I would like some clarification about fair use of dxscripts. I have recently noticed several objects which have the code from other authors objects/widgets in them. There is no credit given to the original author in many of these cases. Is this considered OK? Should it be classed as ripping? Can I (as the author of the scripts and should I choose to) request the removal of any of them using my code without permission?

I personally have no objection to people using my scripts providing it is with my permission and they mention it explicitly in any uploads. This is mainly so I am aware of who is using what and who will need to be informed should I then later update the scripts/find a bug. It's also partially because like any skinner I like to know that people find my stuff useful.

I design the skins in a way that the code can just be lifted and reused easily intentionally but I like to know that people are doing so. I would also like to categorically say that if my code is used in any gadgets without my express permission I will request from stardock that they are removed.

A very early build of my new WB Skin Randomiser is available at http://pjpowell.dyndns.org/Downloads/SkinRandomizer.exe

This displays all your skins in a long list (main skins and subskins) and allows you to group and save the names to a file. Then you can load groups as and when you like and set the timer to change randomly between them.

Bear in mind I only started writing this yesterday but any opinions/requests for features would be most welcome. This does require that Skinstudio is installed. If it doesn't work for you please let me know so I can try to resolve the problem if it's something my end.

I have been pondering MadIce's request for an experimental section on this site and I am all for it. Until then however I will be posting experimental DesktopX objects/themes here: http://pjpowell.dyndns.org/DXLab.php It's not pretty but it is functional. Please read the blurb at the top and don't import these objects into a theme that you will not want to lose.

Disclaimer: Most of these objects will be scripted and hence prone to be buggy. Some will use WMI scripts but I will make this obvious in the blurb about the object.

PS Admins: If this should have gone in news please let me know. I wasn't sure.

A WMI->DesktopX scripting tutorial has been started. WMI stands for Windows Management Interface and provides a mechanism of getting at lots of information (disk space used/free on any drive, processor usage overall, by process etc. I would appreciate any feedback on whether I have missed bits out, need to go into more detail/less detail on part of it or anything else I may not have mentioned. I would specially like to hear from people who try it and haven't ever seen or heard of vbscript or WMI before. Currently Scripting in DesktopX is very powerful but is also a bit problematic. I have been informed that a new DesktopX build with an updated DXScript is coming soon which should (hopefully) sort out these problems and make more complex objects more easily. I plan to write more detailed tutorials for producing net meters and cpu monitors etc in the future so if anyone has ideas of specific objects they would like me to attempt to explain how to make related to this topic (eg using WMI to gather system info) please let me know.

Tried to email you but the email address I replied to returned the email.

anyway the problem is caused by the screensaver button. It has an incorrect painting method of a frame shape change set to cut from border. Change that to default (no shape change) and all should be fine again. Sorry it took so long to reply.

Phil

CursorEx is a complete cursor enhancement tool with the following features above what Windows has to offer:

Per-pixel transparency allowing alphablended cursors

Realistic and completely customizable shadow

Use BMP and PNG images for your cursors

The 1.3 release adds:

- Different cursor image for when the mouse cursor is pressed.

- Optional separated resize cursors. eg separate images for North and South cursors
instead of a combined North/South one

- Many GUI improvements: XP visual style support, antialiased icons, hot spot easy configuration.

- Fixed many minor bugs and compatibility issues.

- Even better integration with the system.

- Optimized performance.

- Full PNG support (can load all PNG formats now).

- Brand new installer and uninstaller.

- Two new bundled themes: Default and Hand, both support Normal and Pressed states. Hand also has all separated resize cursors.

Rich are you getting my emails? I have sent a couple (one with a fix for your theme) but I don't think they are getting through. Do you have ICQ or can you visit #stardock on efnet (IRC). We can find some alternative way of communicating.

Well I was impressed by drempels a few weeks ago but this blows that one out of the water. The effects in this are simply stunning. Mouse cursor Particle Effects, animated desktop image (with lighting effects and possibility of reacting to music playing in Winamp). I won't ruin it for you by listing it all and besides I am still playing with it. Just pop along and check it out.

The image is with lighting effect and the light follows the mouse. Reflecting on the swimming pool rippling in the background. (And at a decent rate while I'm running all the apps at the bottom.

This is on a P3 500 256MB 3DFX Voodoo 3 3000. Uses 3D card for effects.