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So… bored with your typical XP or Vista theme?  I’ve been using a couple of OpenSource applications as replacements and upgrades to the typical Microsoft Windows Shell, Task Bar, and System Tray.

Here’s what I’m currently running…

Emerge Desktop – A replacement windows “shell” (the desktop environment normally provided by Windows Explorer) for Windows 2000 and above. In order to replace Windows Explorer as a shell, it provides a system tray (the area that collects the icons collected at the lower right corner in Explorer), called emergeTray. It will also provide access to the users programs (normally accessed with the windows “start” button) via a right-click on the desktop, via emergeCore.

RocketDock – A smoothly animated, alpha blended application launcher. It provides a nice clean interface to drop shortcuts on for easy access and organization. With each item completely customizable there is no end to what you can add and launch from the dock.

ObjectDock™ (FREE Version) – A program that enables users to organize their shortcuts, programs and running tasks into an attractive and fun animated Dock. By allowing users to have more control over how they organize their desktop, users can take control of their desktop icons and shortcuts to have them be available when where and how they need them. This, all with the unique style and top-rate performance that ObjectDock is known to deliver!

You might be asking why two docks?  Well they’re for different purposes.  Rocketdock is across the top for system folder access and objectdock the bottom as a quick launcher.  The remainder of the icons and popups are controlled with emerge’s replacement shell.  You’ll see the upper left vertical row of icons which is currently open but minimized application windows, right clicking the desktop brings up your shell controls, and the left veritical row of icons being the replacement system tray.

Here’s a screenshot of my current Windows XP desktop…

Background Image Found @ Desktopography

OpenSource By Jerico Santander “At present, most of the people in the world have been using systems to protect their copyrights but in the last few years we are witnesses of the beginning of a strong and powerful movement based on completly different principles: sharing ideas, works, etc, without expecting anything back.”

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