Rachel Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 (edited) Hello! Last week I found this awesome-looking software from Stardock called MyColors. Apparently, it was launched last April but I guess I missed it at the time. I've always been interested in WindowBlinds and the like but was afraid to mess up the OS. I know, I'm so easily spooked! I tried CrystalXP skins (www.crystalxp.net) last year and though I liked it, I was uncomfortable with the way it all worked. You first had to patch Windows, and then the skins would stop working properly each time I used Windows Update. Furthermore, there didn't seem to be a simple way to change between downloaded skins, or just go back to the "normal" Windows look for that matter. However, what hold my interest in MyColors is that whole "Microsoft Gold Partner" thingy, and if the small amount of testing I did with it is any indication, it does look robust, clean, and more importantly, very easy to use. But I only installed it on my laptop, and before I decide to set it up on my work rig too, I was curious to learn more about it. Does any of you have any particular bad experience or gripe about MyColors? Or is it really the dream app I've been waiting for? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Edited August 1, 2008 by Rachel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PermaSt0ne Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 i don't have experience with MyColors, but i do have experience with the apps that it is based on. it basically combines 3 of stardocks products into one: 1) the visual styles are WindowsBlinds skins that changes the appearance of the window borders, the start-bar and various other UI elements. 2) the icons are IconPackager packs that changes the appearance of the window icons. For example, a typical pack will include custom desktop icons, folder icons and file icons. 3) the sounds are SoundPackager packs that changes the bootup sound, error notification sound and more. plus a Windows Media Player skin is supplied and some themes are bundled with gadgets of the corresponding theme, like a customized calender and a customized clock. MyColors lets you mix and match from all 3 programs and lets you save "sets" like a furniture set i've used windowsblinds and iconpackager, both are awesome programs. i've never had any problems with them and find them extremely usefull. i've been running windowsblinds for years and never regretted my purchase. but the other great thing is if you do happen to run into problems, Stardock has a huge community behind it to help you with your problems, not to mention their official staff too :) you can get free programs that do the same thing but you don't get the same support and options as you do if you go with stardock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnzoFX Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 ^^ Same, I <3 WindowBlinds and IconPackager, I recommend each highly, I really can't do without either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted July 21, 2008 Author Share Posted July 21, 2008 Thank you guys, this is great info! :) I agree that Stardock is awesome, that's for sure. Heck, aren't they the ones who supply the pretty skins for the ATI Catalyst Control Center application? But I'm still a bit confused about WindowBlinds. I've heard it requires some other apps to run properly. Is that true? 'Cause I thought the whole point of MyColors was that the package is kinda self-contained, and ridicously easy to use, at least from what I've seen on my laptop. Any other advice before I install it on my work rig? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PermaSt0ne Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 (edited) I've heard it requires some other apps to run properly. Is that true? 'Cause I thought the whole point of MyColors was that the package is kinda self-contained, and ridicously easy to use, at least from what I've seen on my laptop.Any other advice before I install it on my work rig? System Requirements: ● Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit) or Windows XP/2003 Windows 2000/ME/98 users can use WindowBlinds Classic (v4.6). ● 60MB free drive space ● 256MB RAM Note: A 16MB DirectX 8 or later compatible video card with appropriate driver support is required for per-pixel alpha-blended skins. that's it. no "other apps" required. and you're right, MyColors is ridiculously easy to use. the reason you'd use it over windowblinds is if you want to change the sounds and icons as well as the "look" of windows. personally i like the default Windows sounds and default Windows icons, so i only use windowblinds. it's pretty easy to use the windowblinds menu, it's all self-explanitory. this is the main setup screen showing what skin i'm currently using and......don't let your boss catch you? :p edit: oh lol. seems you work at home, nvm haha. mmmmmm then my advice is to make sure to make a system restore point (although i highly doubt you'll have any problems) Edited July 21, 2008 by PermaSt0ne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suicide_pact Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 From what I can tell MyColors is an app that uses skins that are bought that are sort of an all in one "happy meal" approach to skinning for people who might not want to get say a WindowBlinds skin from one place then an IconPackager from another, then a wallpaper from another, then a cursor scheme and sound scheme, etc. It's a an app that applies a complete theme (usually bought from what I can tell) but with limited customization options. In contrast, the other apps, Windowblinds, Iconpackager, desktopX, allow you to apply a theme to each separate component (or to none at all, if you wish) to really mod your system how you want to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam.mt Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 With MyColors you have to purchase the themes, although it does come with 3 free ones in the initial download, whereas with WindowBlinds the themes are mostly free (since community created). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnzoFX Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Yes, like the others said, its more of a whole package kinda deal. You get the convenience that someone just starting to skin their pc would enjoy. You pay per-theme as they are essentially putting together a polished, complete theme for you. I'd recommend you buy WB and IP on it's own, or maybe even object desktop if its viable for you. You will then not be tied to a theme, and you can try out the countless free skins that are out there. Once you get into customizing, its really hard not to explore several styles/themes, etc... It is more work though, you have to browse skins for each individual app. Not too hard as you can just head over to DA and browse the most popular stuff =) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Island Dog Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 A really simple way to explain MyColors is basically it's an "all-in-one" application for customizing your desktop. As others have mentioned, it's powered by the technology from WindowBlinds, IconPackager, etc. MyColors focuses on the themes, more than what you actually need to download to use the themes. MyColors Walkthrough :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Link T. Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 This looks very nice! But I really dont use IconPackager and SoundPackager. Oh well... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted July 21, 2008 Author Share Posted July 21, 2008 Thanks for the info, people! This is awesome. :D But I was also very curious about any glitches or known stability issues. You see, I just want to be sure before installing MyColors on my work rig. On that system, there's no fooling around, so to speak. lol Any other insights? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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