Alternative Desktops: WinStep

Give yourself a completely new desktop UI

Published on February 12, 2008 By Zoomba In WinCustomize News

There are a great number of alternative desktop applications out there for people looking to drastically tweak their OS beyond just changing a few graphics around. Of the desktop replacements, one of the major remaining players in the space is WinStep Xtreme. Release in May 2006, WinStep Xtreme grew out of the old WinStep 2000 project and has been continuously updated to include support for Windows XP 32 & 64bit, and Windows Vista 32 bit. Now at version 7.11, WinStep Xtreme boasts an impressive feature list and some outstanding themes.

WinCustomize has long had a strong relationship with WinStep Software, and we even have a gallery here dedicated to WinStep themes. It's not the most active of our galleries, but it still has some great content worth checking out.

Comments (Page 1)

ZubaZ

on Feb 12, 2008

Great app. Awesome support. Helluva nice developer.

Nice feature.

DrJBHL

on Feb 12, 2008

Absolutely right on all counts, Zubaz. Jorge is the nicest person! Always there to support the software and answer questions.

Oh yes....

, Zubaz....nothing misspelled!

(this time...

Tiggz

on Feb 12, 2008

I'm making a winstep skin at the moment - should be ready in a day or two...

Valhalla

on Feb 12, 2008

Look forward to that Tiggz
Love your work

Chasbo

on Feb 12, 2008

Tiggz you aren't kidding? I can't wait for it! Please post it ASAP!

precedented

on Feb 12, 2008

*cough*Litestepisbetter*cough*

Tiggz

on Feb 12, 2008

Just got a few things left to do...

ZubaZ

on Feb 12, 2008

*cough*Litestepisbetter*cough*

Without data to back up such a statement . . .

skybright

on Feb 12, 2008

Are there any advantages using Winstep over Object Dock Plus? Also Winstep is not free...I think.

ZubaZ

on Feb 12, 2008

Are there any advantages using Winstep over Object Dock Plus? Also Winstep is not free...I think.

Winstep is so much more than OD. It is not free but is wicked cool.

https://forums.wincustomize.com/?forumid=153&aid=168881

http://www.winstep.net/misc.asp

DrJBHL

on Feb 12, 2008

WOW Tiggz! Looks great!

Skybright - I think there's trialware available for 30 day use.

Couldn't say if Litestep is "better" or not. It's a subjective thing, and pointless to argue....I can tell you that Jorge Coelho (WsE developer) is a really great person and supports Winstep/Workshelf/Nexxus/Winstep Extreme for any problem or question, and is REALLY nice about just about anything you'd ask him.

I use Winstep Extreme and WB, and find that WB and Winstep, Nexxus and OD are equally "good" GUI altering programs. Winstep doesn't have as many skins due to the fact that not many people subscribe/use it. I wish more folks would give it a try....after all, be fair....try it before you fry it.

Just my 2 cents.

JcRabbit

on Feb 12, 2008

There is a new release in the works and in the final beta testing stages - the official version should be released sometime this week - which makes Winstep Xtreme 100% Vista 32-bit compatible, besides many other major improvements, especially in the performance area.

After downloading and installing Winstep Xtreme 7.11 from HERE, you can download and install the Winstep Xtreme 8.2 beta upgrade package from HERE.

IMPORTANT: you MUST install the full 7.11 version first (no need to run it, just install and then install the 8.2 beta on top) since the beta update is an upgrade to the previous full version and does NOT include all the required files.

mossedmoon

on Feb 12, 2008

I love to see Xtreme recognized; I've been a major fan for years and not to bash Object Dock Plus (which I also have), Xtreme rules. People can always download the trial and if they like it, buy it. Hey Tiggz, what I see is pretty awesome, first class! (There goes my spot at Winstep.Net).

HG_Eliminator

on Feb 12, 2008

aww man I hope tiggz puts that out as a DX theme too..

Drools over the dock background and the clock

mike b1954

on Feb 12, 2008

Is it compatible with OD? Just wondering ...

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