Stardock’s Windowblinds v4.0: Review

After trying out TGTSoft’s version of their skin manager, I was a bit worried about trying anything else for a long while. I really wanted a program to deliver alot of skin choices for an extension of my desktop wallpaper. I searched the web, and heard good things about this program.. so I headed over to Wincustomize.com and downloaded a copy. It is the same price as StyleXP, $19.95 and gives you unlimited program support.

**StarDock’s WindowBlinds v4.0 Review**

First off I noticed that the website was very familiar. I had been there alot in the past grabbing free wallpapers. The website has so many skins available to choose from. I browsed the library for a skin I wanted, clicked the download button and it self-extracted the file and installed it automatically. What’s more, is that it has a control panel that manages your skins, so you don’t have to dig through Windows Explorer searching directories for installing skins. The skins are high quality, and there are hundreds to choose from. This program is a great choice for someone looking to add a personal touch to their desktop that wants something more than wallpaper.

Pros: Ease of use, control panel to manage skins, self-extracting file downloads, lots of choices

Cons: None, does what it promises and does it well.

Rating: 5 / 5
Company: Stardock
Program: WindowBlinds v4.0
Support Site: Wincustomize.com
Cost: $19.95 USD
License: Doesn’t expire

TGTSoft’s Style XP v3.1: Review

I recently had a chance to preview both of these programs, that allow the user to “skin” their GUIs to whatever color, shape, size and structure you can think of. I wanted a way to add a personal flair to my desktop far beyond what my wallpaper could offer. I had heard good things about TGTSoft’s Style XP, so I started there.

**Review Style XP version 3.1**

I purchased this program with the promise of the utility using “No system resources” in order to run. I browsed the library of files available for download, and quickly learned that they had a whole site: ThemeXP.org dedicated with user uploads, and a huge library to choose from. The program costs $19.95 and gives you a year of free updates on the software. I downloaded my registered version, headed over the themexp.org and found a skin I wanted to download. I noticed that when you download the files, they save to your desktop, and don’t automatically “extract” themselves into StyleXP. What is worse, is that they download as .exe file that require you to “install” them and they attempt to install 6 unwanted programs with the file. What is even worse than that, it that you cannot even install the file without saying yes to install 2 of the programs. Beware that all files are like this, and the following programs each file comes with the following unwanted mess: Acoona Toolbar, Accona Assistant, Hyperlinker, NewNet Domain, Freeze.com screensavers, DVD Resales coupon and some other unidentified file in my add/remove programs called ThemeXP.org.

Needless to say this program is total crap, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. TGTSoft should be ashamed of this kind of support with their program and unwanted software bundling of their skin extensions. I can’t believe anyone uses this program with each file being stuffed with crap.

Pros: Does more than just skin toolbar, it does boot screens, icons, logon screens, and wallaper

Cons: Use of windows directory to manage skins, skins are bundled with lots of unwanted software, skins download to desktop and require an install, instead of self-extracting

Rating: 0 / 5
Company: TGTsoft
Program: Style XP 3.1
Support Site: ThemeXP
Cost: $19.95 USD
License: 1 Year