A Program I Finally Like...

Wayfinder · 04-23-03, 04:23 PM

OK, here's a program that I've finally found to be somewhat worthwhile, easy to use, does what it says, has minor confusion factor and is probably worth the 6 bucks: Theme Master
Rotates your themes. Nothing fancy, just rotates them according to your specific desires.

http://www.theraggios.com/rpa/

That's about as close as I ever get to complimenting a program. So bask while ya can, guys!

Raynne413 · 04-23-03, 06:26 PM

Yep, this has been a permanent addition to my Axim since I got it. :D

peterbright · 04-23-03, 06:29 PM

Wayfinder, what was the minor confusion factor?

Wayfinder · 04-24-03, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by peterbright
Wayfinder, what was the minor confusion factor?

Well, there's no available "help" option, so one kind of has to figure out what such things as "root directory" apply to... the program itself or the theme files (for an example) or what the five little gray menu boxes at the bottom right actually do. One can figure it out kinda, but it does cause some minor confusion because no explanation file present.

As another example, at the top is a RANDOM radio button option, and at the bottom right is a RANDOM box click option. Are these the same... different... ??? Just stuff like that.

agent_smith · 04-24-03, 01:04 AM

You guys know that theres a free theme switcher from microsoft that integrates into your today screen. It works pretty good, for me anyway. You can choose to have it swap themes at certain intervals.

Wayfinder · 04-24-03, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by agent_smith
You guys know that theres a free theme switcher from microsoft that integrates into your today screen. It works pretty good, for me anyway. You can choose to have it swap themes at certain intervals.

Do you happen to have the website URL?

SUNARISE · 04-24-03, 01:49 PM

http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pock.../powertoys.asp

FREE FREE and More FREE

Wayfinder · 04-24-03, 01:55 PM

Question: What is the difference between MicroSoft's Theme Generator program and Theme Master???

Answer: Theme Master actually works.

Yet another case of MS software failing to install and operate properly.

TruMan · 04-24-03, 02:04 PM

So I got my Ax yesterday, and I'm already pretty much up to speed, having spent a lot of time here in the past week. I've got a few questions tho:

1). If I'm using Icbar, can I use themes downloaded from other sources, or can I only use those from the Icbar site?

2). Do I always have to manually go in and apply the individual components of a theme? It seems from this thread that there are programs that will automatically apply them.

3). Will this theme switcher you guys have been referring to, work if I'm using Icbar?

Thanks in Advance for the help I know I'll get. I've said it before and I'll say it again... I'm SOOO glad that I found this place.

t:O)

Wayfinder · 04-24-03, 02:17 PM

Hiya & welcome.

I don't know as Theme Master would interfere with Icbar. Just have to try it and see. As I stated I couldn't get Microsoft's offering to work (big surprise. They might as well come right out and say "From now on we're writing all our software for XP and we don't care if it works with Win98 or not".

Their ".NET framework" is nothing but a ploy to allow them to track user movements (sure... install a system that identifies your computer and your identification to every place on the net you visit... and if you have cablenet or DSL... track your other movements as well!).

Right to privacy is dead. But I digress.

Far as I know, Theme Master should work.

rhyno · 04-24-03, 02:31 PM

Wayfinder,

What about the .NET framework are you talking about that tracks your information? You're referring to Passport identification? That's purely an option when you set up the server. If you're on the user side of things, if you log out after your first site's sign-on, you won't be able to be tracked further (save for cookies).

And requiring the latest operating system to run something is hardly new, and it's hardly Microsoft's invention. Try getting new Mac software (not Quark

) that runs best in "Classic" MacOS... ?!

(not trying to start an OS fanboy debate, just curious as to specifics of the perils of .NET...)

Wayfinder · 04-24-03, 02:49 PM

There are 2 things about .NET I don't like. One you mentioned: Passport. While yes, you CAN log off Passport, that information is still on your computer and just ready for someone to hack in to and use (if I'm not mistaken in this). Plus, most users won't be well acquainted with how Passport uses and set it in "autologin" mode... which basically opens your identity to anyone who happens to want it.

Secondly, .NET works only in XP (and NT/2000 I believe) which leaves millions of Win 95/98 users sitting in the dust.

If XP cost $29.95 (like Linux) instead of $300 and retained backward compatibility with Win98 programs I probably wouldn't grouse. But when someone pays $300 for Win98, just to have MS abandon that platform, that can irk a bit.

Then when I purchase a $300 copy of Win XP and find it doesn't work with half the programs I use on a daily basis... that can irk a bit... especially when I have to return to Win98 just to be able to use the programs that handle the years of data I've put together.

Then when MS introduces a platform such as .NET which is not compatible with Win98, then writes all their new stuff to rotate around .NET (whether it really needs to or not) it's apparent they're trying to force users into purchasing XP.

Of course, once they all do, MS will likely come out with a totally NEW platform that also will not be backward compatible. Gotta keep the kiddies shelling out them $$$, right?

On top of that, when PASSPORT has obvious spyware potential... well, that more than irks. That invades my privacy.

'Scuse me. I just have a natural aversion to blatant greed.

04-24-03, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wayfinder
Their ".NET framework" is nothing but a ploy to allow them to track user movements (sure... install a system that identifies your computer and your identification to every place on the net you visit... and if you have cablenet or DSL... track your other movements as well!).

Don't be knocking Visual Studio.NeT. You are confusing it with something else. I program all my PocketPC software now in VS.Net 2003 and the .NET Compact Framework. .NET on CE works great! I don't know how I'd handle all the XML code without it. :rolling:

jared_x5 · 04-24-03, 03:02 PM

I agree with you wayfinder...but if you have such an aversion to Microsoft why don't you go with another platform for your PDA. Palm has some really nice handhelds out that look really sharp. Granted, you will lose a lot by switching platforms, but you could also go for a Zaurus as well. Please don't take this as a flaming, I just wanted to know what your feelings were. I just jumped ship from Palm, and it wasn't an easy switch all because of the M$ name attached to the Axim.

Jared

Wayfinder · 04-24-03, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cageyjames
I don't know how I'd handle all the XML code without it. :rolling:

Well, thank goodness the programmers are satisfied!

I am a programmer, but still when I see the major computer coompany in the world breaking standard rules, well, the future of computing is (I predict) very grim indeed. If you think Big Brother and 1984 were ominous... Wells didn't even imagine M$.

For the record, the "Standard Rules" of programming:
1. Maintain backward compatiblity
2. Don't invade user privacy... it's against the law
3. Charge a decent price for your product
4. The software should be easy to install and should work

Basic stuff... none of which seems to be observed by M$.

Regarding VB.net.... it is well known that it has serious installation problems. It is incompatible with any operating system prior to XP. VB Studio.NET is not compatible with the prior VB Studio, requiring major code re-writing. Chee... what more of a nightmare could we ask for?