Desktop User Interfaces

[Lyze]

Disclaimer: Any previous topics on this subject could not be found due to the current "Unable to access search daemon" error that is occurring.

Now then, my query.

I would wonder if you fine denizens of TaleWorlds know of any good UI software or combinations of softwares that work well. I have a week for reading break and want to get a functional desktop up and running. I've recently cleaned out my computer (physically and digitally), organised files, and now I need the smooth UI to complete the overhaul on Windows 7 (64 bit).

I am aware of Rainmeter and Rocketdock, but I find that Rainmeter (which was sitting on my desktop idle and unused), takes a considerable number of hours in order to make functional. Thus, I am looking for suggestions for software programs and the add-ons for them that will allow me to very quickly assemble a clean, aesthetically attractive and easily accessible desktop UI. I would also like, if possible, Trevty's method for cycling through desktop wallpapers that he has.

Additionally, I'm hoping that this thread can serve as the definitive UI discussion thread for the foreseeable future. Post Your Desktop does not do this, as any UI discussion is quickly drowned out or forgotten, just as a note.

 

[Elisianthus]

Wallpaper shuffling can be achieved natively in WIndows 7, if not on Win7, look up DisplayFusion. Also, look up Fences for Icon management. Would link stuff, but conquering Russia.

 

[Jace]

Would be good to know which OS you're on.

But, for a complete UI look AND function overhaul, I can't but recommend LiteStep. Though, unless there's a theme matching your needs already, it isn't exactly a fast way.
(But verrrry pleasing once you do have it set up the way you want it <3)

 

[Buxton]

Wow J, that looks amazing  . Are you using it now?

 

[Jace]

Yep. Have been using for around a decade now. Here's a screenie of what my theme more or less looks like. Have changed it around a bit since, the current look is here. Not shown: The popup menu, which looks the same as in first screenie.

Also, that's WinXP

 

[Lyze]

Thanks J, I'll take a look at that.

 

[Jace]

If you need a hand with it, you know where to find me. :3

 

[Lyze]

I installed LiteStep onto my Windows 7 and it immediately failed to work. Tons of errors, shell wouldn't initiate, and it started being mean. So I uninstalled it. Don't have the time or effort to deal with that. I'm also assuming it's quite old and probably not optimised to work with Windows 7, as severe errors like that usually only happen when I start ****ing around with things.

I think I'm going to go back to Rocketdock and Rainmeter, or just Rainmeter if possible. However, I need a lot of help with Rainmeter in getting it to work well, as it has quite a steep learning curve.

 

[Jace]

I installed LiteStep onto my Windows 7 and it immediately failed to work. Tons of errors, shell wouldn't initiate, and it started being mean.

Which is when it becomes important to let people know what OS you actually are using (7, obviously. But 32/64 bit?)

If you're having trouble with setting it as shell on 64bit W7, it'll help to use the 64bit SetShell utility.

Also the installer doesn't come with the latest (alpha, but still as stable as the previous relelase) version, plus there are some known errors with the systray icons, which're mainly fixed with these fixes.

Also, a fun fact! Rainmeter actually started as a litestep module! :3