Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement

Subject: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 12:36 PM

O.k... try this one on for size... I'm looking for a 3rd Party Windows Explorer replacement (Not Internet Explorer) that will allow me to edit the layout of my taskbar... To say, put the start button on the right hand side and the system tray on the left...

Any good suggestions?

:-)

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 12:55 PM

Clinton –

I don't know about the specific tailoring you asked for, but you should be aware that the Beta IE7 is out now, with it's "new and improved everything."

eWeek MicrosoftWatch

PCMag Review

You could have all the clinks and clatters of IE – and a bunch of "Beta Bugs!"

John

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 01:00 PM

LO.k... lemme say it again...

I'm looking for a 3rd Party Windows Explorer replacement (Not Internet Explorer)

And I'll repeat that end bit... Not Internet Explorer...

Clear as mud?
:-)
heh

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: Bill D
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 01:39 PM

a bunch of places to start

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 01:41 PM

I have googled Bill, and found many many replacements... that's why I asked specifically for the edit feature I'm most interested in... In case anyone here knows of one...

Explorer Replacements I can find...

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: Bill D
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 01:50 PM

there are many nice programs to replace the functions of the taskbar, or add to it....but not many I have ever seen to actually allow changing its basic layout.

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 01:50 PM

Me neither... yet...   But I'm hopeful!

:-)

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: Bill D
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 01:53 PM

perhaps one of these system tweaking tools would have a trick like that..

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: Bill D
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 01:54 PM

(scroll down to system tweaker)

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 01:57 PM

Sorry Clinton - I just couldn't resist the tweak.

The changes you mention are usually "desktop" items. If you right click on a blank spot on the toolbars and check properties you may find that you can move them around without resorting to your browser. The Start Bar and System Tray (Quick-Launch) toolbar both have a "lock toolbar" and if you unlock them both can be moved. The Start Button moves with the toolbar.

I'm probably just confused, but it sounds to me like you may have better luck looking for a "Desktop Manager" to do what I think you're asking for.(?)

John

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: Bill D
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 01:59 PM

TweakUI 2.10


        2.10.0.0        
                
Dated:        25 June, 2003        
                
Terms:        Freeware        
                
Language:        English        
                
Windows Ver:        XP / 2003        
                
Description:        This PowerToy gives you access to system settings that are not exposed in the Windows XP default user interface, including mouse settings, Explorer settings, taskbar settings, and more.        
                
Download:        [ Go to download page ]    (TweakUiPowertoySetup.exe) (147 Kb)
        
                
Additional:        Install: No    Uninstall: No

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 02:00 PM

"may have better luck looking for a "Desktop Manager"

Hummm... good idea that... I'll have to burn some time tomorrow checking that angle out

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 02:02 PM

Been using Tweak UI (Tweak Now actually) for a LONG time... the task-bar settings it tweaks are just things like grouping and transparancy...

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 02:04 PM

Another term that used to be used is shell.

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: Bill D
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 02:11 PM

I actually have "X-Setup Pro" which says IT has some taskbar settings, but it seems to be all about hiding, locking and flashing icons...etc...

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 02:13 PM

I've not used any of these on Windows in a long while. I had one for some time. It was something thrown in with Borland C++ 4.51 (haven't usd that in a while either) if I remember right. I used it with Windows for Workgroups and I think earlier 95 - I seem to remember Win 95 improving things later on in its life.

Linux is pretty good for this BTW. Most disrtibutions come with several to choose from. I'm using KDE.

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 02:51 PM

The most stable "Desktop" I ran into years ago (Win95 and before) was Norton Desktop, but of course it wasn't free. There may(?) be something somewhat similar in some of the current "big package" Norton products, but I haven't bought one of the duzitall packs for some time.

TweakUI was/is a Ziff-Davis "goodie" and the current/latest version I think can still be downloaded there, although there's a (fairly modest) fee now - used to be free. Some spinoff and copycat programs have also used the name, so there may be some variation in what you may get from different download sites.

You can also maybe look at the Microsoft PowerToys stuff. They're on the Microsoft site, and are designed by Microsoft people, free downloads; but Mickey considers them "not market worthy" so they're considered a recreational outlet for the hired help and aren't realllllllly Microsoft products. (just so you don't feel guilty)

A lot of stuff you can do in Windows, especially WinXP, without any special tools is not very well documented, and usually gets "discovered," if at all, by user groups. Some of it is publicised well enough to be well known but other good stuff remains pretty arcane.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 03:28 PM

Norton is the devil!

:-P
Heh

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: mack/misophist
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 03:55 PM

If you have the time to spare, google "son of spy" and check out his site. He's got hundreds of free windows apps - all guaranteed safe. I used to use his stuff all the time. It's a freeware archive, so check the version.

Subject: RE: Tech: 3rd Party Explorer Replacement
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 04:05 PM

I've also been told maybe WindowBlinds