The Friendly Netbook Desktop

Gack!!
I've used Stardock Fences, and while they're awesome, they added an entire minute to the startup time of my computer (of which has the specs of a modern netbook!

But in looks: Awesome setup!

This is a nice on the eyes desktop. A TRUE quicklaunch desktop

That's hideous. Gotta come up with icons that look better at those sizes, and implement tabs (like Ubuntu netbook remix) or something so it is not as busy.

This reminds me of those people that have windows desktops with 100s of icons. I always liked my desktop to have 0. I can see wanting some with a laptop/netbook, but this is overkill IMHO.

jkrell

I was wondering the same thing; though you can't fault him for using Chrome's lightning-fast speed, the app shortcuts seem a little unnecessary.

Ben Hull

If you have launchy for fast application launching, why do you have all those application icons?

qrius

@Witherslick: Repeatedly leaving 1 or 2 word comments is not acceptable.

If you don't like something, that's perfectly fine, but we'd like intelligent conversation around the topic, not comments imported from Youtube.

Looks decent but the wallpaper makes it a little too busy for me.

Donkey_Pasta

@Witherslick: You sure did.

FAIL

Witherslick

I would never have selected something like this for a feature. I wonder if it would have gotten any consideration is it were not a netbook. To me this is about one step up from the every icon on the desktop setups common to people who don't realize you can organize your computer the way you want it instead of having everything land in default location.

I agree with those pointing out that this seems rather unnecessary when you're using Launchy.

jupiterthunder

@qrius: Because clicking is faster than typing?

aarste

Yeah, the Ubuntu Netbook Remix UI is basically the same idea, but done in a much better way.

This is a good start for Windows netbook users, though.

wunch

@Witherslick: I wish I could punch you through the internets right now.

marksman7328

WIN

marksman7328

aw, Chuzzle!

I like the desktop. it's what he commonly uses, one click away. perfect.

@qrius: I'm gonna go ahead and take a guess that those aren't the only applications installed on the computer. So using launchy will allow quick access to all of those other programs not fitted into the desktop. Also, Launchy can help quickly open up directories such as My Computer and Program Files. I use Windows 7, with my most commonly used applications pinned to the taskbar and I still use launchy to open up other applications and directories. It beats clicking in multiple places to find them.

Personally, it looks awful.

Awfully productive, though!
(Ho ho ho)

Personally, it looks awful.

Awfully productive, though!
(Ho ho ho)

his flickr is pretty fun to go through too.
just click his name in the flickr pool and it takes you to his stream.

Joseph Smrekar

his flickr is pretty fun to go through too.
just click his name in the flickr pool and it takes you to his stream.

Joseph Smrekar

@aarste: Have you used launchy? Within 1 or 2 keys you have the item selected.

johnsmith1234

@aarste: Have you used launchy? Within 1 or 2 keys you have the item selected.

johnsmith1234

I'd personally kill myself if that was my desktop...
Just try one of the hundreds of linux distros out there, they do it in a much more effective way.

NotHellTempest

I'd personally kill myself if that was my desktop...
Just try one of the hundreds of linux distros out there, they do it in a much more effective way.

NotHellTempest

He basically turned his desktop into the iphone screen.

JM Campbell

He basically turned his desktop into the iphone screen.

JM Campbell

how about some tuts on how to use the XPe features.

Joseph Smrekar

how about some tuts on how to use the XPe features.

Joseph Smrekar

@jupiterthunder: You're right, it's designed for netbooks - the point of the icons is those little tiny keyboards are awful.

The point of featuring this desktop was so that others would see the idea and take it even further - maybe with a super slick large-icon background.

@jupiterthunder: You're right, it's designed for netbooks - the point of the icons is those little tiny keyboards are awful.

The point of featuring this desktop was so that others would see the idea and take it even further - maybe with a super slick large-icon background.

\@qrius: yeah, it just seems to me that all those icons are there just to make it look even and fill out 3 icons for each of the 9 windows.

When it comes to UI setup, it's totally subjective, but I thought it was just irony that so many icons were there when launchy can pull them up with like 3-4 keystrokes.

To each his own in Desktop Interfaces.

qrius

@qrius: There are situations where one would prefer typing over mousing, but there's also situations where one would prefer mousing over typing. Nothing wrong with making both sides more efficient.

@NotHellTempest: Because that totally isn't overreacting at all.

@johnsmith1234: but 1 or 2 keys on one of those little netbook keyboards? Ugh, not if I can use the mouse :P

I think a desktop like this would be better suited for a UMPC than a netbook.

I think a desktop like this would be better suited for a UMPC than a netbook.

@Joseph Smrekar:
Warning: potential for smokey horrible death. Backup first. Serious tire damage if you don't do this correctly.

Disable page file and swap file.

Download:
Windows XP Embedded Service Pack 2 Feature Pack 2007
[www.microsoft.com]

in the ISO, open XPEFP2007.EXE in 7-Zip, winrar, etc.
extract ewfmgr.exe and ewf.sys from rep directory

(or obtain from other sources ;)

copy ewf.sys to c:\windows\system32\drivers
copy ewfmgr.exe to c:\windows\system32

Regedit:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root.
Right-click on Root and click 'Permissions'. Set 'Everyone' to have Full Control

Save the following as a .reg file and merge
-----

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_EWF]
"NextInstance"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_EWF\0000]
"Service"="EWF"
"Legacy"=dword:00000001
"ConfigFlags"=dword:00000020
"Class"="LegacyDriver"
"ClassGUID"="{8ECC055D-047F-11D1-A537-0000F8753ED1}"
"DeviceDesc"="EWF"
"Capabilities"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_EWF\0000\Control]
"ActiveService"="EWF"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ewf]
"ErrorControl"=dword:00000001
"Group"="System Bus Extender"
"Start"=dword:00000000
"Type"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ewf\Parameters]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ewf\Parameters\Protected]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ewf\Parameters\Protected\Volume0]
"Type"=dword:00000001
"ArcName"="multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)"

-----
Confirm the arc path matches that of Windows

Delete %systemroot%\bootstat.dat to prevent getting "windows didn't start properly" messages

In registry open:
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{71A27CDD-812A-11D0-BEC7-08002BE2092F}\UpperFilters

And add EWF as a new line. So it may be something like:
Volsnap
EWF

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root.
Right-click on Root and click 'Permissions'. Unset 'Everyone' to have Full Control

Hold your breath and restart.

Ewf should now be active, and storing all writes to memory. It will store up to 500MB before crashing. To check the status:
EWFMGR c:
at a command prompt.
To commit writes at shutdown, but reenable at next boot:
ewfmgr c: -commit

To commit writes RIGHT NOW and disable
ewfmgr c: -dissableandcommit -live

If you get a BSOD at boot, try "last known good configuration"

johnsmith1234

@Joseph Smrekar:
Warning: potential for smokey horrible death. Backup first. Serious tire damage if you don't do this correctly.

Disable page file and swap file.

Download:
Windows XP Embedded Service Pack 2 Feature Pack 2007
[www.microsoft.com]

in the ISO, open XPEFP2007.EXE in 7-Zip, winrar, etc.
extract ewfmgr.exe and ewf.sys from rep directory

(or obtain from other sources ;)

copy ewf.sys to c:\windows\system32\drivers
copy ewfmgr.exe to c:\windows\system32

Regedit:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root.
Right-click on Root and click 'Permissions'. Set 'Everyone' to have Full Control

Save the following as a .reg file and merge
-----

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_EWF]
"NextInstance"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_EWF\0000]
"Service"="EWF"
"Legacy"=dword:00000001
"ConfigFlags"=dword:00000020
"Class"="LegacyDriver"
"ClassGUID"="{8ECC055D-047F-11D1-A537-0000F8753ED1}"
"DeviceDesc"="EWF"
"Capabilities"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_EWF\0000\Control]
"ActiveService"="EWF"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ewf]
"ErrorControl"=dword:00000001
"Group"="System Bus Extender"
"Start"=dword:00000000
"Type"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ewf\Parameters]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ewf\Parameters\Protected]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ewf\Parameters\Protected\Volume0]
"Type"=dword:00000001
"ArcName"="multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)"

-----
Confirm the arc path matches that of Windows

Delete %systemroot%\bootstat.dat to prevent getting "windows didn't start properly" messages

In registry open:
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{71A27CDD-812A-11D0-BEC7-08002BE2092F}\UpperFilters

And add EWF as a new line. So it may be something like:
Volsnap
EWF

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root.
Right-click on Root and click 'Permissions'. Unset 'Everyone' to have Full Control

Hold your breath and restart.

Ewf should now be active, and storing all writes to memory. It will store up to 500MB before crashing. To check the status:
EWFMGR c:
at a command prompt.
To commit writes at shutdown, but reenable at next boot:
ewfmgr c: -commit

To commit writes RIGHT NOW and disable
ewfmgr c: -dissableandcommit -live

If you get a BSOD at boot, try "last known good configuration"

johnsmith1234

I really like the desktop... It's "quick-launchy" while functional; I can do this on my laptop without my li'l sister complaining that I removed her icons

Leafy

I really like the desktop... It's "quick-launchy" while functional; I can do this on my laptop without my li'l sister complaining that I removed her icons

Leafy

I really like the desktop... It's "quick-launchy" while functional; I can do this on my laptop without my li'l sister complaining that I removed her icons

Leafy

@Phoshi:

I've killed my self over less. Then I got over it. Thank goodness for reincarnation.

jupiterthunder

@The How-To Geek:

A valid point.

I personally HATE having icons on my desktop. And at 5'6", 127, a small keyboard for most is probably still comfortable for me.

But it brings an interesting question to mind. I wonder how many are buying netbooks in spite of keyboard sizes that are too small for them.

jupiterthunder

@Penguins-R-Us: Hmm, I've never noticed the increased time while using Fences, but probably haven't tested it during boot.

Either way, I LOVE Fences and would recommend it to anyone using XP, esp if you have multiple monitors.

@jupiterthunder: I hate icons on the desktop as well.

I think a ton of people buy them and then realize the keyboards are too small to get anything done. Then they end up being used just for looking stuff up... which is something I can do from my iPod Touch.

@NotHellTempest: It's too late. If you use Linux, you've already opted for a living death. :)

paintbox

i see how it could be useful but man its fugly

addicuss

@marcelebrate: The resizing of the icons has nothing to do with how Windows performs the task in this case. It's all on the Stardock program.

Looks terrible, but I'm sure it's at least halfway functioning.

Looks very good, but the my OCD could not bear some of the pixilated icons.

DePaulBlueDemon

Agree with most of you, kind of ugly. Maybe if I was 10 years old I'd think this would be a very cool desktop setting...I guess thats all I have to say.

monzongo

@[i206.photobucket.com]

benjgvps

My netbook:
[IMG][i206.photobucket.com]]

I have shortcuts to folders containing shortcuts. The shortcuts on my desktop are labeled both visually and in text. The windows classic theme takes up a little less space and is a bit snappier. Chrome is my browser for those same reasons too.

benjgvps

Awesome! My boss is buying my department HP Netbooks next week for field laptops, so I will make sure to do this! :)

jquack

@Nabeel - TPB Dudes FTW: Thanks. I'll give these a try.

I think its great! Its given me some food for thought for organizing my Netbook desktop.

For those saying "just use Linux", while that would be great, Linux support for 3G dongles is pretty crap. There are a select few that "just work", and the others don't, or require so much suffering, its not worth it.

Lol at the lack of vector icons in XP, some of those icons look horrible at this size.

That's way too many icons! It reminds me of Windows 3.1
[kevin108.com]

I use RocketDock on my Eee 701 with only the programs I use.
[kevin108.com]

@kazemizuhi:
SR : SlickRun
FAAR : Find And Run Robot

@paintbox: What is 'SR' and 'FARR'? Google did not turn any relevant results.

With regards to Launchy, the application is hidden (read: completely invisible) until called upon with a keyboard shortcut. I agree that virtually all skins are subpar, but I managed to find a minimalistic skin that suits many setups:

RooLa Launchy @ deviantART

well, I'm thankful that at least this isnt' one of the other enigma-modded rainmeter-modded single wallpaper centered desktop ....

Though still does not make the mark ... ;)

Reminds me of iPhone screens..

Maybe the iPhone screen will be like this eventually, a page is divided into 4 rows that one can customise, e.g.

First row: standard iphone apps
Second row: Productivity apps
Third row: Web apps
Fourth row: Games

And one can just flick across each row to select other apps in the grouping, similar to the current pages model but without having to change the rest of the page.

John Tan

@pcull: Basically it puts everything into the memory, so it runs faster. Obviously this will only work with netbooks with 1.5GB of memory or more, and a lightweight XP (unnecessary services disabled, minimal background processes, etc.) So, yes, it does increase performance and the lifespan of SSD drives.

The tool made available here can automate the process for you: [mydellmini.com]

@[www.computa.co.uk]

@qrius: Having the option for both icons and Launchy is nice, especially as others have stated, a netbook keyboard isn't so easy to adjust to.

The biggest reason for me, however, is for other people using the netbook to know what's available right off the bat; which Launchy won't help with.

i actually quite like this desktop. still busy for my liking but no samurize/rainmeter hogging up space/cpu cycles. it's definitely more functional.

periferral

Doesn't all that extra stuff kinda use a lot more resources than just botting natively into a bloatfree WinXP install? Probably would look better on Vista/Win7 for the icons though. But, thinking about how much longer that would take the netbook to boot, kinda baffles me.

@paintbox: "Launchy gets too much in the way"

Whatever could you mean by that? It's not even there if you don't want it.

i may be a little dense.. but what is the purpose of EWF? Does it increase performance and/or lifetime on SD / SDD drives? can it be automated or is it necessary to commit writes before powering down?

pcull

The only things I don't like about it, are the background color and the transparency/watermarking/whatever that is, and the Chrome logo. The more I see it, the more I dislike it. Other than that, there have been times when I've needed icons that large on the Desktop, but as soon as I got them the way I wanted, other areas of Windows would get messed up, aesthetic wise..... dialog boxes, folders, things like that.

Happy Friday, Lifehackers!

paintbox

@jupiterthunder: you mean a reinstall?

paintbox

@qrius: Launchy and fast app launching are not synonymous. Launchy gets too much in the way and you can't get rid of the ugly overlay they call a "skin". SR is better than this thing. Even FARR does better.

paintbox

I agree, this leaves a little to be desired visually. I think it has more to do with the icons than anything, though. Windows does not handle sizing up icons well at all, and this is perfect evidence of it. Those distortions in the icons would drive me bonkers and wouldn't have lasted more than 5 seconds with me after realizing how poorly they looked.

But I probably put more value in the aesthetics of my machine than others do.

Personally, I'd just stick with Launchy. How often do you find yourself with an exposed desktop, anyway? If anything, just use one of the Mac-styled dock launchers and have it auto hide. Accessible when you want it, out of sight when you don't.

The netbook screens aren't so small that you have to do anything special, in my view. Some people have too much time on their hands.

Capone

How is Facebook not on the social tab?

take out the Blue and replace with white, and guess what you've got.... That's right, Windows 3.1! Congratulations Internet, you've perfected the flux capacitor and brought us back to 1992!

ZarebEchemus

it looks nice but better with another backroung, may i give him a try. for now i like my fsl launcher, easy to install and use.

LiviaAngelfish

Well, it does say _his_ most important tools, so I'm guessing Facebook isn't in his top three social sites. If it was my interface, half of those tabs would be deleted entirely (including social); it's a cute idea, but a bit too regimented into categories for my taste.

BernardEscargot