Rafael Rivera from Within Windows has announced that UxStyle Core beta is now available for download.To give us some information on what UxStyle Core is, we'll start with a little history. Back in the Windows XP days, users were able to modify a system file called Uxtheme.dll and create custom .msstyle files, thus creating their own desktop themes to replace the default "Luna" theme.
However, over time, patching went from just one file to multiple files and re patching was necessary when Microsoft would update the Uxtheme.dll files. When Windows Vista came, not only did it get complex, many problems arose such as stability issues, users replacing system files with malicious copies, non-functional copies, setting up incorrect folder permissions, and so forth.
Enter UxStyle, the solution to the current problem of patching. It consists of a service, and a kernel driver. The service enables and disables the custom theme support and the kernel driver handles the patching. While it currently doesn't have a theme manager or UI, it has the bare minimum needed to enable third-party theme support. This means no more manual patching and risk messing something up along the way.
There are currently two versions:
- UxStyle Core which offers functionality closest to the pre-patched files as possible and is free.
- UxStyle Premium which Same as core, but has live/automatic updates, and additional code to correct the "Windows Aero" theme name issue in the Appearance Settings window on Windows Vista/7. Final pricing has not yet been announced.
+1
It's not hard to see why though, if everything was in the same place and looked the same users would feel at home on any computer.
You should be able to install "Advances Customisation" from the add/remove windows components list though!
I agree, however, this is just MS being lazy, they would rather not do anything than just setup a system for themes which is not prone to exploits. It's easier for them to put the blame on users when something goes wrong when they try hacking up Windows.
Well, it would cause nightmares in enterprise if they natively supported themes, trust me. And this way, at least they can say it's because of some 3rd party hack that's messed it up, and not have to deal with it.
On that note, the ability is in the OS, and they don't block it or try to stop it. As such, they'll leave it to 3rd party devs and advanced users to mess with it. Not everyone wants to change the default Aero theme outside of the colors. I'm quite fine with using what Win7 has, just with a different glass color.
That's the part I don't understand. You can install unsigned drivers, unsigned ActiveX controls and unsigned gadgets, but not themes?
Doesn't the potential to screw up the entire system increase when that aforementioned theme decides to include them uxtheme patchers and package itself in an .exe?
If you want to switch themes you're going to do it. The only question is whether you will just be able to replace a folder filled with png's or whether you'll need to run some .exe which is making changes to important files in your System32 folder.
Having a consistent user interface is one of the most important aspects of usability.
Why would they be responsible for that? There's some other misguided motivation behind it.
I use Windowblinds and I think its far safer and has far more features in it than ux patching. Plus it doesn't replace MS files.
That said I do agree there are some terrible themes, but there are also plenty of terrific usable themes, it all depends on your tastes. There are themes that change a lot or many that are simply variations on XP/Vista/Win7 looks.
I enjoy being able to change the skin once in awhile to change things up. Some people like having the same look day after day, but thankfully for some of us skinning is available to provide the variety we seek.
See here: http://www.withinwindows.com/2009/03/20/ux...n-with-the-new/
I recall it was planned to be supported in OSX back when 10.0 was in beta, then they cut it off at the last minute.
Windows obviously had the parts, but they didn't want to let the public in.
What's the fear?
This also makes it a damn mess for any customer service center if someone calls in and you try to walk them through some steps, but they don't match because someone decided they wanted to change the UI to the point where things are different enough.
What MS lets you do in Win7 is for the most part at the limit of customization without going into anything drastic.
This also makes it a damn mess for any customer service center if someone calls in and you try to walk them through some steps, but they don't match because someone decided they wanted to change the UI to the point where things are different enough.
What MS lets you do in Win7 is for the most part at the limit of customization without going into anything drastic.
So permanently bind one keystroke to "switch off all customizations for the remainder of the session?"
This also makes it a damn mess for any customer service center if someone calls in and you try to walk them through some steps, but they don't match because someone decided they wanted to change the UI to the point where things are different enough.
What MS lets you do in Win7 is for the most part at the limit of customization without going into anything drastic.
The changes you can make via msstyles are too superficial to run into these issues.
Windows XP had to be patched, because their themes were to bright for LCDs. I used in XP ages the Opus OS from ~b0se.
Windows XP had to be patched, because their themes were to bright for LCDs. I used in XP ages the Opus OS from ~b0se.
I need to patch it because the blue toolbars are extremely ugly.
Windows XP had to be patched, because their themes were to bright for LCDs. I used in XP ages the Opus OS from ~b0se.
I need to patch it because the blue toolbars are extremely ugly.
Try the official Zune theme.
Should be in a few months now that the beta for Windows Blinds is out. Most of the other OD programs already work.
Just because you don't want to skin your windows doesn't make you right and us wrong.
Neowin and Stardock are afiliated. I would not make those types of comments.
This is nothing to do with Windowblinds, and in any case, why the hell shouldn't skin authors get paid? Are you that arrogant?
Anyway, I completely agree with what he's saying. It's bad enough that many of the skins on wincustomize are ugly as sin, but the ones that are actually half decent get a "premium" sticker attached. What nonsense is that?
I really don't see new Windows 7 skins showing up on wincustomize only. Heck, the only thing wincustomize has is Windows Blinds skins. If you want truly decent skins for XP, DeviantART is the place to go. I'm not sure about Vista, though Vista looks great by itself. As for Windows 7, I'm hoping we'll have a chance to see more great artists continue delivering content.
I also don't mind paying a small amount for a decent theme. It just has to be a decent theme. o.x
right here!
Isnt a lil extreme just to use a stupid skin?
But to each their own - some people like to make their computers look like from a movie and if that makes them happy then let them be. For me, Win 7 looks amazing without any 3rd party customizations. All I have felt the need for ever was to change the color variant of the glass effect and pick the desktop backgrounds that I like the most (the ones included with Win 7 are more than good enough for me) and the ability to switch them every X minutes is also very welcome - keeps your desktop a little less stagnant.
And honestly, I have seen very few really good themes for XP (haven't bothered looking since I switched to Vista). But I remember about there being about 100+ variations of Royale, 500+ OS X rip offs and about 3 - 4 unique ones that were well done all around. Tons of themes looked great on screen shots at first until you start using them and start seeing all the defects in Explorer and imperfections in various other places which for me ruins the whole experience.
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