure out how to do a config file setup. I think I want config file crazy.

**FiSKARZ** · 01-10-2004, 01:35 AM

Originally Posted by deadweasel

I have been researching another possibility that may help alleviate some of the frustration and hassle that I have been running into under VB, and wanted to run an idea by you guys.

Has anyone considered LiteStep as a possibility? I mean, it's a completely customizable shell replacement. What better way to get a lightning-fast system than to make the shell into the controlling interface with a custom shell theme? I'm envisioning some custom modules and scripting that turns the Windows blah desktop into a completely interactive control solution.

The Windows desktop is nothing more than a representation of a directory on the drive, where LiteStep throws that junk right the hell out the window (so to speak) and displays a set of modules that act as your interface instead. For example, I can get a completely configurable taskbar that can be detached from the border. I can have live system monitoring positioned anywhere on the screen, or even set as the background itself.

I was wondering if any of you had tried it or considered it for what I'm thinking of.

It's certainly an appealing concept...

check out DesktopX from Stardock ( http://www.desktopx.net ). It's a lot easier to configure, and can be used to replace the windows shell as well. Many pre-configured objects and themes can be downloaded from http://www.wincustomize.org and other skin sites. The MP3 module acts as a front-end for controlling winamp as well

, It doesn't offer as much fleibility as LiteStep, or NextStart (if that's still popular), but a great program full of cool features....have 3D fish swimming around on your desktop wallpaper...

i dont work for stardock or starbucks