System - Virtual Desktop Manager

• Download binary v 0.9.123 - 68.08 KB
• Download source v 0.9.123 - 60.95 KB (Updated 2007-09-21)

Introduction

This is a Linux-like multiple desktop engine (virtual desktop manager) for your Microsoft Windows OS that allows the user to take a hold of the desktop environment. Many of the other programmers who made a Virtual Window Manager (VWM) simply moved your windows off screen to create this effect had trouble losing windows or could not move all windows in a program. Litestep and SharpE fell into this problem but would fix it through extra coding. However the method used here; hiding windows has a greater advantage of freeing up your taskbar items, memory usage as well as not losing the position of your workspace.

Like any multi-desktop environment, there are some programs that do not work well with either being moved to another location far off the screen (usually in a negative (x, y) position) or with being forced to hide (really rare). This is an issue that is fixed by allowing you to force specified windows to stay "sticky" - a method that allows windows to not hide on switch of desktop workspace.

Features

• Automatic self-update
• Windows 2000/XP Alpha Transparency
• Changeable VWM refresh rate (VWM - Virtual Window Manager)
• Memorize Start-Up Position
• Startup with Windows OS
• Lock Toolbar Window
• Gather All Desktops
• VDM Window Z-Order position
  • VDM-Toolbar OnTop
  • VDM-Toolbar Apart of Desktop
  • VDM-Toolbar No Z-Order
• Custom Backgrounds on each desktop
  • Stretch, Center or Tiled
  • Custom Background Color per Desktop
• EZ Sticky Window Editor
• Presets:
  • WINAMP
  • Shell_TrayWnd (Windows Taskbar)
  • "Windows Task Manager"

Scripting Behind Sticky Windows & Wallpaper

The program contains a scripting file (sys-vdm.dat) which may be modified by hand if needed, but is not recommended. This file is very self-explanatory.

Under the [sticky]...[/sticky] section the parameter, line delimited. Both parameters may be used together on the same line:

• [cls]...[/cls] - Holds the Class Name of the sticky window
• [txt]...[/txt] - Holds the Window Title of the sticky window

Under Wall Paper, there are three parameters per line.

1. Desktop Window Index Number
2. Wallpaper Style
3. Path to Wallpaper

[sticky]
  [cls]Shell_TrayWnd[/cls]
  [cls]Winamp v1.x[/cls]
  [cls]Winamp PE[/cls]
  [cls]Winamp EQ[/cls]
  [cls]Winamp Gen[/cls]
  [txt]Windows Task Manager[/txt]
  [txt]Virtual Desktop Manager - [VDM] Setup[/txt]
[end]

; ndx | style | path
;   xCenter  = 0
;   xTile    = 1
;   xStretch = 2
[wallpaper]
  1|2|G:\prog\sys-vdm\_skin\a gift of moonlight - blue.jpg
  2|2|G:\prog\sys-vdm\_skin\dereliction_1280x1024.jpg
  3|0|G:\prog\sys-vdm\_skin\heacarol7.jpg
  4|1|G:\prog\sys-vdm\_skin\AtlantesPulse.jpg
[end]

Dependencies

These critical files are for the Program & Self-Updating system (not included).

• MSVBM60.DLL
• MSWINSCK.OCX (sp6)
• MSCOMCTRL.OCX (sp6)

[Download] - VB6 Run-Time Redistro Service Pack 6

History

• 0.9.122: [2006-12-26]
  • Various Upgrades.. (can't remember right now)
• 0.9.113
  • Applied background image switch with background color change, which is useful on Windows' systems earlier than 2000/XP
• 0.9.100: [2005]
  • Losing windows during rapid switching fixed by disabling sys-vdm momentarily until switch of desktops is completely finished
• 0.9.94: [2005-02-15]
  • Losing windows fixed through careless index number
  • 'Sticky Windows' upgraded.
• 0.5.51: [2004-11-30]
  • Initial release

- Damian J. Suess of Xeno Innovations, Inc. [2000-2007]