What is skinning?
Skinning is the art of desktop customization. It can make your windows look different, have lots of new effects, enhance usability, and much much more. Lots of operating systems have skinning capabilities built right in. The programs that I skin are by
Stardock. They are:
- BootSkin, which changes the look of your boot screen.
- CursorXP, which enhances and changes the look of your cursor.
- LogonStudio, which changes the look of your logon screen.
- DesktopX, which can transform your desktop to a whole new level with "Widgets", which are mini-applications.
- WindowBlinds, which changes the look and feel of all of your windows, buttons, toolbars, start menu and more.
By clicking the Application Info link on the left, you can learn even more about these products, and download them.
How do I use these files?
To use the skins, you need to use some software to apply them, or in the case of gadgets, Windows Vista.
If you visit this website on your PC, you will be able to download skins and these programs.
BootSkin
BootSkin is a program by Stardock
that allows Windows 2000 and Windows XP users to safely change
their bootscreen. Other bootscreen changing programs actually
modify the kernel, while BootSkin just uses a driver to draw over
the default Windows bootscreen without causing any damage. Free.
CursorXP
CursorXP is a program by Stardock
that allows Windows 2000 and Windows XP users to change their cursors easily. Plus, you can add new cool features such as smooth edges, nice shadows and more. Free.
DesktopX: Widgets
DesktopX is a program by Stardock
that allows you to cool-ify your desktop. Make virtual rooms, create scripted objects, and run widgets created by other users. Professional version allows you to export gadgets that any user can run without needing DesktopX installed! Free to try.
LogonStudio
LogonStudio is a logon changer by
Stardock that changes every aspect of your Windows XP or Vista logon
screen by using individual .logonxp or .logonvista files instead of hacking into
your logonui.exe file. Free.
WindowBlinds
WindowBlinds can change the way
you look at your computer. By Stardock, it can change every
aspect of your Windows user interface like buttons, scrollbars,
titlebars, start menu, etc. WindowBlinds can also add extra
functions to your user interface like rollup buttons, MP3
players, transparency and always on top. It can do all of this,
while actually performing faster then the included Windows XP
visual style! Free to try, $19.95 for all features.