BumpTop -

Computer desktops are a common theme here at the dull bulb. I like finding programs that make desktops more flexible, convenient, and easy to use. For example, in the past I have featured dock applications, virtual desktops, desktop grids and many others. The purpose is maximizing the utility of your computer's desktop.

Recently I found a program that does more for desktop organization than I have seen in a LONG time. Its called BumpTop. Basically, it turns your rigid, unflexible computer desktop into a more flexible desktop that can be used more like your physical desk. Allow this video to demonstrate:



As you can see, its a beautiful concept. In fact, the idea is so wonderful, we will be seeing this concept take hold in future operating systems. Think about how the iPhone has revolutionized user interfaces. Apply the easy-touch interface of an iPhone/Touch to a GUI (graphics user interface) like BumpTop and you have a pretty awesome computer that has the flexibility of a desk and the utility, productivity, and power of a computer. Want an example? Check this out:



Visit the site. Download it Here.

Why aren't you using a dock?

Yeah... Why aren't you? Unless you are a Mac user, you are probably not using a "dock" because... well... you don't have one. A dock is a very simple efficiency tool that allows you to access programs, files, and folders directly from the desktop without cluttering your space with icons. A dock is built into Mac operating systems but not Windows operating systems (actually, Dell ships computers with a dock installed - but you may not have a Dell). There are quite a few options for docks, but I will just highlight two: RocketDock and ObjectDock.

RocketDock: This program is my personal favorite. The makers of RocketDock made the program completely free. You can download it here. Watch my video tutorial below to get a feel for how the program works and ways you can use it to be more efficient.

**Note** I am new at the whole video tutorial thing. They will get better as I practice more. The benefit is that I can do posts faster by just demonstrating sometimes than going through all the steps. So, be patient with me and I hope you enjoy the videos.

ObjectDock: This program is free, but only for the basic package. ObjectDock was developed by StarDock - a company that I have featured before. The program runs really smooth and has a slightly different look than RocketDock. For more info, go here. Download here. I didn't make a video tutorial becuase I have already gone through the general features of ObjectDock in another post.

Holy Bonus! It's: Windows 7 design for XP

Microsoft is coming out with Windows 7 sometime by the end of this year. It will basically be a much much better Vista (it will be more than that but I like to say stuff like that). Anyway, some people - me - are still using Windows XP (I use XP, Vista, and Windows 7 - but XP nonetheless). After using XP for what feels like thousands of years, I have gotten tired of the same old blue, silver, or green theme. Some really smart person out there decided they had enough of it too and made a new theme for Windows XP that looks almost exactly like Windows 7. Amazing!


Take a look:

I took that picture... No I didn't. But someone saw my desktop and asked
where I took that picture and I was so tempted to make something up.
I would have said: "I took it while on a trek from Alaska to Peru, which I did alone and on foot,
drinking from rivers and streams, and eating only bear meat that I hunted with a handmade bow and arrow.
I also made the camera out of grass and bear eyes."

That is just the basic desktop look. The theme literally changes everything from desktop icons to the startup screen to the way windows looks. Check it out XP users and see if you fall in love with your XP all over again.

Download Seven Remix.

Max To

Max To: I am an anti-maxite - also a maxiphobe. These are the names given to a person that hates maximizing windows and/or is afraid of doing it. That's not true; but if it were true, it would most certainly apply to me. I just don't like it when a single window is taking up my whole screen. I much prefer having access to my desktop while I work on something. The problem is that I don't get to take advantage of the "maximize" button on a window because if I use it... my window will MAXIMIZE and I HATE THAT.

If I had a lot of money and the might of the 1950's US Military
at my disposal, I would most certainly blow up window maximizing with an atomic cannon.

The PC Solution: Max To. Max To is a brilliant little program that divides up your desktop space into however many sections you want. It works like a grid. When you have a program that you want to maximize in only one section of the desktop, you simply double click the window bar (that bar across the top) and that window snaps to the grid. Now you can maximize windows without maximizing them. Thats great!

Setup is quite easy. Just download the file and install it. Once installed and running, it bring up a space manager that will allow you to customize your grid.
If you have a really big screen, try setting up 2 main spaces. If your screen is smaller, try setting up 1 big space and 2 smaller spaces next to it. Either way, try it out and see if it is something that will help you use your space better.
Download here

Holy Bonus! It's: TwoUp

TwoUp
Mac Solution: TwoUp. The mac solution is a handy-dandy application called TwoUp. The program is slightly more limited than MaxTo for PC but it is still a little gem for those that hate it when one window dominates the entire screen. Here is a screen shot followed by info from their site:

In Short TwoUp allows you to quickly position a window to fill exactly half the screen (splitscreen) via the status menu bar or configurable shortcuts (hotkeys). Similar to "tiled windows" functionality available on other operating systems.

Using TwoUp TwoUp consists of four actions which can be performed on the frontmost application window:

• Left (move and resize window to fill the left half of the screen)
• Right (move and resize window to fill the right half of the screen)
• Up (move and resize window to fill the top half of the screen)
• Down (move and resize window to fill the bottom half of the screen)

These actions can be triggered via the TwoUp menu in the Mac menu bar or via system wide shortcuts. The default shortcuts can be triggered by holding the Control+Option+Command keys while pressing an Arrow key to indicate the direction you wish the window to go. The shortcut keys can be customized in the TwoUp Preferences.

Check out TwoUp, Download Here.

Holy Bonus! It's: Start Killer

Do you hate your Start menu icon? Well, I don't really have anything against mine personally, but Start Killer does - it hates ALL start menu icons. It reminds me of my good friend Star Killer:

If Start Killer could destroy Start menus with the
Force Push/Sith Lightning Zap or a lightsaber it would definitely be cool.

It doesn't. But it does do this:

Holy crap, the start menu is gone! And it used that dialogue box thingy to do it ...
definitely not as cool as Star Killer

Well, I just thought this little desktop tweak was kind of cool. It allows you to "kill" the start menu icon, thereby removing it from your start menu. The utility of this? It gives you more room on the taskbar for windows (and for killing stormtroopers - no, not as cool as Star Killer)... That's about all I can think of. You might consider using it together with Stardock's ObjectDock or RocketDock so that you have a Mac-like dock on the bottom of your screen and a minimized window bar on the top or sides without a start menu... I don't know, its just a cool tweak so use it if you want. I added it as a bonus because its not the MOST useful thing in the world and its definitely not as cool as Star Killer:

That's REALLY how he carries his lightsaber. I know... He's AWESOME!

Oh, did I mention the dude pulled a Star Destroyer OUT OF THE SKY!!?
Can Start Killer do that?

I'm not a nerd so stop thinking it!

StarDock: Object Dock

My brother told me about a cool site called StarDock. StarDock is a desktop enhancements company. They make software that makes your desktop look cooler, basically. Anyway, they have a lot of software and I might get around to reviewing more of it but for the time being, I wanted to introduce you to something that will "Mac-ify" your machine. Stardock has a product called ObjectDock, which works exactly like the dock on a Mac. Here are some screenshots I made (the one on the left shows the Windows taskbar as well a the dock, the one on the right shows the taskbar hidden so that the desktop looks a lot like a Mac desktop):

Download Now!

So what is the point? Does it really look that much better or make life easier or whatever? Good question. That is one that you will have to answer for yourself. You will just have to download it and try it out. I will tell you why I prefer it (but I am a Mac user so I guess I am biased). Understand that this a new way to look at Windows.

Organization: Windows start up menu is okay. I mean, I like that it potentially aids in keeping the desktop organized. Personally, I have a huge (HUGE) problem with desktop clutter. I hate it so much. It is ugly and confusing (no offense to anyone with a "clutter-top" - "couldn't you at least try a new profession" - what movie is that from?). So, organization comes when you take your favorite programs off the desktop and place them on the dock. Really, all you have to do is go to the start menu, find the program, click and drag the icon to the dock and vuala! You can also do this (although it is done for you) with your my documents folder, my music, my movies, whatever. Same concept: click and drag to dock. It sure is pretty!

Accessibility: I like to be able to access whatever program or document from a simple place (that isn't the desktop!).

Its fun and neat looking: if for no other reason, its just fun to do and use. It makes your desktop look neat. You can customize the look to match your aesthetic preferences.

I recommend this software highly. I think its great. Macs are expensive (and better) and this is one way to enjoy some of the basic features of the Mac on a PC. Stay tuned to the site for a 3-part series of posts on Mac v. PC and running Mac on your PC (what? you can do that? YES).

Download Now!