KeepSafe is the ultimate real-time data protection technology that is as simple as set-and-forget it. It’s designed to work in the background and be as seamless as possible. Anyone who has ever lost that all important document due to a drive crash, corrupt save, overwritten, etc., then users will appreciate what KeepSafe can do. This new version of KeepSafe features several new features:
Improved User Interface to make more user friendly and intuitive.
Secondary backup location can be an external hard drive or USB drive.
Configure KeepSafe to save to local storage temporarily, and copy to secondary drive when connected. Very useful for when working mobile.
New statistics view to show file counts and disk space usage.
Updated might not be the right word, as this was almost a complete re-write. This guide, which I wrote a while ago shows you the best and easiest way to change Windows XP to look like Vista. The applications and skins that I show do not contain any spy-ware or anything like that. Some of the applications are a free download, and others might require a small purchase.
Stardock is pleased to announce the “official” public release of MyColors. MyColors makes applying premium suites a snap. A MyColors theme includes everything a user needs to completely and safely transform the Windows experience - a new Windows GUI, a new set of icons, gadgets, wallpaper, etc.
Now available on CNET, MyColors includes the “Diamond theme” which gives Windows XP and Windows Vista users a glimpse at Aero Diamond (one of the concepts Microsoft considered for Windows Vista before going with Aero glass).
The included Diamond theme is free, and MyColors itself is free as well. Additional suites can be purchased such as themes licensed by the NBA, NCAA, Ford, and others. Even if you don’t purchase additional themes, you still get a phenomenal suite for both Windows Vista and XP.
People often ask how we create articles and guides on some of the various sites like WinCustomize.com, JoeUser.com, etc., so they can also help out by writing something they specialize in. Several of us here use a variety of tools, some more complex than others, but most people who would like to write some articles don’t need some of the more high-end tools.
One of the more complex and expensive applications is Expression Web from Microsoft. While it’s pretty good at what it does, the casual user will not likely use many of it’s features. Live Writer, which we have spoken about before, is one of the tools I highly recommend for writing blog posts and things of that sort.
I was recently referred to another piece of software called KompoZer. It’s built off the former NVU web authoring application that is no longer developed. KompoZer is a simple WYSIWYG html editor with an easy to use interface. You can create and layout some really nice articles or posts using images, links, tables, etc.
Two other good points is that it’s free, and it’s cross platform so if you run a PC or Mac you are all set.
MyColors from Stardock is something you probably have been reading a lot about recently. The new MyColors Theme Manager has a slick new interface, and should now work seamlessly with other customization components such as Object Desktop. A question I am often asked is…”what is the difference between MyColors and something like WindowBlinds?”
Well are are some fundamental differences, but remember that MyColors uses the technology from products like WindowBlinds and IconPackager. The real big difference is MyColors is basically an all-in-one solution for customizing your desktop. Whereas with applications like WindowBlinds and IconPackager, you use each application independently and pick and choose the themes and skins you want to use. This is not a bad thing at all, but MyColors offers an ease of use, especially for people who do not want to have to install multiple pieces of software to personalize their desktop, or are not that familiar with desktop customization.
MyColors includes all the skinning technology, so all you have to worry about is which themes you want to use. MyColors themes typically include a new visual style, icon package, wallpapers, and several gadgets like media players and weather displays.
Object Desktop 2008 was just released, so I created a screencast which walks you through what is included with both Object Desktop 2008, and Object Desktop 2008 Ultimate. Each application gets a brief overview, along with a look at Impulse. This is great for anyone who might not be too familiar with the popular applications that are included.
Today, Stardock has officially launched Object Desktop 2008 and Object Desktop 2008 Ultimate. Object Desktop is a suite of utilities that enables users to completely personalize the Windows experience - change how Windows looks, feels, and functions to suit the user’s preference. The 2008 version of the suite is split into two tiers: Object Desktop 2008, and Object Desktop 2008 Ultimate. The standard version is set at $49.95, with the Ultimate edition tagged at $69.95. Customers with current Object Desktop subscriptions will be upgraded to the Ultimate edition of the software for free.
Object Desktop 2008 will included the following core components:
WindowBlinds
IconPackager
DeskScapes
SoundPackager
DesktopX
New exclusive skins, wallpapers, gadgets, etc.
Object Desktop 2008 Ultimate will include everything above, plus the following components:
A few months I released the Vista sidebar gadget that count downs the days until the 2008 Presidential Election. With the release of Vista SP1 it caused some compatibility problems, but I’m happy to say those have been resolved and I can release the updated gadget.
A new month has started, so that means it’s time as usual for me to create a video featuring some of the best .dreams (animated wallpapers) that were submitted throughout the past month.
You need to have Windows Vista and Stardock DeskScapes (free) installed to use these. You can find links to all the featured videos here.
If you use SoundPackager to change your Windows system sounds, and you are a fan of Star Wars, then this sound pack is for you. I have replaced all the common system sounds with clips from the Star Wars movies, and it’s a huge difference than the default Windows sounds.
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