The Best Way To Customize Your Desktop: 3 Top Apps Compared
Posted 02/26/10 at 10:23:13 AM by David Murphy
Just as you have one heart, and one brain, your Windows installation comes with but one desktop. Sure, you can change the look of this digital meeting space by applying new wallpapers, or adding sidebars and widgets, or letting Windows 7 do all that automatic stuff that it does every ten minutes or so. But that's not really changing the desktop per se--at the end of the day, you're still blessed (or cursed) with the same ol' functionality that's been a staple of the Windows platform since its inception.
That's about to change.
There are quite a number of tools out there for stretching the core functionality of your desktop in new directions. Some of these third-party replacements keep your standard setup and add a unique extension--like a 360-degree wallpaper that you can scroll through with mouse gestures. Fun stuff, huh? Other tools are a bit more comprehensive in their objectives, allowing for a total retrofit of very core of your desktop's operation. In these cases, gone are the typical organizational structures, options, and extensions you can pack into a Windows desktop--it's all brand-new and editable in ways you might have never previously thought were possible.
The best way to really get a feel for what's out there is to see it in action. So we're going to take a look at three unique desktop enhancement tools--one 3D, one shell replacement, and one widget-based service--and see just how they stack up versus the usability of the trusty Windows setup we've all come to know and love (or hate.)
BumpTop
We'll start our trip down desktop-replacement name with one of the bigger transformations you can make. The desktop is, after all, a two-dimensional experience. Whatever you do is confined to a flat surface on your screen--one single plane for creating shortcuts, moving files, or what-have-you. BumpTop breaks the fourth wall of the desktop and invites you into a new experience that's completely three-dimensional.
Don't break out the goofy glasses just yet. The effect is obviously a three-dimensional cube rendered on your two-dimensional monitor. Still, it's a unique replacement to the traditional Windows desktop that interfaces perfectly with its predecessor: any file commands you make in one will be reflected on the other, and quitting out of BumpTop (if the extra dimension is just too much to handle) returns you to your normal Windows environment without issue.
Awesome
Reactivity: Like a team of hockey players, your icons will go sailing around the desktop at the slightest touch or toss from your mouse. They'll slam into other icons and jostle them around, and bounce up against the sides of BumpTop's cubic desktop as if they missed a body check. It's a simple tweak, but it does much to liven up your desktop compared to Windows' default setup.
Gestures: Provided your input device supports it (a standard mouse does not), BumpTop reacts to gesture-based controls like a tweaked-out version of Apple's iPhone (or similar touch-friendly device). Pinch and pull your BumpTop elements to control their size, shove icons out of the way with the side of your finger, and flick through stacked icons as if you were flipping pages on a moleskin notebook, amongst other activities.
New Organization: Not only do you have access to Windows' default right-click menus with a simple ctrl+click in Bumptop, but you can also use the program's enhanced organizational tools--like lasso-selection, icon piles, and folderizing features--to bring even more control and clarity to your desktop use.
Social Support: Built-in canvases not only give you a rotating display for your system's pictures (or online picture feeds), but you can also integrate Facebook, Twitter, and email updates directly into the walls of your 3D display. Who needs RSS when you have dynamic picture frames?
Unfortunate
Widgets: It's not that BumpTop doesn't support third-party widgets. Rather, there's no direct online community--accessible through Bumptop itself--for building more functionality into your 3D display. You can always hunt around on the Internet to find more widgets and themes... but why should you?
Lasso Selection: I get how to select files and icons on the main display. However, to use the integrated Lasso tool to select elements on your desktop's vertical walls, you... well. You can't do anything--lasso only works with elements on your flat, traditional desktop within BumpTop.
Not Really 3D: I get it. BumpTop creates 3D walls for you to pin various desktop elements on. But it's not as if the program is making Doom-style sprites to simulate the illusion of depth. No matter how much you shift the camera around, the icons on the "desktop" portion of your Bumptop Cube will always appear as flat as Stanley--not a very convincing 3D experience.
Pesky Integration: BumpTop does its best to switch over to Windows Explorer for elements it just can't handle--like dealing with a large number of files in a List view-type format. That said, not only do typical Windows shortcuts (Windows key+e) not work in Bumptop, but it just feels a little silly to be constantly switching between Windows Explorer for some uses and BumpTop for others. That's not much of a desktop replacement, as it were--why can't BumpTop just slap some three-dimensional effects on a giant list view?
Next up, we'll look at LightStep, which lets you customize every part of your Windows UI.
Bumptop, Rainmeter
Submitted by jawspinkid on Sun, 07/25/2010 - 7:27pm
I played around with Bumptop for a while. It has some nice features like tossing a Doc at the printer, and having it automatically print, and the Facebook widget. Just wish the Facebook widget would allow you to see your wall.
I have been using Yahoo Widgets for monitoring various things and using other handy widgets. I decided to try Rainmeter, and found I could have the same tools as Yahoo Widgets in Rainmeter, and it uses less than half the amount of RAM as Yahoo Widgets, and you can customize some of them to boot!
I turned off Yahoo widgets and will try Rainmeter for a while.
A melding of Rainmeter and some of the tools in Bumptop would be nice. If anyone knows of any Rainmeter plugins that have some of the functioonalty of the Bumptop widgets, let me know.
Oh, I also use Rocketdock. I recommend that to anyone using Windows. Even Windows 7.
Submitted by MagicDragonX on Sat, 07/24/2010 - 5:07pm
i've got Litestep running just fine on Windows 7 x64 and it only took me a few hours on IRC to do it. the volume and network icons in the tray don't work when clicked on but there are people working on that.
it's very stable (my uptime at the moment is just over 17 hours) i have had problems with two of the themes i downloaded but the code is easy to understand and edit. (just remember to keep a backup)
Rainmeter can be used as a plugin in Litestep (in fact i believe that's how it started) and you can then use all the Rainmeter apps with it
Object Desktop anyone?
Submitted by Fecal Face on Sat, 06/12/2010 - 1:04pm
I've had an Object Desktop subscription for 2 years now. It comes with a huge selection of customization apps (windowblinds, object dock, virtual desktops, etc.). It costs $49, and you get a subscription for a year. $35 to renew it for another year after that.
With this subscription, you get ALL of the programs included in the package, and anything else they add to the package is yours for free, along with any updates they come out with. Ending your subscription means you still keep everything, you just don't get any of the new stuff / updates.
Example: I had Object Dock Plus, which came with Object Desktop. They released Object Dock Plus 2. I can just go download Object Dock Plus 2 for free, because I have a subscription, rather than pay $10 for it.
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Zune HD = Happiness
Submitted by JohnP on Sat, 03/06/2010 - 6:00pm
I use TrueLaunchBar to create menus (kind of like a super Quick launch bar). Takes mere seconds to pull up and run the program. They can be changed in order and used when another window is filling the screen (good reason NOT to have desktop icons).
I do have some widgets on the side and have moved my taskbar to the left side to take advantage of my widescreen monitor.
The best thing is that I get to see my wallpapers in all their glory. Since Win 7 allows wallpapers to change every 15 minutes or so, I have a huge collection and they look great without any icons spoiling the view.
I gave up using icons on the desktop 5 years ago. Clean your desk!
Submitted by reutnes on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 2:51pm
And I guess that's O.K.
Personally, my desktop isn't all that important to me. Once I open a window, the desktop is covered up.
Right now, I'm using Fences to organize my icons (and it keeps my temporary downloads conveniently available). Also custom theme from customize.org combined with ViGlance to emulate the Windows 7 taskbar functionality which I like so much but can't have until I get around to building my next machine.
And that's it. rss feeds? weather? My iGoogle homepage handles that. I don't need it bogging down my startup.
Submitted by crazitrain02 on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 11:14am
Before I got Win 7, I was still running XP with Litestep. It can be a pain in a a$$ to get configured, but once it's setup the way that you want it, it works like a charm. There are so many different modules to choose from, so you can make it the exact way that you want it.
I run dual 22" monitors, both at home and at work, and trying to find a UI that span across both of them is hard. Litestep is the best solution that I've found. Plus you can download a module so you can have multiple virtual desktop to host different applications in different areas is nice. I've tried the Microsoft one, but it opens up a new Explorer.exe process for each new virtual desktop, so that starts to become a memory hog really quick.
If you're into coding at all, and don't mind sitting down for a day or two to tweak everything the exact way that you want it, go with Litestep. If you're looking for something that you install and be done with it, then maybe Litestep will work. You just have to look at the custom themes that other users have created already.
Submitted by thematejka on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 10:00am
I tried all of these. Bumptop proved to be to glitchy on my system. It was more of a nuisance then anything. I've now come to the conclusion that the best program for me is a combination of 3! Rocketdock, Rainmeter, and WindowsBlinds. (I wish I could upload pics of my desktop). It allows me to theme everything I want to theme of course, I had to pay for windows blinds, but it's been well worth it for more than just a visual customization tool :). I have a completely iconless desktop, all of them contained in rocketdock, and the icons are themed as well ;).
Submitted by AntiHero on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 9:33am
I've used rainmeter, and I quite enjoy it, i can be a bit complex for someone who formats a lot. I am interested in BumpTop now though...gonna have to try it. As far as it usually goes, my Unix distro is ususally a cube, with a dock like rocketdock. Windows has a cube but it's not really good.
Submitted by Badly Browned on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 9:11am
I personally use Rainmeter, but it is definitely not for the basic PC user, but then I guess a basic PC user won't be customizing their desktop past the default Windows settings. Anyways, it took me a good day to read up on Rainmemter and understand how to manipulate the UI, but once I did it was totally worth it.
Submitted by kjrviking on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 9:09am
i have a hp pavilion dv4 entertainment pc that i got from Best Buy shortly before Win7 came out, so im running Win7, and Rainmeter is the best by far. i want to try Bumbtop, but for some reason it wont install, lite step doesnt work on Win7, and @ the dude who suggest hyperdesk, that does look awesome, but im not into paying for a theme, but thats just me, maybe someone else would rather pay 15-20 bucks for a GUI change, i dont know.
Submitted by JSchader on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 7:29am
If you really want to transform your desktop then check out Hyperdesk. Works for XP, Vista and 7. Each theme includes a windows theme, icon set, wallpaper and normally a media player widget or skin.
www.hyperdesk.com
Submitted by exgoaltender on Tue, 03/09/2010 - 10:54pm
Of course he's suggesting hyperdesk! The above comment is frome none other than J.Schader, the CEO of "The Skins Factory"!!! The MAKERS of Hyperdesk!!! nice marketing plug....
Submitted by huhhuh on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 7:25am
By this description, the alternative to LiteStep. It's shell replacement. In order to really appreciate it you guys should run the Win2000 and WinXP without SP1 - just the way it was shipped. Then it would be clear how rock solid and how much more better is comparing to explorer.exe. I am running it since 2002-2003 as my default desktop shell. It does everything as litestep except it's got GUI for all adjustments. It's incredibly customizable.
Nowdays less needed in terms of stability but for folks who are running xp, it adds much more configurability and ease of use. I love it for shortcut options, for hotkey options and for menu options.
Few of the themes I use:
No escape - http://themes.astonshell.com/287/
Aston Vista - http://themes.astonshell.com/466/
Faboulus K - http://themes.astonshell.com/384/
And they have version 2 with themes such as this one:
http://themes.astonshell.com/aston2/26/
But I don't have that version of Aston so can't comment on it.
To repeat once more - to trully appreciate Aston Shell replacement you should try it with OS that made creators to invest this great product. Now since XP desktop shell is rock solid it's not as needed.
Submitted by Scootiep on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 7:01am
What happened with Samurize? I used to like that program a lot but haven't had the time in the past year+ to do anything with it. I noticed that their website is FUBAR'd. Did it fall off the face of the earth or morph into something different? Don't tell me the community just up and quit on it. I had plans, I HAD PLANS!!!!!!! /cry
To start press any key...ohh, where's the "Any" key. - Homer Simpson
Submitted by drx on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 2:24am
You could just install KDE 4.4 (on Linux)
Submitted by jrocknyc on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 5:34am
will it run Steam and BFBC2?
will it even connect to the internet? I tried EIGHT different Linux distros over the last seven or eight years, and Ubuntu 9.04 was the first one that ever saw my internet connection adn got me online without requiring hours upon hours of often fruitless configuring and forum crawling, and if a question got answered (rare) it was often mostly gibberish.
linux is for old, slow, disused laptops. maybe.
Submitted by Deanjo on Thu, 03/04/2010 - 5:11pm
Steam has been running in wine for quite a few years now. As far as compatibility with hardware, it is rare case to have something that is not supported. You wrong about "linux is for old, slow, disused laptops". It's for people with average to above average intelligence, that want to make the most of their hardware.
Submitted by LouCypher on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 1:51am
The name of the program is "LiteStep" and not "LightStep" as you have glaringly overlooked in your article. Did you think the wallpaper in your screenshot, the executable that runs when it starts, or the website you downloaded the installer from all had it wrong?
Submitted by QuakindudeMod on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 7:48am
Believe it or not, there IS a way to let someone know they've made a simple mistake without being a huge smart ass about it. This is your first post here. If you wish to continue making posts on these articles, I would encourage you to act in a more respectful manner.
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Submitted by blackcat77 on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 1:20am
Object Desktop.
Window Blinds, cursors, icons, whatever you need. And a huge number of skins available for each component. I've been using their stuff for years and I can't imagine being without it.
Submitted by justchad on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 1:18am
http://www.3dna.net/ has had a 3d desktop for years and in MHO its way cooler than bumptop
-Chad
Submitted by TurkuSama on Thu, 02/25/2010 - 11:19pm
I heart Rainmeter. I've been using it for about 2 weeks now. I love simple desktops, and Rainmeter allows that. I use a handful of skins from the Enigma theme. Makes my desktop look so "modern".
Submitted by GM From My Chea... on Thu, 02/25/2010 - 11:16pm
I use to create customs desktops on my systems but now just keep it simple.
http://i48.tinypic.com/2v0n7m0.png
Submitted by jongalt26 on Thu, 02/25/2010 - 10:41pm
I tried lightstep years ago and found the instability then to be problematic. I thought that would be fixed by now. The looks you can get are amazing.
Bumptop is nice, but some of us dont like icons on our desktops :)
I'm currently using rainmenter, which looks fantastic, fences for the few temporary icons i have, and then have a dreamscene enabled for the wallpaper (win 7 - 64). Just google for the registry hack to enable it.
Good article, thanks!
j
Submitted by scoop6274 on Thu, 02/25/2010 - 9:00pm
Rainmeter is awesome, and by far the best desktop custimization tool I have found. Works with many iterations of Windows (I am currently using it on XP Home, XP Pro, and Win 7 Ultimate 32).
You did however forget to mention the extremely helpful people on the forums as well. Probably one of the greatest online communities for a program I have found.
A theme/skin installation extension is in the works by one of the members it is called "Rainstaller" and is currently in beta stage.
Submitted by deadsolid on Thu, 02/25/2010 - 7:16pm
double post
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