One thing I've noticed is that there are a lot of really cool apps that are coming out of PortableApps and PortaSoft, but they all look kinda bland. Does anyone know if theres work to come up with a default look and feel that is lightweight, simple, and elegant for the portable apps that are released? Not all of the apps support themes and skins but for the ones that do it would make the releases that much better.
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The goal of the apps I work on is to keep things as close to the experience of using the standard desktop versions as possible while optimizing them for USB. Most use standard Windows theme elements when they're displayed and that's it. Some, like FF, TB, VLC can be themed individually. Others can't. So, there's no way they could all look similar anyway.
Besides, Firefox and Thunderbird can't be redistributed with an altered theme. It isn't permitted by Mozilla. Anyone who does is in violation of the Trademark Distribution Policy.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
What about having a separate section for themes that are for the apps but not distributed with them that way they are distributed in their pure form for the standard desktop versions, but those who wanted consistency in their portables would have an official theme resource?
That's a possibility from a legal standpoint. And it would allow the apps to remain pure for those that like them that way. But it would be a bit of a departure from the primary purpose of the work going on here. And there are quite a few theme sites out there that have integrated sets of themes so you can have all your apps working a certain way. Many of them have sets for multiple apps all themed similarly.
Perhaps it would make more sense to find high-quality theme sets out there for apps like FF, TB, VLC, etc and recommend them.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
Mind if I post them in this topic?
Maybe it can be a sticky.
I'm thinking ones that include themes for all the themeable apps would be a good starting point. I actually may add it to the FAQs I'm working on so lots of people can find it.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
Sounds good, I'll get hunting.
All NSIS projects can include skins with a plugin called Wansis.
However, this is only good for things where you actually see the installer screen.
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R McCue
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate."