Media Guide

Executive Overview

Object Desktop is a suite of desktop enhancement software designed to allow users to completely transform the look, feel and function of their Windows computers in order to create a custom environment. Fortune 500 companies have used it to brand, simplify and enhance their PCs. Consumers use it to make their PCs easier to use or look “cooler”.

Object Desktop is not a traditional product. It consists of many components, each of which is marketed as a stand-alone solution. Each product enhances an aspect of Windows. Used together, the various components can completely transform the operating system.

The components of Object Desktop are quite well known in their own right: WindowBlinds, DesktopX, ControlCenter, WindowFX, IconPackager, WebBlinds, ObjectZIP, etc. are all programs that have thousands of users (or in the case of WindowBlinds, millions of users).

When put together, these programs form Object Desktop – a complete way for PC users to transform Windows to suit their needs.

Object Desktop is not sold as a traditional “boxed” product. The state of the art of PC operating system technology continues to evolve at such a rapid pace that boxed products just can’t keep up. In 1999, Stardock Corporation, the developers of Object Desktop, pioneered an Application Service Provider called Stardock.net to provide Object Desktop as a subscription service (called ObjectDesktop.net or ODNT). Buying ODNT as a subscription entitles users to all new products and updates that come out during the life of their subscription. The first year of a new subscription costs $49.95 and can be renewed for $34.95 per each additional year.

For users who are uncomfortable with the software as a service mechanism concept, each year Stardock puts together a “snapshot” of Object Desktop and calls it “Object Desktop <year>”. For instance, Stardock will be releasing Object Desktop 2001 in July of 2001.

Media Coverage

It would be virtually impossible to do a comprehensive review of Object Desktop. There is just too much in it. This is why Stardock focuses on the individual components (programs) of Object Desktop. This guide is designed to explain just how much value subscribers to ODNT will actually receive and to show how the individual component programs work together to create a comprehensive customization solution. Each ODNT component addresses a particular piece of the OS puzzle.

What are the primary components of Object Desktop?

Consider for a moment the various elements of the Windows operating system. In order to have a complete control of the Graphical User Interface, you would need:

a) A program that can change the actual GUI of Windows.

b) A program that can change the Windows desktop.

c) A program that can change the icons of Windows.

d) A program that can add “effects” to Windows.

e) Programs that change various types of behaviors to Windows.

f) Programs that integrate common functions into Windows.

g) A program that can change the Windows Start Bar of

.

A program that can change the actual GUI of Windows: WindowBlinds

WindowBlinds can completely change the Windows GUI visually and provide additional functionality to the Windows GUI. It can change every major GUI element in Windows (title bars, status bars, push buttons, radio buttons, start bar, scrollbars, etc.

Figure 1 Windows normal

Figure 2 WindowBlinds in action 1

Figure 3 Windowblinds in action 2

People use WindowBlinds for many reasons. It has around 4 million users worldwide who actively use it. Some use it to make Windows look like another OS (like MacOS X). Some use it to add bunches of buttons onto their title bar to get to their favorite programs. Others use plugins to monitor their stocks or play MP3 music with. Some just use it to make Windows look cooler.

A program that can change the desktop of Windows: DesktopX

DesktopX is designed to allow users to create their own desktops without requiring any programming. It does this by providing a desktop based object model where users can then import or create their own objects on their desktop to represent the most common things they use their PC for. It is heavily influenced by previous next generation desktop concepts from IBM/Apple (in the form of OpenDoc and Taligent) and Microsoft (Cairo). DesktopX can turn a user’s desktop into a power user’s dream or be used to greatly restrict the desktop (e.g., in corporations). Once a desktop is created, it can be exported into a desktop “theme” and then distributed across the enterprise or the world via the Internet (making it a snap to standardize on a single desktop design).

Examples of DesktopX in action:

Figure 4 DesktopX used here to give a totally new way of interacting with Windows.

Figure 5 A user here has used DesktopX to create their own shell environment that matches their working habits.

Figure 6 In this example, a store (not this one) could use DesktopX to easily create a kiosk desktop for customer use.

It’s important to note that DesktopX is object-oriented. One does not have to replace their entire desktop. Instead, they could add a few specific objects to the standard desktop. Popular DesktopX object include a mail status object, an MP3 player object, a weather object, or a stock status object.

Figure 7 A scattered group of various DesktopX objects. They not only represent programs but can interact with these programs with and each other - all with hardly any memory or CPU hit.

A program that can change the icons of Windows: IconPackager

Thus far we have talked about how one changes the GUI of Windows (WindowBlinds) and how one can reshape the Windows environment (DesktopX). But any modern GUI is still going to be icon-based when dealing with the myriad of files and programs on the system. Windows does not come with a way to change all these icons. It provides “Themes” that change the desktop icons, but that’s it.

That’s where IconPackager comes in. IconPackager changes the actual icons of Windows by applying “packages” of icons. The user selects a package of icons and then clicks “Apply” and all of their Windows icons are changed to the theme from the package.

A program that can add “effects” to Windows: WindowFX

As Apple has recently proven, providing additional special effects to their OS matters. As the name implies, WindowFX adds those effects. It’s not merely eye candy though, special effects help to provide a visual message of what something is supposed to do, or convey information in a more effective manner. WindowFX, amongst other things, can add shadows to windows, make icon title text 3D (making them much easier to read), make windows semi-transparent (allowing users to see what’s behind a window), and make windows maximize to a specific resolution (very useful for those who run at high resolution).

Figure 8 WindowFX puts shadows underneath windows, makes some windows transparent and allows users to specify what resolution a window “maximizes” to.

Programs that change various types of behaviors to Windows.

When someone uses Windows, they take for granted that that is how it works. Users tend to work around the various idiosyncrasies of Windows. Object Desktop comes with programs that help users make Windows work the way they want it to. These programs include:

• ControlCenter. This component provides additional functionality to the user interface of Windows. Virtual Desktops, resource monitoring, program launching, etc. become part of the OS.
• Tab LaunchPad. This component provides an alternative and more effective way of managing and launching programs in Windows.
• TweakShell. A very easy to use program for tweaking the shell settings of Windows.
• SpringFolders. This program extends the drag and drop functionality of Windows. When a user is dragging a file, they merely have to hold it over another folder and that folder will open automatically.

Programs that integrate common functions into Windows.

One of the biggest problems facing software utility vendors is that they are essentially making programs that one might argue should be part of the OS. But the utility vendor wants to make their program stand out for branding purposes. Not so with Object Desktop programs. Stardock’s goal is to provide programs that so seamlessly integrate into the OS that they seem like they’re part of the OS. This has the additional benefit of using a lot less memory and running much faster. Some examples of these programs that come with Object Desktop are:

• ObjectZIP. This component allows ZIP files to be treated as standard Windows folders from the desktop (while preserving its file behavior from the command line). It works across every version of Windows without modification because it is a shell extension rather than a proprietary file system as some other solutions of this nature have attempted. The net result is that ZIP files open faster, are easier to manage, and more are integrated into the OS.

Figure 9 ObjectZIP makes ZIP files behave like folders and does it as a shell extension.

• Association Wizard. One problem with Windows is that it is very hard to have multiple programs associated with a particular file. Anyone who’s ever wanted to look at a 6K GIF file knows the hassle of being forced to load up some 20 megabyte photo editing program to look at it. Association Wizard lets users have multiple programs associated to open a file. When the user right clicks, they can select the program of their choice with “Open With->”
• DriveScan. Anyone who has ever run low of disk space knows that it can be problematic to figure out where all that space has gone to. DriveScan goes through the disk drive and creates a set of bar graphs showing where all the space has gone.

A program that can change the Start bar of Windows: ObjectBar (coming soon)

One program not part of Object Desktop 2001 is called ObjectBar. Stardock is continually adding new features and enhancements to its existing set of Object Desktop programs as well as adding more programs to fill in new holes as they are created.

One such hole is that virtually every operating system, be it MacOS, Linux, OS/2, Windows, BeOS, has some sort of “wharf” or “dock” or some other widget that is essentially a bar that manages tasks, launches programs, and displays key information. On Windows it’s the Start Bar. On MacOS it’s the Finder. On OS/2 it is the WarpCenter.

ObjectBar is designed to have all the features of all the different “bars” available and then extend them to their logical conclusions. Thus, a user with ObjectBar could create the bar that takes their favorite features from all the available operating systems to create a super DockWharfBar. ObjectBar is, for instance, the only Windows program that can replace the Windows system tray completely with its own without getting rid of the Windows shell. Users can filter different tasks in their task bars and display tasks as a menu, a bar, or a floating dock.

Figure 10 ObjectBar can add docks, bars, wharfs, etc. In this example, you can see a bar at the top and bottom along with tear off menus.

Putting it all together

When the components are used together, a user essentially has total control over Windows. Users take for granted how little control they have over the appearance of their desktops. “Personal” Computers are unique amongst products in that they are a one size fits all solution. Cars, Refrigerators, Phones, even toasters, all come in different shapes, sizes, and interfaces that tailor to a specific segment of the market - but not “Personal” Computers. Every machine looks the same. They almost all have a gazillion icons on the left side, a Start menu with a ton of junk in it that they don’t use, and work with their applications and data in the same way regardless of how different that might be from the user’s preference.

When the pieces of Object Desktop are put together, that all changes. Users can do whatever they want with their computers. An IT manager at a Fortune 500 company can use Object Desktop components to create desktops that have just the features that are important to him displayed cutting down training and support costs. A steel plant can use pieces of Object Desktop to create an interface that monitors the status of the blast furnace and hide other features of Windows to create a unique operating system for them. And consumers can use Object Desktop to make Windows easier to use, prettier, or just cooler.

Figure 11 putting it together: Object Desktop components when combined together can allow users to transform Windows in ways few would imagine. This screenshot was created by a user.

How does it work?

Typically, a user visits Stardock.net or Stardock.com after having used one of the components of Object Desktop that are available in a demo form. After purchasing Object Desktop for $49.95, the user is given a subscription serial number and access to Component Manager.

Figure 12 Component Manager turns the Stardock.net servers into a "virtual CD"

Once the Component Manager is installed, the user can pick and choose which components they would like to download. Components are then retrieved from one of the Stardock.net servers and stored locally. This is where Stardock.net differs from many other ASPs. Stardock has designed ODNT so that components are stored (cached) locally. They can then be run even when the user is not logged on. Some of the upcoming components will be able to be run exclusively from Stardock.net’s server but will continue to be optionally stored locally. Even after a user’s subscription expires, the user can continue to use the components that they have already installed indefinitely.

Conclusions

The feature set of Object Desktop is constantly evolving as the needs of users change and the features of the operating system it runs on change. As Microsoft adds new APIs to Windows, Stardock can take advantage of those APIs to create totally new features for Object Desktop.

In short, Object Desktop puts the user in charge of their PC.

Purchase/Company information

Stardock Corporation (www.stardock.com)

17292 Farmington Rd.

Livonia MI 48152

ASP: Stardock.net (www.stardock.net)

Service: ObjectDesktop.net (www.objectdesktop.net)

Email contacts:

Brad Wardell, Product Manager (bwardell@stardock.com)

Pricing:

$49.95 for Object Desktop and includes 1 year subscription.

And then $34.95 for each additional year or $2.99 per month.

Useful Links:

http://www.stardock.net/media/odntwhitepaper.html (Object Desktop White Paper)

http://www.objectdesktop.com (Object Desktop Home Page)

Individual Component Links:

WindowBlinds: www.windowblinds.net

DesktopX: www.desktopx.net

SkinStudio: www.skinstudio.net

WebBlinds: www.stardock.com/products/webblinds

WindowFX: www.stardock.com/products/windowfx

ObjectBar: www.stardock.com/products/objectbar

Trademark notices

Stardock is a registered trademark of Stardock Corporation. Object Desktop, WindowBlinds, DesktopX, WindowFX are trademarks of Stardock Corporation. All other trademarks are held by their respective holders.