UFO: Chapter 4: Difference between revisions
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[ | [http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n5/enhance.html <u>Some programs to help you to customize WPS with ease</u>]<u><br /></u> | ||
| bgcolor="#8080FF" | - by Chris Wenham, OS2 e-Zine! Vol 1 no 5<br /> | | bgcolor="#8080FF" | - by Chris Wenham, OS2 e-Zine! Vol 1 no 5<br /> | ||
| bgcolor="#8080FF" | Gadgets to beautify WPS and boost productivity.<br /> | | bgcolor="#8080FF" | Gadgets to beautify WPS and boost productivity.<br /> | ||
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[ | [http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n5/drool.html <u>Vanity in the Workplace (Shell)</u>]<br /> | ||
| bgcolor="#8080FF" | - by Chris Wenham, OS2 e-Zine! Vol 1 no 5<br /> | | bgcolor="#8080FF" | - by Chris Wenham, OS2 e-Zine! Vol 1 no 5<br /> | ||
| bgcolor="#8080FF" | Steps to turn WPS into an ultimate desktop<br /> | | bgcolor="#8080FF" | Steps to turn WPS into an ultimate desktop<br /> | ||
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| bgcolor="#8080FF" | | | bgcolor="#8080FF" | | ||
[ | [http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n5/exploit.html <u>Exploiting the Power of the Workplace Shell</u>]<u><br /></u> | ||
| bgcolor="#8080FF" | - by Jim Little, OS2 e-Zine! Vol 1 no 5<br /> | | bgcolor="#8080FF" | - by Jim Little, OS2 e-Zine! Vol 1 no 5<br /> | ||
| bgcolor="#8080FF" | Good article on customizing WPS<br /> | | bgcolor="#8080FF" | Good article on customizing WPS<br /> | ||
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| bgcolor="#8080FF" | | | bgcolor="#8080FF" | | ||
[ | [http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n5/wps.html <u>The WPS: Warp's Killer App</u>]<br /> | ||
| bgcolor="#8080FF" | - by Larry Bouthillier, OS2 e-Zine! Vol 1 no 5<br /> | | bgcolor="#8080FF" | - by Larry Bouthillier, OS2 e-Zine! Vol 1 no 5<br /> | ||
| bgcolor="#8080FF" | Informative reading on WPS<br /> | | bgcolor="#8080FF" | Informative reading on WPS<br /> | ||
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[ | [http://www.sundialsystems.com/articles/decorate.html <u>Decorating Your Desktop for the Holidays</u>]<u><br /></u> | ||
| bgcolor="#8080FF" | - by Rollin White<br /> | | bgcolor="#8080FF" | - by Rollin White<br /> | ||
| bgcolor="#8080FF" | A good page to give you a head start in customizing your WPS<br /> | | bgcolor="#8080FF" | A good page to give you a head start in customizing your WPS<br /> | ||
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| bgcolor="#8080FF" | | | bgcolor="#8080FF" | | ||
[ | [http://www.edm2.com/0102/roadmapwps.html <u>Road Map for the Workplace Shell</u>]<u><br /></u> | ||
| bgcolor="#8080FF" | David Campbell<br /> | | bgcolor="#8080FF" | David Campbell<br /> | ||
| bgcolor="#8080FF" | A series of articles dedicated to explaining the operation and use of the WPS<br /> | | bgcolor="#8080FF" | A series of articles dedicated to explaining the operation and use of the WPS<br /> | ||
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Deciding the colours of the WPS is one of the most important factors to building a great desktop. You can use many of the themes that come with OS/2; but if you are willing to spend a little time experimenting with different colour palettes, the end results may make your efforts worth your while. Try not to choose a colour that is too bright, or a colour that is too dull and dark. The only tip I can offer is: use your artistic minds and experiment! Look at the screenshots in chapter 1 to get some ideas.<br /><br /> Here is an excellent guide extracted from the article <u>"[ | Deciding the colours of the WPS is one of the most important factors to building a great desktop. You can use many of the themes that come with OS/2; but if you are willing to spend a little time experimenting with different colour palettes, the end results may make your efforts worth your while. Try not to choose a colour that is too bright, or a colour that is too dull and dark. The only tip I can offer is: use your artistic minds and experiment! Look at the screenshots in chapter 1 to get some ideas.<br /><br /> Here is an excellent guide extracted from the article <u>"[http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n5/drool.html Vanity in the Workplace (Shell)"]</u>, OS/2 e-Zine! vol 1 no 5 by Chris Wenham. Look at [http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n5/drool.gif <u>Chris's "drooltop"</u>] now.<br /><br /><font color="Navy"><tt>"You'd be surprised what you can do with just a few color changes. In many cases you won't even need a bitmapped background, just a soothing dark purple, blue, red or green. I don't like grey backgrounds myself, they're drab and unexciting. With OS/2 you have the power to change the colors of each folder individually or system-wide in one big gulp but I tried to pick a different color for each folder. Color-coding helps identify in a flash which ones I have open. Here's my folder scheme:<br /> Applications: Dark sky blue.<br /> Graphics applications: Dark green.<br /> Utilities: Light sky blue.<br /> Games: Dark red.<br /> Internet Apps: Dark orange.<br /><br /> You'll notice I picked mostly dark colors, I find this easier on the eye. Bright colors, when used for backgrounds, glare too much. Warp provides a scheme palette for editing all the colors of the WPS in one place, plus it allows you to edit some elements that can't be changed by the regular drag-and-drop methods of the color and font palettes."<br /></tt></font> | ||
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| height="30" bgcolor="#0000A0" | <font size="+3" color="White">'''Step 6'''</font><font size="+1" color="White">''': Change the default icons of the workplace shell<br />'''</font> | | height="30" bgcolor="#0000A0" | <font size="+3" color="White">'''Step 6'''</font><font size="+1" color="White">''': Change the default icons of the workplace shell<br />'''</font> | ||
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To compliment all the fancy icons you have now given to WPS, consider giving your mouse cursor a new look by changing the cursor styles. To do this, you will need the help of third party add-ons for the WPS. Here are some programs to do just that.<br /><br />'''Software that make your mouse dance!<br />'''<br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/mouse/amptr100.zip <u>'''Animated mouse cursor'''</u>]''' '''(<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) by Christian Langanke. This is by far my favourite! Now you can also use all the<br /> modules available in Win95!! All modules for Animouse (see below) is also compatible with Animated mouse cursor. Read about the [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.os2ezine.com/v2n2/amptr.htm review of animated mouse cursor] by Ryan Dill.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/multimedia/pointer/Pointers.zip <u>'''Pointers.zip'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) - author unknown<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.sentience.com.au/animouse/animouse.html <u>'''Animouse'''</u>] (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) is an add-on for OS/2 Warp that adds a bit of style to your boring old mouse pointer by changing it from a single pointer into an animation composed of a series of pointers. Here are some [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.sentience.com.au/animouse/animlib.html <u>cursor modules for Animouse </u>](modules are compatible with Animated mouse cursor too).<br /> Read about the [ | To compliment all the fancy icons you have now given to WPS, consider giving your mouse cursor a new look by changing the cursor styles. To do this, you will need the help of third party add-ons for the WPS. Here are some programs to do just that.<br /><br />'''Software that make your mouse dance!<br />'''<br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/mouse/amptr100.zip <u>'''Animated mouse cursor'''</u>]''' '''(<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) by Christian Langanke. This is by far my favourite! Now you can also use all the<br /> modules available in Win95!! All modules for Animouse (see below) is also compatible with Animated mouse cursor. Read about the [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.os2ezine.com/v2n2/amptr.htm review of animated mouse cursor] by Ryan Dill.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/multimedia/pointer/Pointers.zip <u>'''Pointers.zip'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) - author unknown<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.sentience.com.au/animouse/animouse.html <u>'''Animouse'''</u>] (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) is an add-on for OS/2 Warp that adds a bit of style to your boring old mouse pointer by changing it from a single pointer into an animation composed of a series of pointers. Here are some [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.sentience.com.au/animouse/animlib.html <u>cursor modules for Animouse </u>](modules are compatible with Animated mouse cursor too).<br /> Read about the [http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n9/animouse.htm <u>review of Animouse</u>] by Ryan Dill.<br /><br /> Here is a [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/multimedia/pointer/transptr.zip <u>transparent mouse pointer</u>] for Warp<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/multimedia/pointer/wwait11.zip <u>'''WarpWait'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a utility that changes the default OS/2 wait clock to an animated warp-logo or a user defined icon animation.<br /><br />'''Here are some links to get that ultimate cursor for OS/2'''<br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.islandnet.com/~wwseb/cursors.htm <u>Animated Cursor Schemes for Windows '95 and OS/2 WARP</u>]<u><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://pages.prodigy.com/cursors/main.htm Animated cursor set packs<br />][http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/cgi-bin/search?sh=1&dir=/pub/multimedia/pointer/&stype=browse&byname=1 All the cursor related apps in Hobbes]</u><br /> | ||
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| height="30" bgcolor="#0000A0" | <font size="+3" color="White">'''Step 9'''</font><font size="+1" color="White">''': Add a screensaver to workplace shell<br />'''</font> | | height="30" bgcolor="#0000A0" | <font size="+3" color="White">'''Step 9'''</font><font size="+1" color="White">''': Add a screensaver to workplace shell<br />'''</font> | ||
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When you have performed all the above enhancements to the WPS, it is time to enhance the functions of the WPS itself. Here are some good programs to get you started:<br /><br /><font size="+1"><u>'''WPS replacement shell<br />'''</u></font><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/wps/pc2v190.zip <u>'''PC/2'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a WPS enhancement or replacement, that features a program launcher, Virtual Desktops, Hotkey support, Sliding focus and a Spooler Control Window. Look at [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.musthave.com/screenshot/pc2.html <u>PC/2 screenshot</u>] here. Read [ | When you have performed all the above enhancements to the WPS, it is time to enhance the functions of the WPS itself. Here are some good programs to get you started:<br /><br /><font size="+1"><u>'''WPS replacement shell<br />'''</u></font><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/wps/pc2v190.zip <u>'''PC/2'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a WPS enhancement or replacement, that features a program launcher, Virtual Desktops, Hotkey support, Sliding focus and a Spooler Control Window. Look at [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.musthave.com/screenshot/pc2.html <u>PC/2 screenshot</u>] here. Read [http://www.os2ezine.com/v3n05/first.htm#progcom <u>OS/2 e-Zine! review of PC/2</u>] here.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/wps/mdesk13.zip <u>'''MDesk'''</u>] (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) is a fast, complete shell replacement or add-on for OS/2 Warp 3.0 and above. It also features many desktop tools not found in the base OS/2 product.<br /><br /><font size="+1"><u>'''Virutal desktop<br />'''</u></font><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://204.146.167.81/pub/pccbbs/os2_ews/megads.zip <u>'''Megadisk'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a virtual desktop overview which allows you to expand the area for your PM windows, creating many "rooms" in which to group running PM applications.<br /><br /><font size="+1"><u>'''WPS enhancement<br />'''</u></font><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.sf.airnet.ne.jp/~ts/npswps/npswp182.zip <u>'''NPS WPS Enhancer'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) allows you to use more than 20 functions which enhance OS/2, such as nice window animations, window shadows, "close" buttons, automatic mouse movement, and more! Click here for a [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.sf.airnet.ne.jp/~ts/npswps/npswps1.html <u>functional reference</u>] of NPS WPS Enhancer written by the author himself !<br /> Download [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.sf.airnet.ne.jp/~ts/npswps/npswa01.zip <u>new window animation set</u>] for NPS WPS Enhancer here.<br /> Read the [http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n1/npswps.html <u>review of NPS WPS Enhancer</u>] by Mark Flanagan here!<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/wps/dw1410.zip <u>'''Desktop Wizard'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a interesting desktop enhancement that adds ZIP features to the WPS. Here is a [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.musthave.com/screenshot/desktopwizard.html <u>screenshot</u>] of this utility.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Pines/3675/we025.zip <u>'''Warp Enhancer'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is an exciting new tool designed to add much of the functionality every user wants but IBM did not include with OS/2. Go to the [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Pines/3675/we.html <u>author's homepage</u>] now.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://ftp.wilmington.net/bmtmicro/nfnf11.zip <u>'''NFNF'''</u>] is a 32bit WPS add on for OS/2 Warp. NFNF adds extra functionality to the OS/2 Workplace Shell and makes many things easier to do.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://ftp.bmtmicro.com/bmtmicro/drgtxt20.zip <u>'''DragText'''</u>] (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) gives OS/2 Warp drag-and-drop text. Read the [http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n7/dragtext.html review of DragText] by Martin S. Hanoian.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://ftp.bmtmicro.com/bmtmicro/xit24.zip <u>'''X-it'''</u>] (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) provides a one button click to many desktop operations, such as closing a window, displaying a task list, VIO, single and multiline edit field cut-and-paste, and a unique title bar roll-up function. Go to the [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.bmtmicro.com/catalog/xit/xit.html <u>CodeSmith Software's X-it homepage</u>] now. There is also a [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.musthave.com/screenshot/xit.html <u>screenshot of X-it</u>] here.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://ftp.bmtmicro.com/bmtmicro/xfile11.zip <u>'''X-File'''</u>], (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) "The Open File Dialog Fixer", is a desktop enhancer which adds major enhancements to the standard OS/2 microscopic "open/save as" file dialog. Go to the [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.bmtmicro.com/catalog/xfile/ <u>CodeSmith Software's X-File homepage</u>] now. Also look at<br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.musthave.com/screenshot/xfile.html <u>X-File screenshot</u>] here.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://tucows.eunet.bg/os2/files/ftaskbar.zip <u>'''FM/2 Taskbar'''</u>]<u>''' '''</u>(<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) a small utility program that works in conjunction with the WPS window list, program objects and launchpad to control what's running on your system and where it runs. Look at the [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.musthave.com/screenshot/fm2taskbar.html <u>screenshot of FM/2 Taskbar</u>] now.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/wps/tbox3_22.zip <u>'''Taskbox'''</u>] (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) gives a bar of running programs/open windows (includes win'95-type start menu)<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/wps/tskbr262.zip <u>'''Taskbar'''</u>]<u>''' '''</u>(<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) allows quick switching among multiple running apps. Current running apps are listed in a popup button bar that is activated by moving the mouse cursor to a user selectable edge of the screen. Also has a hotkey facility similar to the Windows Alt-Tab feature. Read the [http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n11/ravetask.htm <u>review of Taskbar</u>] by David Gaskill.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://ftp.bmtmicro.com/bmtmicro/fileb205.zip <u>'''Filebar'''</u>] (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) is a menubar for your desktop. Spanning across the top or bottom of your desktop, FileBar is designed to give you quick and easy access to your most used applications, whether they are DOS, Windows or OS/2! Read the [http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n2/rave.html <u>review of Filebar by Trevor Smith</u>] and [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.spectra.net/~fox/columns/filebar-review.html <u>another review by Chris Wenham</u>] here.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.os2ss.com/archives/hobbes/os2/util/wps/warpbar083.zip <u>'''WarpBar'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a handy system information display that runs in a compact strip, and is good at showing all the vital statistices of the computer at a glance. Read [http://www.os2ezine.com/v3n05/first.htm#warpbar <u>OS/2 e-Zine! review</u>] here.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www-student.lboro.ac.uk/~mcrsc/ostrans.html '''Dialog Enhancer'''] (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font><font color="Black">) is set to make major improvements into the look and feel of the OS/2 Warp's WPS.<br /></font>Read the [http://www.os2ezine.com/v3n05/dialenh.htm <u>review of Dialog Enhancer</u>] here.<br /><br /><font size="+1"><u>'''WPS cosmetics<br />'''</u></font><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/wps/cbarz110.zip <u>'''CandyBarZ'''</u>] (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) gives OS/2 WARP a gradient-filled titlebar. Both active and inactive colors are supported, and CandyBarZ will not muck up your titlebar text colors or fonts. Read the [http://www.os2ezine.com/v2n9/first.htm#candy review of CandyBarz] here and look at the [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.musthave.com/screenshot/candybarz.html screenshot] here.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/wps/chgct21a.zip <u>'''CHG_CTLS'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a program that replace default OS/2 window controls.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/wps/newlookb.zip <u>'''NewLook'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) changes WARP default icons & window controls.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.mindspring.com/~krazydog/transwp.htm <u>'''TransWarp PlusPak'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a desktop enhancer for OS/2 Warp 4.0. It currently includes mini-schemes to enhance the desktop. A must have! Read the [http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n14/rave2.htm <u>review of TransWarp PlusPak</u>] by Thom Davis.<br /><br /><font size="+1"><u>'''WPS tools<br />'''</u></font><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://tucows.eunet.bg/os2/files/pmSysM30.zip <u>'''PMSysMon'''</u>] (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) is the ultimate system monitoring tool for OS/2 multithreaded PM statusbar monitoring system.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/wps/sspace.zip <u>'''ScreenSpace'''</u>] is a small desktop utility to make windows autohide and more<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://204.146.167.81/pub/pccbbs/os2_ews/exdesk.zip <u>'''ExDesk'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) extend functions of OS/2 desktop object.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/wps/prcr122.zip <u>'''Program Creator'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) create program objects by dragging files and folders on the creator icon. Saves the trouble of using the migration program or typing in the program's path and name to program template.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://ftp.bmtmicro.com/bmtmicro/swapm200.zip <u>'''SwapMonitor'''</u>] (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) is a utility that displays the size of OS/2's swap file in a small window and shows other useful information such as: A clock. Free space on all drives. Percentage of used space. Disk size. Volume label. File System. The number of threads and processes currently running. Highly customizable.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/keyboard/winkey02.zip <u>'''Winkey'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is an OS/2 base device driver that maps the left and right Win95 keys on those newer Win95 style keyboards to display the task list (same as Ctrl+Esc) and the menu key to switch tasks (same as Alt+Esc).<br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://ftp.bmtmicro.com/bmtmicro/mse.zip <u>'''MSE'''</u>] (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) allows you to assign various commands to your mouse buttons with or without keyboard modifiers. It also provides optional clipboard management and extension, swapfile monitor, desktop clock, virtual desktops, screen capture, file dialog enhancement and some other mouse-related options. Read the [http://www.os2ezine.com/v2n5/mse.htm <u>review of MSE</u>] by Rian Hill.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://ftp.bmtmicro.com/bmtmicro/pmcalc3o.zip <u>'''PMCalc'''</u>] (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) is a calculator with scientific and programmer functions, calculating with variables, Regression, easy transfer to/from the clipboard, detailed error messages, online help.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www2.rz.hu-berlin.de/~h0444vnd/os2.htm <u>'''XFolder'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a replacement class for the WPFolder class of OS/2's Workplace Shell, which will add entries to all of your WPS folders' context menus, whose contents you can define yourself by putting regular WPS objects in a special XFolder configuration folder. Anything placed in this folder will immediately appear in the context menus of all folders. Look at the [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.musthave.com/screenshot/xfolder.html screenshot] now.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/wps/folder.zip <u>'''Folder'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a dialog box that helps create new folder on desktop<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/wps/float.zip <u>'''Float '''</u>](<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a simple utility to keep windows floating on top of others in the WPS<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/cgi-bin/search?sh=1&dir=/pub/os2/util/wps/&stype=browse&byname=1 <u>Browse hobbes' archive for WPS related applications.</u>]<br /> | ||
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| height="30" bgcolor="#0000A0" | <font size="+3" color="White">'''Step 13'''</font><font size="+1" color="White">''': Get a commercial utility to spice up your desktop - Get Object Desktop<br />'''</font> | | height="30" bgcolor="#0000A0" | <font size="+3" color="White">'''Step 13'''</font><font size="+1" color="White">''': Get a commercial utility to spice up your desktop - Get Object Desktop<br />'''</font> | ||
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This is debatable. If you are happy with the enhancements the above freeware and shareware do to your WPS, then do save yourself some bucks and don't get Object Desktop. But if money is no objection, I would highly recommend the use of Object desktop (available from [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.stardock.com/ Stardock]). Read about the [ | This is debatable. If you are happy with the enhancements the above freeware and shareware do to your WPS, then do save yourself some bucks and don't get Object Desktop. But if money is no objection, I would highly recommend the use of Object desktop (available from [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.stardock.com/ Stardock]). Read about the [http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n9/od15.htm <u>Object Desktop v1.5 review in OS/2 e-Zine!</u>] by Christopher B. Wright. Here is the [http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n11/odpro.htm <u>Object Desktop Pro v1.5 review in OS/2 e-Zine!</u>] by Alex Bradley.<br /><br /><u>'''The Pros and Cons of Object Desktop'''</u><br /> Like I said, getting Object desktop is debatable. Listen to what Christopher B. Wright [http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n2/odpros.html <u>(Object Desktop - Pros)</u>] and Edward Crouser [http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n2/odcons.html <u>(Object Desktop - Cons)</u>] have to say.<br /><br /> Amongst the many enhancements to OS/2, Object Desktop adds native ZIP, LHA, ZOO and ARC archives support to the WPS. Even though archives are special compressed file objects, they behave very much like OS/2 folders. You can store objects in an archive by dragging and dropping, and you can view the contents of an archive by double-clicking it.<br /><u>'''Customizing Object Desktop v1.5'''</u><br /> Go to my [chap3.html#Object <u>collection of tips and tricks for Object Desktop<br /><br /></u>]'''Enable the Rollup button'''<br /> By doing this, you will be able to "roll up" any particular window (just like you are rolling up a curtain at home) when click on the rollup button so that only its title bar is visible. This helps to reduce desktop clutter while allowing you to see all open windows.<br /><br />'''Enable the window drag mode'''<br /> This will need some good cpu power and display card as object desktop needs to remember all the contents (colours, icons, etc) of the window and displays them in real time as you are dragging the windows. This makes dragging windows from one position to another a more pleasurable visual experience.<br /><br />'''Replace scrollbar buttons'''<br /> Enable this to replace all buttons in OS/2 to use the Object Desktop buttons which have a chisel steel 3D look.<br /><br />'''Replace Frame Controls'''<br /> Enable this to replace the standard OS/2 Minimize/Hide and Maximize buttons to the Object Desktop buttons. In my opinion, the Object Desktop's buttons are more intuitive and look better too.<br /><br />'''Enable the Close button on all windows'''.<br /> This will add a Cross in the windows titlebar, which makes closing a particular window as easy as point and click.<br /> | ||
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| height="30" bgcolor="#0000A0" | <font size="+3" color="White">'''Step 14'''</font><font size="+1" color="White">''': Just for fun<br />'''</font> | | height="30" bgcolor="#0000A0" | <font size="+3" color="White">'''Step 14'''</font><font size="+1" color="White">''': Just for fun<br />'''</font> | ||
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'''[[Magnify]]''' (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a PM desktop magnifier for reading the 'finest' print. Operates at the click of the mouse.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/wps/pmpopup.zip <u>'''PMPopUp'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a simple program which will display a message on the PM desktop. Simply issue the command "<tt>PMPOPUP Message</tt>" to display your message on the desktop. '''PmPopup/2''' (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is yet another similar program that creates a configurable dialog box.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/apps/clock/fclock131.zip <u>'''FClock'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a PM digital clock with perpetual calendar.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/apps/clock/sdate10.zip <u>'''Stardate/2'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a PM Stardate Clock for OS/2 Warp<br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/apps/clock/pmworld1.zip <u>'''PMWorld '''</u>](<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) enables up to 8 Analogue Clocks to be displayed, each showing the current time for a selected location any where in the world. The program also marks the position of the selected locations on a world map drawn by the program.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://204.146.167.81/pub/pccbbs/os2_ews/pmgb32.zip <u>'''PMGlobe'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a program which displays the Earth as a globe using OS/2 Presentation Manager. Additional options add shading to the globe for a three-dimensional effect, and let you measure and track distances between two points on the globe.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Louis_LaBrunda/WldCk153.Zip <u>'''World Clock'''</u>] (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) is a multi-city time display clock for OS/2 Warp. World Clock displays one to twenty-four clocks. Choose from over 550 cities or build you own city list.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://204.146.167.81/pub/pccbbs/os2_ews/excal.zip <u>'''ExCal'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a PM Calendar program<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/mouse/pmxeyes.zip <u>'''Xeyes'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) shows a pair of eyes that follow your mouse cursor. [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/mouse/behold23.zip <u>'''Behold'''</u>] is another X Eye-like program with a more realistic eyeball<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.cam.org/~guardia/archives/hots052.zip <u>'''Hot Scroll'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is an utility that can put the Scroll Lock key to some practical use, and does a fairly decent job of emulating the IntelliMouse's nifty scroll wheel. Read the [ | '''[[Magnify]]''' (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a PM desktop magnifier for reading the 'finest' print. Operates at the click of the mouse.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/wps/pmpopup.zip <u>'''PMPopUp'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a simple program which will display a message on the PM desktop. Simply issue the command "<tt>PMPOPUP Message</tt>" to display your message on the desktop. '''PmPopup/2''' (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is yet another similar program that creates a configurable dialog box.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/apps/clock/fclock131.zip <u>'''FClock'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a PM digital clock with perpetual calendar.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/apps/clock/sdate10.zip <u>'''Stardate/2'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a PM Stardate Clock for OS/2 Warp<br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/apps/clock/pmworld1.zip <u>'''PMWorld '''</u>](<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) enables up to 8 Analogue Clocks to be displayed, each showing the current time for a selected location any where in the world. The program also marks the position of the selected locations on a world map drawn by the program.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://204.146.167.81/pub/pccbbs/os2_ews/pmgb32.zip <u>'''PMGlobe'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a program which displays the Earth as a globe using OS/2 Presentation Manager. Additional options add shading to the globe for a three-dimensional effect, and let you measure and track distances between two points on the globe.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Louis_LaBrunda/WldCk153.Zip <u>'''World Clock'''</u>] (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) is a multi-city time display clock for OS/2 Warp. World Clock displays one to twenty-four clocks. Choose from over 550 cities or build you own city list.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://204.146.167.81/pub/pccbbs/os2_ews/excal.zip <u>'''ExCal'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is a PM Calendar program<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/mouse/pmxeyes.zip <u>'''Xeyes'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) shows a pair of eyes that follow your mouse cursor. [http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/util/mouse/behold23.zip <u>'''Behold'''</u>] is another X Eye-like program with a more realistic eyeball<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.cam.org/~guardia/archives/hots052.zip <u>'''Hot Scroll'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is an utility that can put the Scroll Lock key to some practical use, and does a fairly decent job of emulating the IntelliMouse's nifty scroll wheel. Read the [http://www.os2ezine.com/v3n01/first.htm#hotscroll <u>review of Hot Scroll</u>] here.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/http://www.os2ss.com/archives/hobbes/os2/util/system/lens_09.zip <u>'''Lens'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) let you move your mouse pointer around the screen, enlarging the area your pointer is over. Read the [http://www.os2ezine.com/v3n01/first.htm#lens <u>review of Lens</u>] here.<br /><br />'''[[PMView]]''' (<font color="#FF0080">shareware</font>) is the award winning file viewer program. It is also great for screen capture too! Perfect if you want to submit your OS/2 screenshot to me.<br /><br />[http://web.archive.org/web/20011006172513/ftp://204.146.167.81/pub/pccbbs/os2_ews/pmcam2.zip <u>'''PM Camera'''</u>] (<font color="Blue">freeware</font>) is yet another screen and image grabber.<br /> | ||
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| height="30" bgcolor="#0000A0" | <font size="+3" color="White">'''Step 15'''</font><font size="+1" color="White">''': Visit other sites<br />'''</font> | | height="30" bgcolor="#0000A0" | <font size="+3" color="White">'''Step 15'''</font><font size="+1" color="White">''': Visit other sites<br />'''</font> |
Revision as of 19:58, 31 March 2021
How do you make your OS/2 WARP's WPS (workplace shell) stand out from others? |
Customize it !! |
| ||
- by Jeff Jackowski |
Detail discussion of the OS/2 WARP workplace shell | |
- by Chris Wenham, OS2 e-Zine! Vol 1 no 5 |
Gadgets to beautify WPS and boost productivity. | |
- by Chris Wenham, OS2 e-Zine! Vol 1 no 5 |
Steps to turn WPS into an ultimate desktop | |
- by Jim Little, OS2 e-Zine! Vol 1 no 5 |
Good article on customizing WPS | |
- by Larry Bouthillier, OS2 e-Zine! Vol 1 no 5 |
Informative reading on WPS | |
- by Rollin White |
A good page to give you a head start in customizing your WPS | |
David Campbell |
A series of articles dedicated to explaining the operation and use of the WPS | |
By Bill Schindler and Esther Schindler, PC Magazine, 30th July 1997 |
Navigating your way through OS/2's object-oriented interface |
A Step-By-Step Guide To Building A Customized Workplace Shell
The following guide is written with OS/2 WARP 4.0 in mind. (but should also work with OS/2 WARP 3.0)
Step 1: BACKUP, BACKUP and BACKUP |
Before you start, MAKE A BACKUP first!!! Here are some programs to do that for you. |
Step 2: Change the default screen resolution |
The default screen resolution after the OS/2 installation is 640 x 480 x 256 colours (i.e. if you have a VGA card and colour monitor). In a multitasking OS like OS/2 WARP, such a low resolution just doesn't cut it. Go for at least 800 x 600 x 256 colours. If you have a fast CPU and graphics card, enough RAM and at least a 17 inch monitor, consider going for at least 1024 x 768 x 16 bit colours. A resolution like this can make the most out of photorealistic wallpapers and will also give you more screen space to work with your various software applications. |
Step 3: Change the default background wallpaper |
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Step 4: Change the default background of the windows folder |
Getting the ultimate wallpaper for your WPS is not enough! You will need to change the default windows background of all windows folder to give a different look. (Try to do that with Windows 95 and NT <grin>). |
Step 5: Change the default colours of the workplace shell |
Deciding the colours of the WPS is one of the most important factors to building a great desktop. You can use many of the themes that come with OS/2; but if you are willing to spend a little time experimenting with different colour palettes, the end results may make your efforts worth your while. Try not to choose a colour that is too bright, or a colour that is too dull and dark. The only tip I can offer is: use your artistic minds and experiment! Look at the screenshots in chapter 1 to get some ideas. |
Step 6: Change the default icons of the workplace shell |
Icons are a way of life in the WPS! You click on icons to launch your software, and perform all the tasks in OS/2. Therfore, it is only natural that you customize the icons to make them stand out and attractive. Of course, the first thing you need is to get new icons first. Here are some of the icons library that you can download from the net. To manage all these number of icons, you will need some sort of icons manager to keep track of them. Here are 2 icons related apps to get you started. |
Step 7: Change the default fonts of the workplace shell |
OS/2 has some built-in fonts which you can use..but if you are looking for something more, have a look first at hobbes' archive of OS/2 TrueType fonts and OS/2 Type 1 fonts |
Step 8: Change the default mouse cursor |
To compliment all the fancy icons you have now given to WPS, consider giving your mouse cursor a new look by changing the cursor styles. To do this, you will need the help of third party add-ons for the WPS. Here are some programs to do just that. |
Step 9: Add a screensaver to workplace shell |
When you are away from your computer for any length of time, consider using a screensaver to |
Step 10: Change the default OS/2 WARP bootup and shutdown logos. |
Why settle for the standard bootup and shutdown logos? After a while, they can be boring to look at! |
Step 11: Change the default sound schemes in OS/2 WARP |
OS/2 WARP comes with some default sound schemes. Like the default bootup and shutdown logos, they can get boring quickly. Changing the sound schemes will give your WPS a new experience to navigate, and a good opportunity to impress your colleages or friends. |
Step 12: Enhance the functions of the workplace shell |
When you have performed all the above enhancements to the WPS, it is time to enhance the functions of the WPS itself. Here are some good programs to get you started: |
Step 13: Get a commercial utility to spice up your desktop - Get Object Desktop |
This is debatable. If you are happy with the enhancements the above freeware and shareware do to your WPS, then do save yourself some bucks and don't get Object Desktop. But if money is no objection, I would highly recommend the use of Object desktop (available from Stardock). Read about the Object Desktop v1.5 review in OS/2 e-Zine! by Christopher B. Wright. Here is the Object Desktop Pro v1.5 review in OS/2 e-Zine! by Alex Bradley. |
Step 14: Just for fun |
Magnify (freeware) is a PM desktop magnifier for reading the 'finest' print. Operates at the click of the mouse. |
Step 15: Visit other sites |
Congratulations !!! You have just created your very own ULTIMATE WPS !!! |