_Martin_'s Articles » Page 2
June 16, 2004 by _Martin_
Have you ever run an application and wishes it looked differently? Have you ever wished that you could lock down features of an application? Have you every tried DesktopX? DesktopX has the power to hook into applications and change how they work and look. Using it's access to the exposed object models of applications, DesktopX can interact with your favorite applications. This allows to to readically transform the look and feel of applications whilst also controlling which feature...
June 4, 2004 by _Martin_
First of all apologies for the lack of updates. My mind is all over the place at the moment with move planning etc. There's so much to do especially when i think I may be in the US in less than 4 months! So much to do, so little time. Anyway - thanks to everyone for their tolerance! Updates on key things: Marvel: DX work (and most other things) are done now so soon we should be in a position to sell this ImpressionCreator: Angie's done some really great work on this. It's really frus...
May 18, 2004 by _Martin_
DesktopX is an amazing tool. For $20 you get software that can do pretty much anything on your desktop. DesktopX is NOT just eye candy, it can be an awesome productivity tool. The problem is that it's just not as popular as it should be. The main issue is the lack of really useful objects. There is some real creative talent out there and a few developers really push the boundary, but personally I get a little depressed when every other object uploaded is a clock, calendar or weather o...
March 6, 2004 by _Martin_
Two new DesktopX Interviews are available that discuss the creation of 'dials' and 'faders'. You can get to them via the DesktopX Resources page.
March 1, 2004 by _Martin_
Because DesktopX is capable of so many things, it is impossible to provide step by step instructions in the Guides how to achieve all you may want to achieve in DesktopX. The aim of these "Interviews" is to provide instructions on how to achieve certain things in a fun way, and introduce those that are maybe a little less familiar with developing using DesktopX to some of the techniques than can be used.
March 1, 2004 by _Martin_
A new object to introduce users to DesktopX is now available. Whilst obviously we recommend that you actually read the main documentation to maximise your enjoyment of DesktopX this will provide a few tips and tricks to get you started.
February 10, 2004 by _Martin_
I frequently get asked questions by International users regarding DesktopX often in their native language. Now, I'm OK with a few but it's obviously that it's not easy for those who's native language is not England to understand the manuals. If anyone is willing to undertake a translation of the DesktopX manuals into other languages, a years Object Desktop subscription/extension is on offer. If you are interested mail me directly (martin@stardock.com) rather than replying here and ...
January 27, 2004 by _Martin_
Well, a mixed day yesterday. The weather has closed in which always makes things seem misearable, but now the modem on my laptop has packed up. This is a real pain as obviously it's not just a case of buying another cheap modem, plugging it in and using that. It's definitely not the line so It's a call to the manufacturers. Just as I get my machines running in tune this happens. As for work, that was far more successful. I finally finished proofing the SkinStudio Docs. There's still potential...
January 27, 2004 by _Martin_
Well, a mixed day yesterday. The weather has closed in which always makes things seem misearable, but now the modem on my laptop has packed up. This is a real pain as obviously it's not just a case of buying another cheap modem, plugging it in and using that. It's definitely not the line so It's a call to the manufacturers. Just as I get my machines running in tune this happens. As for work, that was for more successful.
January 23, 2004 by _Martin_
Well, this has been quite a week. I have been working on a laptop since before Christmas, because I fried some components in my main machine (how stupid am I - kneeling on carpet, building up some lovely static while building a machine!). Some replacements arrived (nForce2 motherboardwith IGP, and Athlon 2200+ for the sake of economy), and I built the machine only to find that the HD was dead. Thankfully nothing was really on there, but I still had to order a new one and wait for that. Well, th...
January 21, 2004 by _Martin_
OK, so I seem to have failed miserably to create a post to a "Custom audience" and get it visible so I'll just post this one. I don't really care who reads this one after all - there are no secrets!Well DX is really rolling now - I'm impressed with how much has changed from 2.0 - 2.1 Here's my quick thoughts and current plans: Ian's combo and list box replacements - cool. This will really help overcome MS not implementing a good comprehensive control set. We do however, really need to rep...
January 17, 2004 by _Martin_
Boring Buttons "I've upgraded my Windows 2000 Professional installation to Windows XP Professional, but I can't see the new XP style of buttons and so on. I still get the same flat Windows 2000 look, though my Start button menu layout has changed. Did I miss an option when I ran the upgrade, and do you have any recommendations as to how best customise the default setup of Windows XP, as while I quite like the new look-and-feel I think it could stand some improvement." No, you...
December 31, 2003 by _Martin_
I couldn't help but to blog this! I'm doing some consumer research, part of which involved me going through the Dell purchase process. Whilst doing this I was asked some questions which prompted this article: "Dell Computer Corporation is a US Corporation and is therefore subject to all US Export Laws and Regulations. In view of this, please answer the following 4 questions for US export compliance purposes." OK, fair enough I have no problem with this. Questions 1 through 3 - all reaso...
December 12, 2003 by _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...
December 1, 2003 by _Martin_
      The Art of Making BootSkins BootSkins are certainly the skinning fashion of the moment. These are replacements for the screen that is displayed when Windows is loading. Previously, replacing these screens had been a somewhat risky affair involving hacking your Windows application to pieces, but now BootSkin ( www.bootskin.com ) allows you to replace the screen without risking damage to your Windows installation under Windows 2000 and Windows XP. ...