Information About

Desktopx




DesktopX supports the creation of three different types of Widget s:
  • ''objects'', which are loaded into a running DesktopX envronment.

  • ''widgets'', which are groups of objects packaged into executables that require DesktopX to be installed (equivalent to Yahoo! Widget Engine widgets).

  • ''gadgets'', which are totally standalone widgets provided as applications.


Objects may be controlled by Script s written in either VBScript or JScript , although they are not always required.

Many common actions are provided for as in-built object functions, such as:
  • running a Program .

  • displaying a Menu containing the contents of a Folder .

  • empyting the ''Recycle Bin''.


Similarly, animation, sound and variation depending on the object's state (for example, mouseover or clicking) can be modified without scripting.

DesktopX Plugin s also avoid the need for scripting common tasks, by offering extra functionality such as Media Player displays and controls (currently available for ITunes , Winamp , CoolPlayer , an internal version of Windows Media Player and Stardock's own ObjectMedia ) and access to Windows Management Instrumentation .

As users often wish to have a uniform desktop style, a common practice is to create several widgets as a coherent ''theme''. A few popular theme artists sell themes in the WinCustomize store .

As of June 2005 there are four standalone divisions of DesktopX:
  • DesktopX Client, which allows the use of desktops, objects and widgets.

  • DesktopX Standard, which includes the ''DesktopX Builder'' that creates objects and widgets as well as desktops.

  • DesktopX Pro, which allows the creation of gadgets that may be sold as separate applications or used to promote a website.

  • DesktopX Enterprise, which allows the creation of desktops with advanced security features.


DesktopX Standard may also be obtained as part of an Object Desktop subscription.


MORE THAN WIDGETS

While many users see DesktopX as a widget-enabler along the same lines as Yahoo! Widget Engine , DesktopX has features that go beyond widgets. Its ability to create and export desktops has made it popular with corporate integrators who want to create secure, branded desktops.

Moreover, DesktopX sacrifices cross-platformness for features. For example, developers can incorporate ActiveX controls into their creations (such as widgets and desktops).


GADGETS

In 2003, Stardock released DesktopX 2 with a Pro version. The Pro version allowed developers to export their creates as stand-alone programs called "gadgets". This feature was further enhanced with DesktopX 3 and the price on DesktopX Pro lowered to make it more mainstream.

Gadgets are similar to widgets except that they do not require a third-party program to run. This gives gadgets a significant advantage over widgets since widgets require users to go and download the enabling program and install it before they can use them.


VERSION HISTORY

An (incomplete) list of releases:
  • '''August subscribers.

  • June 2001 : DesktopX 1.0 released.

  • April 2002 : DesktopX 1.1 released - adds scripting support.

  • '''October .

  • '''March .

  • July 2005 : DesktopX 3.1 released - new APIs for developers, cleaner UI for users.



SEE ALSO



EXTERNAL LINKS