DesktopX Page 1 of 22

Tutorial Version 0.1

Martin Conroy

3rd

August, 2000

Edits by Brad Wardell

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1 WHAT IS DESKTOPX? .................................................................................................................... 4

2 INSTALLING DESKTOPX............................................................................................................... 5

3 RUNNING DESKTOPX..................................................................................................................... 5

4 CONFIGURING DESKTOPX .......................................................................................................... 5

4.1 CURRENT THEME ........................................................................................................................ 5

4.2 THEME SETTINGS ........................................................................................................................ 6

4.2.1 Wallpaper ............................................................................................................................... 6

4.2.2 Desktop ................................................................................................................................... 6

4.2.3 DX Taskbar ............................................................................................................................. 7

4.3 DESKTOPX SETTINGS ................................................................................................................. 7

4.3.1 Movement ............................................................................................................................... 7

4.3.2 Activation ................................................................................................................................ 9

4.3.3 Snap ........................................................................................................................................ 9

4.3.4 Setup ......................................................................................................................................10

4.3.5 Advanced ...............................................................................................................................10

5 USING COMPONENTS ...................................................................................................................11

5.1 THEMES .........................................................................................................................................11

5.2 PACKS ............................................................................................................................................12

5.3 ETHICS ...........................................................................................................................................12

6 MAKING COMPONENTS ...............................................................................................................14

6.1 CREATING A THEME ..................................................................................................................14

6.2 COMMENTS ..................................................................................................................................14

6.3 WALLPAPER SETTINGS .............................................................................................................14

6.4 DESKTOP SETTINGS ...................................................................................................................14

6.5 TASKBAR SETTINGS ..................................................................................................................15

6.6 OBJECTS ........................................................................................................................................15

6.6.1 Creating .................................................................................................................................15

6.6.2 New Objects ...........................................................................................................................15 6.6.2.1 Cloning Objects ............................................................................................................................... 15

6.6.3 Properties ..............................................................................................................................16 6.6.3.1 General ............................................................................................................................................ 16

6.6.3.1.1 Object Classes ....................................................................................................................... 16

6.6.3.1.1.1 Container ........................................................................................................................... 16

6.6.3.1.1.2 Control Panel ..................................................................................................................... 16

6.6.3.1.1.3 Desktop .............................................................................................................................. 16

6.6.3.1.1.4 Directory Shortcut ............................................................................................................. 16

6.6.3.1.1.5 Document Shortcut ............................................................................................................ 16

6.6.3.1.1.6 Documents ......................................................................................................................... 16

6.6.3.1.1.7 Drive Shortcut ................................................................................................................... 16

6.6.3.1.1.8 Internet .............................................................................................................................. 16

6.6.3.1.1.9 Layer.................................................................................................................................. 17

6.6.3.1.1.10 Log off ............................................................................................................................. 17

6.6.3.1.1.11 My computer ................................................................................................................... 17

6.6.3.1.1.12 Network ........................................................................................................................... 17

6.6.3.1.1.13 Popup closer .................................................................................................................... 17

6.6.3.1.1.14 Popup starter .................................................................................................................... 17

6.6.3.1.1.15 Program shortcut ............................................................................................................. 17

6.6.3.1.1.16 Recycle bin ...................................................................................................................... 17

6.6.3.1.1.17 Restart ............................................................................................................................. 17

6.6.3.1.1.18 Shutdown......................................................................................................................... 17

6.6.3.1.1.19 Start ................................................................................................................................. 17

6.6.3.1.1.20 URL ................................................................................................................................. 17

6.6.3.2 Relation ........................................................................................................................................... 19

6.6.3.2.1 Groups .................................................................................................................................. 19

6.6.3.3 Messages ......................................................................................................................................... 20

6.6.3.3.1 Types .................................................................................................................................... 20

6.6.3.3.2 Appearance ........................................................................................................................... 20

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6.6.3.3.3 Graphics ................................................................................................................................ 20

6.6.3.3.3.1 Creating ............................................................................................................................. 20

6.6.3.3.3.2 Using Text ......................................................................................................................... 20

6.6.3.3.3.3 Alpha Blending .................................................................................................................. 20

6.6.3.3.3.4 Sound Effects .................................................................................................................... 20

6.6.3.3.4 Copying Parameters .............................................................................................................. 20

6.6.3.4 Summary ......................................................................................................................................... 20

7 APPENDICES ....................................................................................................................................22

A. HOW TO CREATE A TASKBAR .................................................................................................22

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1 WHAT IS DESKTOPX?

DesktopX is a powerful object framework for Windows. It allows users to create completely customised user environments. It allows that environment to be broken up into individual parts that are called DesktopX objects that can be exchanged with other DesktopX users. As a result, virtually anything that doesn't require user input can be created quickly and easily.

Creating a DesktopX theme or DesktopX object does not necessarily require any programming skill. DesktopX themes are resolution independent and are created via a simple GUI. DesktopX is part of Object Desktop, it is the component that gives users and corporations the power to decide their own interface to Windows in order to suit their needs and increase their productivity.

DesktopX objects can be simple static icons or complicated animations with equally complex alpha-transparency. Objects can be overlaid providing huge potential for creativity.

As DesktopX develops it is intended that the elements on your desktop will be able to receive as well as send messages to other objects, other programs, and other components of the operating system.

Its goal is to make it possible for users to create very customised desktop user interfaces. DesktopX is part of Object Desktop whose overall goal is make the OS flexible enough to be tailored to the user‟s particular needs. Windows, by default, is a fairly one-size fits all proposition. In reality, to maximise productivity the desktop shell should be designed to meet the rather specific needs of a given company or individual.

The net result is that companies and individuals will be able to create desktop “themes” that transform the Windows desktop to their exact needs. These themes are made up of DesktopX objects which can range from being simple pictures to being light weight applications in their own right. These objects can easily be traded back and forth (the same with themes) with other users with minimal effort.

For instance, an individual‟s DesktopX theme might be something similar to a Litestep theme in which their favourite programs and commonly used tasks are placed in a sci-fi or fantasy setting. Each object could animate itself when the mouse is over it, it could play sound depending on the event, etc. But because it‟s broken into parts, a DesktopX theme, unlike Litestep, is resolution independent. Which means that there is no such thing as a “this theme is a 800x600 theme”.

A corporation might use DesktopX to monitor factory resources and keep a department team in easy communication as well as lower training costs by having their desktop display only the items necessary for their efforts. One DesktopX object might be displaying the temperature on a blast furnace and if the reading becomes abnormal, it my vocalize “Blast furnace temperature alert!” An object containing the list of team members and their status might be up in the top right. By clicking on a member name, it might interact with ICQ or some other instant messaging program to let the user send them a message. Meanwhile, the network drive object might have a small pie chart on it displaying how much drive space is currently available on it.

In both examples, all of the things are possible by writing programs. But the point of DesktopX is that these tasks are infinitely simpler to do as DesktopX objects. Instead a day or two writing up a nice looking drive space monitoring program, it could be done in a manner of minutes as a DesktopX object.

Creating a DesktopX object need not involve any programming at all. On the other hand, using XML or Windows Scripting Host, objects can be created, sent messages, to, and interacted with by seasoned developers.

Thus in both examples, the user has been able to create their own desktop. No longer do they have to work around having a “My computer object” on the top left and a Start bar on the bottom or elsewhere no the screen to get their work done.

For a comprehensive description of Desktop read the DesktopX White Paper.

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2 INSTALLING DESKTOPX

DesktopX is currently available as a component of the Object Desktop Network (ODNT). This ever growing suite of programmes is designed to enhance your productivity by adding flexibility to the way Windows behaves, and provide cosmetic improvements to your working environment making sitting in front of a screen a more pleasurable experience.

If you have not already subscribed to ODNT you can do so by visiting the appropriate ODNT Ordering section of the Stardock website.

ODNT should download DesktopX like any other component using Component Manager. It can then be installed and will appear in your Object Desktop group.

3 RUNNING DESKTOPX

The DesktopX executable is found in the DesktopX subdirectory of your Object Desktop directory (typically c:\program files\object desktop\desktopx). A shortcut to DesktopX will be in your Object Desktop program group from your Start Menu.

4 CONFIGURING DESKTOPX

The DesktopX configuration dialogue has 3 tabs. You can also quit DesktopX from here.

4.1 Current Theme Here you can do most of the things you will typically want to do with DirectX.

Load New Theme: Load an entire Theme to replace your current Theme. You will have the option to save your current Theme settings before loading the new Theme. Where the new Theme has different wallpaper and taskbar settings you will be prompted to replace your current settings with those of the new Theme.

Theme information: A summary of the theme, typically created by the author to describe their inspiration.

Make a new object: Click this to add a new object to your theme. See Section 6.2 for details.

Import: This brings up a dialogue box that allows you to import a pre-created object or series of objects. See Section 5.2 for details.

Reset theme: This allows a user to remove certain elements from a Theme using a dialogue box.

Export theme: Save your Theme to a file.

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4.2 Theme Settings This section allows you to configure 3 areas, the wallpaper, desktop, and the taskbar.

4.2.1 Wallpaper You don‟t have to set any parameter but you can specify either a bitmap or a solid colour for your desktop. If you choose a bitmap you can also specify whether it should be centred, tiled or resized to fit the screen resolution.

Be aware that if your Display Settings have a wallpaper set then this will be revealed if you deselect wallpaper in DesktopX. To reveal a solid colour set in DesktopX then you need to set your wallpaper to „None‟ in your Display Settings.

Choosing a solid colour lets you select a background colour from a standard

Colour Picker dialogue.

4.2.2 Desktop Here you can specify the desktop area used by applications. This can be useful for defining reserved areas for objects. Maximised objects will never encroach into these areas though you should be aware that non-maximised windows can be dragged over these areas.

For Top and left parameters the number is the distance in pixels from the edge. For Right and Bottom parameters positive values specify an absolute distance from the Top or Left side. Negative values specify distances from that edge.

For example: Top 50, Left 0, Bottom –50, Right 50 will set a working area with a 50 pixel margin from the top and 50 pixel margin from the bottom. This will be

resolution independent because the Right and Bottom parameters are relative to that screen edge.

You can also check a box to hide desktop icons.

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4.2.3 DX Taskbar The taskbar is the area that displays the currently running applications. DesktopX provides choice in the taskbar that is used. You can choose to have no taskbar (though this is unlikely unless you‟re a fan of ALT-TAB), use the standard Explorer taskbar which is part of the Windows interface, or use DesktopX‟s own taskbar.

You can make your choice by selecting an option in the „Preferred Setting‟.

If you choose the DesktopX taskbar you then have several options:

Icons: You can either display tasks as a small icon or a large icon. Your preference will depend on the quality of your eyesight and the size of your monitor. Distance is the number of pixels between each icon.

Style: This determines which direction the taskbar will „grow‟. If you say „Left to Right‟, new applications will be placed on the right causing

the taskbar to‟grow‟ in this direction.

Skin, Start & End Tile: You can create your own graphics for the taskbar. See Appendix A for how to do this.

4.3 DesktopX Settings The settings that you amend here are the default settings for DesktopX rather than a Theme. A Theme can over-ride the defaults you enter here but where the theme author has left the property as „Default‟ it is your settings here that will be used.

4.3.1 Movement This section determines how you move DesktopX objects and how fast they move.

Mode: You can lock objects so that a user is required to hold down the CTRL key in order to move the object. This helps reduce accidental movement. This mode is known as „Interface Mode‟. In „Object Mode‟ a user can move an object simply by dragging the mouse.

Movement threshold: To avoid moving objects accidentally you can set the number of pixels an object must be dragged before it is considered to be moving. You will notice the object does not start to move unless you move your mouse the specified number of pixels. If you release the mouse before the object starts to move, the object will not be moved.

Keyboard step: To fine tune movement you can use the cursor keys to move the object. Holding down the CTRL key as well as the cursor key moves the object in larger steps. These two parameters („small‟ and „large‟) define the number of pixels an object moves in

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each case.

Confine objects: You can stop objects from moving outside your desktop work area by checking this box.

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4.3.2 Activation Here you can set the default method to activate an object. This is the condition which invokes the MouseOver message and prepares the object to accept a click (or two) to start the command associated with that object.

Activate on: You can choose to active an object in 3 ways. You can select a rectangular area, which is essentially the area of the bitmap including any areas that are transparent.

You can select „visible area‟ which means the mouse must be over a non-transparent area. This yields the most realistic results for non rectangular objects as the recognition seems most „realistic‟.

The third option is similar to the second but activates when the mouse is within „x‟ pixels of the visible area. This is particularly useful with complex outlines like text because it avoids the erratic activation that occurs when the mouse switches from on to off.

Start command on: This defines whether a user needs to click once or twice on the object to execute it‟s commands.

4.3.3 Snap This effectively sets a grid to aid in the accurate placement of objects. If Snap is disabled then objects can be placed anywhere. The other two options snap objects to a grid defined by the „x‟ and „y‟ spacing. The objects can either snap at their top left corner or at the centre as defined by your choice.

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4.3.4 Setup This is another fairly obvious section of options. You can choose to run DesktopX on startup and add DesktopX to the taskbar. Both are recommended. The first because DesktopX is cool and the second because it‟s the only practical way of getting access to DesktopX configuration unless you have an object to run the executable.

Here, you can also determine which taskbar is the default run when DesktopX is launched. You can choose from no taskbar („None‟), the standard Explorer taskbar, or the DesktopX taskbar. For the DesktopX taskbar you can set additional parameters.

You can force the taskbar to remain „Always on top‟.

You can state the direction the taskbar grows as specified in 4.2.3, and specify the location of

the DesktopX taskbar on the screen by changing the „x‟ and „y‟ parameters.

4.3.5 Advanced This section allows you to adjust those parameters which

don‟t really fit into any

other category.

Object update:

When you change screen

resolution DesktopX

can try to reposition

the objects as it thinks

are

appropriate to the new resolution. You can specify if you want this to happen automatically or not, or be prompted.

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ToolTips: DesktopX objects can have „ToolTips‟ assigned to them that appear when the mouse is over the object. ToolTips are useful to assist a user in determining the function of an object. Here you can specify how long the mouse must hover over the object before the ToolTips appear, or disable the ToolTips entirely.

Labels: Labels are like permanent ToolTips which appear permanently beneath objects similar to the way that Windows icons have text beneath them. The „Y offset‟ setting lets you determine how many pixels below the object the labels appear.

Timers: There are 2 settings here. The high precision timer is useful if you have animations with may frames per second and your eye is sharp enough to notice slight irregularities in timing. This should not be needed in most cases.

The „Mouse Over Command delay‟ provides flexibility for objects that activate on „Mouse Over‟. It may be useful to wait for a short period before activating the command to ensure that the „Mouse Over‟ event wasn‟t accidental. This allows you to define the period that DesktopX will wait before running the command associated with the object.

5 USING COMPONENTS

One of the key features of DesktopX is that the objects and themes are designed to be transferable between users. You can choose to import entire Themes or Packs that can be individual objects or collections of objects.

The key sites where you can download components are:

www.desktopx.net and www.skinz.org

5.1 Themes Themes are complete collections of objects and often wallpaper which are designed to work together and compliment each other.

When you have downloaded a Theme it is very easy to install. Just click the „Load New Theme‟ button. You will be prompted to save your current Theme settings before loading your new Theme.

You will then be prompted to select your Theme that will have a „dxtheme‟ extension.

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You then are prompted to see if you want to switch to the new wallpaper settings from the Theme you are loading or keep your current settings. You then have the same option for selecting the new or current taskbar and tray settings.

Following this decision your new Theme will be loaded. You can also load Themes by double clicking a Theme file.

You should be aware of two potential issues with downloads, both concerning ZIP files. Themes do not need compressing, as they are essentially zip files anyway. Some authors however will Zip the file. Some websites such as www.skinz.org automatically rename files to give them a .ZIP extension.

If you have a file with a .ZIP extension open it with ObjectZip or another package such as WinZip. If the file contains a single file with a .dxtheme then it is a Theme file that has been compressed by the author. Extract this file to wherever you store your Themes. If the file contains several Bitmaps and a Theme.ini file, then this is a renamed Theme file. Change the extension from .ZIP to .dxtheme.

5.2 Packs Packs are similar to Themes except that they contain a DesktopX object or series of objects.

When you have downloaded a Pack it is very easy to install. Just click the „Import‟ button. You will then be asked to browse to find the .dxpack file that you want to load. Once this is selected, the objects you have selected will be loaded.

You should also be aware of potential issues with ZIP files that you download. See the above section on Themes for details.

5.3 Ethics It is considered common courtesy to acknowledge the authors of source graphics or objects that you use if you do not create yourself. This is the minimum. Ideally you should their consent to use their work graphics. Consent will typically be granted, as this is one of the fundamental aims of the software. There may however, be copyright or other issues which forbid use that you need to be aware of. You can usually obtain the authors email address from the „Object Summary‟ or „Theme information‟. If this is not the case then you will almost certainly get this information from the site where you downloaded the component. E.g. www.desktopx.net.

Remember that the DesktopX community is a nice place. Nobody will think any less of you if you use work from someone else as long as you give them appropriate credit. In fact, sharing is

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actively encouraged. Two different people can create very different themes from a similar set of components. Variety is the spice of life. Play nice.

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6 MAKING COMPONENTS

Making components is not particularly difficult. Simple objects are just that, fairly simple to create. As you become more familiar with DesktopX the objects that you create will get more complex.

6.1 Creating a Theme You don‟t have to start a Theme from scratch. In fact, the best way to learn is to look at existing Themes and their objects, „tweak‟ their settings and see what you can do.

Eventually, of course you will want to create a theme from scratch, which fortunately is very easy to do. From the DesktopX configuration dialogue box, select „Current Theme‟ and click the „Reset Theme‟ button.

This will present you will present you with the dialogue box which you see on the left. You see all the key components of a Theme. When you click „OK‟ all checked components will be cleared.

If you leave all items checked and click „OK‟ you will have a blank Theme to work from. We will now work through these five key areas. We‟ll leave „Objects‟ until last. Although it‟s the most important section, we‟ll get the easy ones out of the way

first.

6.2 Comments There is a section called „Theme Information‟ which allows you to summarise the Theme and provide information about yourself as the author. In relation to the ethics issue mentioned above it is useful if you can advise here if you are happy for anyone to develop and modify your Theme. At a minimum you should provide an email address for contact.

6.3 Wallpaper Settings The background for your Theme is obviously the sensible starting point. Section 4.2.1. describes the parameters here but essentially you can specify a wallpaper and/or a background colour. You may wonder why both may be required but remember that different people have different resolution screens, and may not always want to scale the wallpaper. It makes sense to also specify a complimentary background colour so that if the wallpaper is centred then the surrounding border doesn‟t clash too much.

6.4 Desktop Settings In Section 4.2.2. it was described how you can specify the desktop work area and optionally hide the desktop icons. There are considerations as to why you may wish to do this. Specifying a work area can be particularly useful in „reserving‟ areas for Objects that you may create which you wish to be constantly visible while a user has maximised windows.

Careful consideration must be made when using this section in conjunction with the taskbar. If you choose not to use the Explorer taskbar and hide the desktop icons, then you run the risk of limiting your access to the software on your machine if you have not created Objects that provide access to your programmes.

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6.5 Taskbar Settings In Section 4.2.3. it was explained how to make your choice of taskbar, and if you choose the DesktopX taskbar, how to customise it‟s appearance and location. Appendix A describes how to customise this taskbar. Things you may wish to consider is that if the bitmap you create for your taskbar is made entirely of transparent pixels you effectively have a transparent taskbar. i.e. icons which appear to float over the desktop. This feature can be used particularly effective in combination with an area designated for these items such as a nice background graphic and/or a reduced desktop size.

6.6 Objects Objects are the individual elements of DesktopX. The have graphics associated with them which can be static or animated. You can optional specify different graphics for certain events such as when the object appears, the mouse goes over the item, or it is hidden.

6.6.1 Creating Objects

To create an object you have two choices. From the DesktopX configuration dialogue, you can select the „Current Theme‟ tab, and click the „Make New Object‟ button. You can also right click the DesktopX icon in the toolbar and select „New Object‟. The default object that is created is a blue circle as shown.

6.6.2 Selecting Objects When the object is selected by right clicking on it, it has a small cyan square to indicate it is selected.

You can also select objects by dragging a square on the desktop. All objects wholly or partially within the dragged rectangle will be selected. Holding down the CTRL key and clicking on it can toggle the selection of objects. You can select additional objects in this way.

Additionally you can select all objects or no objects by right clicking an object an choosing „Select … all‟ or „Select … none‟ as appropriate.

6.6.3 Cloning Objects You can clone single or multiple objects depending on how many are currently selected. To clone an object or objects simply right click on one of the selected objects and choose „Clone object(s)‟ from the menu. Replicas of the object(s) will be created along with replicas of all their properties.

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6.6.4 Properties From this basic object you can amend it‟s properties to create any object you want. There are four tabs and the options they contain offer great power and flexibility.

6.6.4.1 General

This section contains an overview of the type of object that you have created.

6.6.4.1.1 Object Classes

The object class is the function that the object performs when it is clicked. Each of the functions has it‟s own configuration which are described

below in detail.

6.6.4.1.1.1 Container

A container is a special

type of object that is designed to have “child objects” attached to them. If you drag and drop an object onto a container class object, it will automatically be made into a child of that object.

6.6.4.1.1.2 Control Panel

An object of this class will launch the Control Panel.

6.6.4.1.1.3 Desktop

An object of this class will take you to your desktop.

6.6.4.1.1.4 Directory Shortcut

Takes the user to a specific directory

6.6.4.1.1.5 Document Shortcut

Points to a specified document

6.6.4.1.1.6 Documents

This opens up the “My Documents” folder (or whatever you have specified as your documents folder)

6.6.4.1.1.7 Drive Shortcut

Opens up a specified drive.

6.6.4.1.1.8 Internet

Launches your default web browser.

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6.6.4.1.1.9 Layer

This is a special class. It does nothing but display a particular graphic or picture.

6.6.4.1.1.10 Log off

Logs the user off their system.

6.6.4.1.1.11 My computer

Opens up “My Computer”

6.6.4.1.1.12 Network

Opens “Network Neigbhorhood”

6.6.4.1.1.13 Popup closer

This is a special class. If you assign an object to be a pop-up, this will close the specified object (either a group name or an object ID)

6.6.4.1.1.14 Popup starter

Same as above but it opens a pop up.

6.6.4.1.1.15 Program shortcut

Launches a specified program.

6.6.4.1.1.16 Recycle bin

The trashcan/recycle bin object.

6.6.4.1.1.17 Restart

Restart Windows.

6.6.4.1.1.18 Shutdown

Shuts down Windows.

6.6.4.1.1.19 Start

Opens the start menu.

6.6.4.1.1.20 URL

Opens the specified website URL.

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6.6.4.1.2 Label

Objects can have a text label that is permanently displayed. The text that you enter here will be displayed as the label. Entering text in the box as shown below

created the object on the left.

6.6.4.1.3 ToolTip

Objects can have a ToolTip. This is similar to a label but it is only displayed when the user holds the mouse cursor over the object for a set period of time.

You should be aware however that this ToolTip will not appear if the user has disabled the display of ToolTips in their preferences. If they have not done this then the ToolTip will appear after the period of time specified by

the user in their preferences.

This is the entry that created the object on the left.

6.6.4.1.4 Popup

If the Object is a member of a group (see 6.6.4.2.1.) then this is the setting that determines how the Object will appear when the Object‟s parent (which has the „Popup Starter‟ class) is clicked. If the Object is not the member of a group this setting will typically be „No‟. The group to which the Object belongs is determined by the „Group name‟ as the „Relation‟ tab.

The choices are Static, Toggle, Menu, and Volatile.

6.6.4.1.4.1 Static popup

The popup appears the first time it‟s parent is clicked and remains on screen regardless of whether the parent is clicked again or not.

6.6.4.1.4.2 Toggle popup

The popup will alternative between visible and hidden each time the parent is clicked.

6.6.4.1.4.3 Menu Popup

Works like a „Toggle popup‟ but will also hide if another object is clicked.

6.6.4.1.4.4 Volatile popup

This type of pop up tells other volatile pops to close so that only one pop up can be available at once. The popup remains until another volatile popup object has been opened.

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6.6.4.2 Relation

Relation represents that object with the rest of the world. From here, the object creator determines how that object will appear to a particular user.

6.6.4.2.1 Z-order

Z-order is what level the object will be at. It is the system in which DesktopX determines what is going to be on top of what. There are 3 basic Z-orders: Desktop (the lowest), Normal window (just like any window), and Always on top.

6.6.4.2.2 Movement

Sometimes you want to be able to move an object just like you would a window or icon. But other times you might want to keep it from being moved. There are two basic options here: Locked and Normal.

6.6.4.2.3 Activation area

Determining what your activation area is depends on the type of image you have representing your object. For instance, on text, you want it to probably be a rectangular area so that the user does not have to click on the actual non transparent pixels. Other times you‟ll want it to be the visible area and other times you may want to make it so that they just need to be X pixels away (reasonably close) to the object (for instance, a corporation using DX for a touch screen system might use that).

6.6.4.2.4 Start command on

This determines whether the object is to be started by single clicking, double clicking or simply moving the mouse over the object.

6.6.4.2.5 Adjust position

This is a complicated but necessary attribute. A good DesktopX object is resolution independent. This is where that resolution independence occurs. Your options on an object are to:

a) Make it position itself relative to how close to the left side of the screen

b) Make it position itself relative to how close to the right side of the screen

c) Make it position itself relative to how close to the top of the screen

d) Make it position itself relative to how close to the bottom of the screen

Additionally, you can position an object to be placed relate to the middle of the screen, the top left hand corner of the screen. Center object positions tells DX to put your objects relative to the center of the screen. So that at 640x480 it is 20 pixels above the middle of the screen, at 1600x1200 it will still be 20 pixels from the center of the screen. Rescaling the object centers is similar except it does it based on the percent. So if your object is about half way up the screen at 64x0480, at 1600x1200 it will also be half way up.

6.6.4.2.6 Groups

If you have several objects that are meant to be combined together, you can “group” them as a single object. Any action done to one will be inherited by the others.

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6.6.4.3 Messages

Each object can respond to a variety of messages. By default, an object has a “normal look”. However, it can respond to messages ranging from mouse over to button down to program executed all the way to various user-defined messages.

6.6.4.3.1 Types

The basic types of messages include:

6.6.4.3.1.1 Normal look

This is the standard look of an object.

6.6.4.3.1.2 Mouse over

This is the message the object receives when a mouse is over the activation area of an object.

6.6.4.3.2 Appearance

6.6.4.3.3 Graphics

6.6.4.3.3.1 Creating

6.6.4.3.3.2 Using Text

6.6.4.3.3.3 Alpha Blending

6.6.4.3.3.4 Sound Effects

6.6.4.3.4 Copying Parameters

6.6.4.4 Summary

The summary page is where an object author can protect his or her work as well as assign a specific unique object ID.

We suggest under author that you include your email address:

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Example:

Author:

Frogboy (bwardell@stardock.com)

The comments area is self explanatory.

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7 APPENDICES

A. How to create a Taskbar To create a taskbar you should create a bitmap file (BMP). Areas that you wish to be transparent should be that standard magenta (255,0,255) that DesktopX uses.

The bitmap should contain an element to represent the left and right ends of the task bar and a centre area that will tile well as the taskbar grows.

Image1 show the bitmap I created. Image 2 shows how this has 3 sections.

Image 1

Image 2

In the DesktopX configuration for the taskbar (see 4.2.3), you can select this bitmap by browsing. We must now specify which parts of the image represent the left, and right ends of the taskbar. This is done by specifying the number on the pixels from the left of the image which represent the left end of the taskbar, and the same for the right. The image we have created is 50x20 pixels. The left end of the taskbar is represented by the first 12 pixels. The right is represented by the last 12 pixels, i.e from pixel 38. To advise DesktopX that this is the case we enter „12‟ in the box for „Left Tile‟ and „38‟ in the box „Right Tile‟.

This creates our new taskbar.

It work well as both a small and a large taskbar.