Monday, October 19th 23:36

    This is the first actual update to this site. I'm writing about a really nice shell replacement program called LiteStep. This alternate shell for Windows 9x/NT is a clone of the AfterStep WM for Linux. I personally don't think it is up to par yet with AfterStep, but with the new release in a few days, I'm sure that it will be. The main advantage of LiteStep is that, unlike AfterStep, you can run all of your normal Windows programs. This is because it only replaces explorer.exe as the default shell, and doesn't actually replace Windows.
    The main benefit that I find to this shell is the shortcut key combinations that you can define. Using the step.rc configuration file, you can define almost any combination of the Alt, Ctrl, and Win keys with any other key to launch an application, batch file, or run start.exe <yourfile>. I find that using hotkeys increases your speed at maneuvering around your computer more than any other one thing, regardless of how easy it is to use the Wharf bar, or the nice Popup menu that are included as well.
    Another major benefit to using LiteStep is the integrated virtual window manager that is also included. If you have ever used other virtual window managers, you were probably easily disgusted at how badly they would handle moving windows around, or how nasty the interface was that you had to use. LiteStep's vwm is built right in on a 64x64 wharf tile. It couldn't be easier to use, and it has a number of config changes that you can make to suit your tastes. The only major gripe is that the miniature windows shown don't have anything to distinguish them from anything else, making it up to the user to remember where he placed certain windows.
    Everything said, the best part about LiteStep is that it is free.

Links:    litestep.net , litestep.m1crosoft.com , floach.pimpin.net

Friday, October 16th. 17:54
 

I'm starting my site here. I don't know how long I'll keep on updating it, but I hope I continue to actually remember to update every now and then. Anyway, here we are. I hope to have some little utilities up here soon.