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Automatic, built in desktop type thing

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ChaDonSom
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Automatic, built in desktop type thing

I was thinking about the wallpaper swapper built into the menu... In the development test releases, there is like only one desktop icon replacer that actually works. There is also the portableapps icon application, but that is only one icon, and it isn't really an icon at all.

What would be nice is if Mr. Haller could somehow add something like the wallpaper swapper, but more advanced, almost to where it creates a whole new "desktop" folder. It would have:

1) a background - perhaps it could be as easy to set and change as the menu picture is.

2) icons - you could simply right-click one of the apps on the menu and select "make shortcut" or "make icon" or something like that, and it would appear on the new desktop. you could also just click and drag an icon like normal, and the platform would remember where they were moved to. The "hide desktop icons" option in the platform now could be expanded to include (with check boxes, so you could select multiple options) "swap icons" and "swap wallpapers."

3) perhaps it could mess with the menu bar (start bar, task bar, whatever that's called) and make that your own too...

Parts of this might already be in the process, but this is what I have been looking for for a while and would be happy to see it...

digitxp
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Geek.menu

I remember Geek.menu has the random wallpaper functionality.
Asuite implements the desktop icons pretty well, but remembering location isn't a very easy thing to do (the desktop icon thingy was actually my idea--two years ago when I wrote it into an old launcher program :P).

In conclusion, shell integration is pretty hard. If you're desparate, try out a portable shell to do everything in this really easily. Maybe this: https://portableapps.com/node/5551

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NathanJ79
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Shell replacement

You're talking about a shell replacement. Not sure how portable they are or how well they work on a limited (non-administrator) account, but that's what you're after if you want to replace the taskbar and start menu.

I think in the future, there will be some kind of portable apps platform that replaces the shell, whether it's PortableApps.com or somebody else. This wouldn't be for everybody, though. I personally would love a good shell replacement that I could configure, get right, and be able to use from computer to computer, but I wouldn't want to use it at work. So either it should be another project, or an option on the basic menu.

Like replace the personal picture with the Decepticon logo, which would then "transform" the desktop with the shell replacement, and have an Autobots logo somewhere, which would put it away in a hurry. In the shell replacement, the menu would still be there -- it'd be the Start menu. (Obviously couldn't use those logos, they're trademarked, but it's a great analogy and mental image.)

digitxp
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Already Are

... there will be some kind of portable apps platform that replaces the shell, whether it's PortableApps.com or somebody else.

There already are. Ever hear of Mojopack or Moka5?

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OliverK
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I believe those require admin

I believe those require admin rights to work at any decent speed.

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digitxp
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KQEMU

You're thinking about QEMU with KQEMU.
As I recall, Mojopack needs admin rights, but Moka5 doesn't.

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ChaDonSom
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Old, though, doesn't work

The actual program looks interesting, but its old and outdated, and the url to download it from doesn't work. I think what I would want is something like GeoShell, at least I think....

- Chase Somero

solanus
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I always chime in with my favorite...

Cylog Toolbox.
It allows you to make dockable boxes that have backgrounds, icons, and special shortcuts.
It allows creation of new shortcuts by right-click or drag and drop.
It supports relative file paths, and you can automatically switch an absolute path to a relative path with one click.
You can make them big enough to cover your whole desktop, so it acts like a desktop replacement.
It is natively portable.
You can set the app to automatically run when you start the menu.

http://www.cylog.org/utilities/toolbox.jsp

Check it out!

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ChaDonSom
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Thanks

I just got 2.85 and I think I like it. I just have to test it on some other computer now and see if it holds its place. Looks good!

- Chase Somero

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