Have added a few more sections to this over the weekend, so the guide to building a theme from scratch is almost done. Visit the Building Blocks section to learn more. Any comments and/or suggestions please let me know

A new section has been added to the DesktopX tutorial. 'Building Blocks' is a guide to building a theme from the beginning. Several sections are already completed, and the rest are coming Visit it here: https://www.stardock.com/products/desktopx/tutorial/build/build.htm

Due to problems with old location, Stardock are now kindly hosting my DesktopX tutorial site. You can find it here https://www.stardock.com/products/desktopx/tutorial/ Thanks to Kris for sorting it out (several times) _Martin_

DesktopX Pro allows you to share the power of DesktopX with your friends and family. DualZones is an example for those who need to work across two locations. It provides time and weather information for both locations. Click a location to set it, and click the top right temperature to toggle Celsius and Fahrenheit. The DesktopX version is available here ( https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=3&SkinID=3153 ), and a stand alone EXE is available for those who want to shar...

Your PCs cache is usually a good thing, but where DX objects using XML feeds are concerned it can be a pain. The reason for this is that most users don't set their PC to check for a new page each time, but rather reload from the cache, especially if it's the same day. Fortunately there is a solution! The logical solution is that you ensure that the DX object checks for a new page every time. The best way to do this is to actually send the user to a different page every time....

The curse of Web services has struck. The service used by many of the DesktopX weather objects, and some meters appears to have died. The weather objects have now been updated and the meters will be soon. As such, please update any weather objects you have to avoid problems. DX2 Weather ( https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=3&skinid=2725 ) DX2 Weather (Animated) ( https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=3&skinid=2828 ) Mattahan Weather ( https://...

Scripting may seem daunting if you need to tweak something to your needs in DesktopX. Yesterday, I received an email from Marcel Wijnberger in the Netherlands saying he wanted a Dutch newsfeed. Despite almost no scripting experienceHe decided to experiment and almost immediately it worked. Why? XML. The structure of XML means that script based on XML is very transferable. To quote: "I just changed the url ... and to my total surprise: it works !!!!!! I have now a tickertape with the...

Games on DX? Why not! The new features of DesktopX really allow huge potential in this area, and I don't just mean embedding a Flash game on your desktop. Just uploaded is a take on the simple game where the computer displays a sequence then you have to repeat it. The sequences get longer. Just go on as long as you can! You can find this game here: https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=3&SkinID=2728

The Force is evidently still strong with the Star Wars legacy - Jedi is the chosen "religion" for thousands of people in Britain, according to newly released census results. The 2001 census reveals that 390,000 people across England and Wales are devoted followers of the Jedi "faith" made famous by the blockbuster films. Could Yoda appear on R4's Thought for the Day? Census officials bowed to pressure after a massive internet campaign to include Jedi on the list of chosen reli...

I've noticed a continuing trend to make DesktopX themes for a variety of resolutions. I understand the inclination to do this, it appears easier to just switch resolution, move some objects and resave. However, it is in fact a poor long term strategy if you intend to improve and update your theme. Think about it - every time you tweak the theme you need to do it several times, at each resolution! DesktopX provides functionality to allow to to scale objects relative to the screen...

It's unfortunate that occasionally we have to be the bearer of bad news. BoXXi, one of our most talented skinners will be leaving the scene for a while. I'm sure he would have prefered a quiet exit but that would be a waste. It's hard to believe that he'd not even used a PC until a couple of years ago. Since then his work has consistently shone (https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?AuthorID=194), including winning the DBS competition. I have only recently got to know BoXXi, bu...

In a drive to make DesktopX easier for both users and devlopers I am in the process of trying to develop some standards for DesktopX. These will only succeed with support and a critical mass of developers using them so I urge you to assist if you think this a a worth while cause. This first draft details proposed Common User Information, and outlines other plans for the standard. Your feedback is welcome. You can get the draft document here: www.desktopx.net/standards/DesktopX S...

As we all get more sophisticated in creating DesktopX widgets we are setting parameters. The issue with this is that, if these parameters are not organised in a consistent manner then where several objects need the same kind of information we will find ourselves having to configure these each time. Before this becomes too much of a problem I propose that we create some standards that users can set and developers can access. For example: Name information (title, forename, surname, suffix, ...

I have uploaded a new DesktopX weather object which is a good framework for new (and redone old) weather widgets. All the data from weather.com is exposed in easy to use variables including a 10 day forecast. The script including all the functions is designed to be self contained and can therefore be updated in isolation without impacting other elements of your objects. Full commenting available with the objects.

Today I finally submitted what will hopefully be the next substantial release of The Natural Desktop for testing. It's been a lot of fun so far and I expect there will be more to come so I created a small article on JoeUser briefly describing the process for those that are interested