My 13yo son is extremely interested in changing the theme on his computer. I tried something from DeviantArt but there were several different hack sort of programs that needed to be installed and pretty complicated instructions to get everything working. I tested everything on my computer and have mixed feelings about it.
I've read a little about the software here and that it's not necessary to hack any system files so I hope this might be a better idea for him.
He really wants to make his XP desktop look like Vista. I haven't had time to look through all the themes here yet to even see if there's one like that, but I think there are plenty of options here he could get started with.
Can someone give me some suggestions? I'd rather pay the price for something that will give me piece of mind and work properly than use a bunch of free programs that could crash his computer.
TIA for any help.
Object Desktop is a suite of programs that let you customize pretty much all aspects of your/his computer. Skins (themes) for all the programs are available on Wincustomize.com You can check up on it HERE
Keep in mind you could also purchase each program individually and Windowblinds is probably the most important to get the look he's after.
There are literally dozens of "Vista" themes available and if your son is like the rest of us he'll change skins often. See HERE
MyColors themes are "pre-packaged" themes produced by Stardock that do not require the programs to use. The drawback is they are set and cannot be customized beyond what is included.
EDIT: oh and this IS the right place To get an idea what's possible see the Screenshots gallery
For the money you will spend, ObjectDesktop is the best choice when it comes to value. It has the neecessary programs that will make customizeing the desktop easy. You will just have to choose which level. You won't have to become a skinner to realize the value of ObjectDesktop Ultimate.
I would also consider getting a subscription to WinCustomize which will give you unlimited downloads from the WinCustomize Gallery Libraries.
Both subscription are for a year and you get updates all through the year. If you decide to stop your subscription you can still use the programs and the skins/themes that you have downloaded. The benefit in renewing is discounts are offered, at times unannounced.
OK...if he wants the "Vista" look, the WindowBlinds can do that handily. And for free (trialware). Skins to look at? Many!
Just choose the WindowBlinds Gallery and search "Vista" ... I got about 7 pages of skins.
Just one thing...if you decide to buy WindowBlinds, you'll have to uninstall the trialware and download Impulse and then download WindowBlinds through Impulse...which is the downloading and updating platform Stardock uses. I'd buy ObjectDesktop.
Just to make sure there's no misunderstanding, purchasing an OD subscription gives you unlimited access during the scubscription period. Purchasing a Wincustomize subscription has it's own perks. See HERE
Oops, so about that.
Lastly . if you want to go the easy way of just buying a package that appeals to yoru son (no Vista look-alikes though) you can buy a MyColors theme. It allows you to "skin" your PC with very little effort with stunning results.
The main page: https://www.stardock.com/products/mycolors/index.asp (and because I think it's so cool, the Harley Raw theme: https://www.stardock.com/products/mycolors/gallery.asp?p=harleydavidsonraw&c=rides)
There are many to choose from. Each one is a stand-alone product with a stand-alone price. You can give it a test rund here: https://www.stardock.com/products/mycolors/gallery.asp?p=diamond&c=free
Wow! Thanks for all the replies! You guys are fast.
If I buy Object Desktop it includes Windows Blinds, right? and some other stuff? And a subscription? Subscription to what?
Do I need a subscription to WinCustomize too to get access to the Galleries?
With the Wincustomise subscription you get unlimited acess for a year to download anything you want out of the gallerys, you also get free master skins every so often that normally you would have to pay for....not having the subscritption entitles you to download some skins, but only a few, then you need the subscritption to download more, although there is sites where you can go and download skins for windowblinds, without having the subscription, but I'd say it is well worth getting a subscritption just for the peace of mind that you are on and part of the best customisation site in the world, the subscritption also allows you access to the forum where you have unlimited access to the fellows for answers to your querys, and the communtiy side, whoooooeeeeeeee it is the best place to be, the friends you make there are unbelieveable.......so ja the subscritption is pretty handy....I hope that answers your question....bye....the Thug
Could you tell us what "hack" programs you tried? The only reason I ask is that some replace or change the computers .dll files. If you install WindowBlinds you might run into some problems.
Please see here: ODNT
It will include a year of free downloads from Wincustomize. Membership on the site can be purchased separately as can the various products.
If you'd like to actually talk to someone and get real-time answers you can call Stardock Sales: 1.888.STARDOCK.
There are many products/programs...you should spend some time at Stardock.com and read about each product and decide what you want...you can always talk to the folks at Stardock during business hours.
If you spend time first reading about the various programs, and talk to the folks at Stardock sales, there may be package deals that I don't know about.
In any event, you'll need Impulse to download and keep your program/s updated.
WARNING: This stuff is highly addictive. Once you start you really won't want to quit!
If I remember correctly(someone will correct me if I'm wrong,lol) a WinCustomize sub is not needed to get unlimited downloads as long as you are a current customer.Being a subscriber does help support the community however, and gets you 12 free skins per year done by some of the best skinners on the internet,along with some other perks.
We are all here to help out with any questions you may have.Feel free to ask anyone for help when needed.
I started out with WindowBlinds as a stand-alone and was hooked.The ODNT packages give the best value but you can upgrade to it from the stand-alone at a discount. Everything you find here is clean of adware/spyware and safe and easy to use. Whatever you decide, welcome to the community and have fun!
I'll have to look. I only did it on my computer, not his. His is just fine. He tried loading linux on his computer last week, ran into some problems and then reinstalled XP over the weekend. He has a nice fresh install to work with.
I'm the one with hack problems. But I'll deal with those later when I have time to look up exactly which files were altered/replaced.
Unfortunately I know this from first hand experience. I've weaned myself off the addiction, but my son seems to have picked it up. Lucky for him 13yo boys have plenty of free time for things like this.
Just think everyone, a future skinner! It's definitely worth getting ObjectDesktop for him. It's addictive, but it's a very healthy and creative way to spend time on the computer - and this community keeps it pretty clean and respectful in the forums.
OK your good to go. I've been here 7 or 8 years, the StarDock people (the one's that create this stuff) and the community are great people (some of them you know who you are ) If you have any questions you will definitely get help.
These guys have pretty much said it all! All I can add is this: I have been addicted to Stardock since day 1. I honestly can say that losing Stardock products would be, to me, like going back to MSDOS.
Like going back to dial up after having a 16MB/s internet connection.
Well, you are a Stardock People AND A part of the community. Maybe even one of the good ones...lol.
Thou art Zubaz the striped, ruler of all things zubish.
You're ZubaZ. In case you forget, it posts your name next to the things you write. That way, you can read it and remember who you are!
Now ur supposing he can remember what he wrote...
Ain't technology grand? ...
I purchased Object Desktop for him this morning. I installed Impulse on his computer, but ran into a problem when I registered a separate account for him. I sent the OD purchase to my account, so I can't install it on his computer under his account. I should have known better but I was hurrying to try and get it installed before work so it would be available for him to play with when he gets home from school today. I sent an email to sales@stardock.com. Hopefully they can help me figure out how to move the registration. I don't want him using my account.
Oh, and judging from the replies to this thread, I'd say you've got a really interesting group of people here. Interesting in a good way.
Welcome to the Madhouse Community
*doc thinks this nice person better get a spell checker for his/her son if "Zubaz The Srtiped" is gonna be around.
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