Totally new to Vista

Having used Windows 98 (yes a computer was a computer to me) on my current computer, I will be getting a new notebook very shorty with Vista. I have played around with it a bit at work, and I have to say I am hooked. HOWEVER after reading alot of discussions, I have read things about gadgets, skins etc. Id love to "decorate" my computer when it arrives. Are these items in built in the OS? or are they something you download? If so could people post some good reliable sites that I could consider and some practical hints and tips advice for a novice at Vista? Thanks all!

 

The sidebar and its gadgets are built in, yes. New ones are downloadable from Microsoft's website. As for skins, there are some choices built in, but 3rd party applications will likely allow for more customization. I was pretty familiar with skinning stuff in XP, but as for Vista, I'm clueless at the moment.

 

For now the only third party application that allows the custom skins on Vista is WindowBlinds.

 

The Sidebar is built into Vista, however it only comes with a few built in Gadgets. If you want more Gadgets, download them at Microsofts Official Gadget Gallery.

 

You can customise your desktop with programs such as Object Dock and skins can be found if you nosey around places like Deviant Art.

 

i havent used windowblinds on vista - but i did have it installed on one of my xp machines - that program is a resource HOG - again, ymmv putting it on vista, but i wont even consider it because it was just such a drag on xp - and being that vista itself is a resource hog, i figured id better leave it be...

im pretty content with aero - it just looks amazing - but the gadgets are pretty nice too - they do spiff the desktop up a bit

 

Lies!
Now, onto the basics of vista customization. To get custom themes you need to download this and patch your uxtheme.dll file. With that you can also make your windows transparent even when they are maximized. Now, you can get themes of deviantart like the other dude said and i also recommend you get objectdock.

 

Don't slow down ur new computer by over decorating.

 

His comp specs are well past what he needs to "over" customize so he's safe.

 

word of advise - try not to modify your system files (exe, dll, etc.) without knowing the adverse consequence it will have on your system.

... and keep a open mind while using vista. most people have too much baggage with them when they move from older windows to vista, and have problem making adjustment.

 

If you get more then Vista home basic don't use the 512 mb option of memory your system will be really slow and it's just not designed to run with 512 ram further more don't use the 512 ram option with vista use at least 1gb ram

 

I forgot to include this Vista home basic can run with 512 ram just it might be missing some features and the speed.

 

Dude. if you look at his sig you'll see he has 1GB of ram.

 

Sorry Calvin, I've downloaded the program but really don't know where to start..
What should I do? Thanks...

 

Figure out... i was sooo stupid

Anyway, cool program

Thanks!

 

Yeah, it's awesome, also no problem. When you have such an awesome program you can't help but want to share it with everyone.

 

What does stardock's objectdock exactly do? Everyone seems to be supporting it, but how does it specifically enchance the desktop and why should I download it? I'm just curious because I would like to have it on my computer if it's as good as people make it appear to be...

 

It's just a dock like the mac osx dock but made for windows. You put your icons there and it cleans up your desktop and makes it look better (IMO). You have to try it yourself to see if you like it, if not don't use it, if you do, then use it as much as you want.

 

Gotcha. Looks like it could be pretty useful...just a question: It doesn't take away the Start button the bottom left does it? It just takes away the bottom toolbar and all the stuff (like the time, volume, etc.) on the bottom right? Or am I mistaken?

I would want something like this probably:
http://www.stardock.com/products/objectdock/Index/img94.jpg

or

http://www.stardock.com/products/objectdock/Index/img9E.jpg

 

You can make it hide your windows toolbar (including Start button) if you want it to.

 

Calvin, does the VistaGlazz support SP1 RC yet?

Edit.

NVM. Theres a download link(s) but I don't know which to download.



Thats coming from this link.

 

Objectdock has worked out well so far. The only thing I don't like is the way it appears. I have it set at the top and I would like it to not show when I'm browsing the internet, etc. but show up automatically everytime I go back to the desktop. With the way it is setup now, I don't want it showing all the time, but I also don't want it to only show up when I browse the mouse at the very top of the screen (and have it go away once I move the mouse down a little). Is there anything I can do about this? I've seen people post desktop pictures with objectdock showing, so I assume it is...

 

It doesn't take away anything, however you can set it to hide the taskbar if you wish.

-Right click dock, select "Dock Settings"
-Click "Positioning" tab at top
-Configure to your delight

 

The one on top is the latest. Select the AMD 64 one if that's what you have, otherwise get the other one.

 

^Koo. But wait a minute. Where am I suppose to put these files? What am I suppose to do with the original ones?

 

What? You just install it as normal. Unless it's not just an exe in there. Explain.

 

Its suppose to go in the system32 folder I just found out. But what do I do with the original files?

 

Oh, so you have to do it manually. Heh, luckily for you, i did this on xp so i know exactly what you need to do:

After you acquire the required privileges, move the new files there and rename the old files like this: "uxtheme.dll.bak". DO NOT DELETE THEM.

 

Awesome. Repped. By the way, I also need to reboot right?

 

Yep. Don't be lazy and skip it, you will regret that if you try. Very bad horror stories arose from bums who tried that.

 

Oh no. It says You need permission to perform this action. Damint. What do I gotta do now?

UAC is off, what else is there to do?

 

There are a couple of different ways to do it but i suggest you try this first:

Turn off the theming service. Download and install unlocker. Use it on the file to rename. Then do the transfer, but quick!!! After a couple of seconds it comes back for some reason. Should do the trick.

 

Just a guess, but maybe you could do it through an elevated command prompt.

 

I've never heard of such a thing. And it sounds like too much work.

 

Calvin, that method doesn't work.

 

What part of it doesn't work?

 

Unlocking part. I would hit unlock all. Then try to rename without success.

But its okay though. Dont worry about it. The said an update to vistaglazz will come in Jan. I'll jusr wait till then.

Thanks for the effort.

 

I have some more ideas on how to fix it but you're welcome anyway.

 

Oh man. Now I can't turn Aero back on. Great.

 

...Erm...If i'm the cause of that i'm sorry...

 

You must have heard of that or else I'm smarter than you.

 

Don't even play around like that. I was just testing you...now what does it mean?