Directory of Alternate Shells Resources

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This section is for Alternate Shells for Windows. Most people don't know that the "default" shell, called Explorer, isn't the only option available. Alternate shells allow you to have a different, customized interface to Windows. Most are HIGHLY configurable, and totally change the feel of your Windows session. These are not for the meek, though. Unless you know what you are doing, changing your shell can cause Bad Things (tm) to happen. Of course, Good Things (tm) come of having your computer suit YOUR needs, rather than Microsoft's... =) Have fun!

Subcategories

• Litestep

Resources in This Category

• Aston

  http://www.astonshell.com/
  A desktop manager and shell replacement for Windows with easy shell swapping capability and features including transparencies and hotkeys.

• bbLean

  http://bb4win.sourceforge.net/bblean/
  The lean version of Blackbox for Windows.

• Blueberry 3D-Desktop

  http://blueberry.sourceforge.net/
  The Blueberry desktop project is made using Delphi, its main purpose is a 3D OPENGL engine in replacement of Windows desktop

• Classic Shell

  http://www.classicshell.net/
  A collection of usability enhancements for Microsoft Windows. The main features are a highly customizable Start menu with multiple styles and skins, a toolbar and status bar for Windows Explorer.

• DesktopX

  http://www.stardock.com/products/desktopx/
  This utility offers many desktop enhancements such as adding objects, direct access to ActiveX controls, and ability to create your own objects and add functionality with VBScript or Javascript.

• FireCMD Command Shell

  http://www.brainasoft.com/firecmd/
  An alternative command shell for Windows operating system. It also provides a terminal emulator, text editor and various other programs.

• GO

  http://www.shellcity.net/go/go.htm
  Minimilistic shell for windows.

• HoverDesk

  http://www.hoverdesk.net/
  Desktop replacement that adds versatility to existing Windows desktops.

• LiteShell

  http://www.labyrinth.net.au/~mosses/rob/#LiteShell
  A tiny, ultra-fast shell for Windows. It is designed with old, slow PCs in mind. On any PC, it uses next to no CPU/RAM.

• Shell Extension City

  http://shellcity.net/
  Shell extensions, interface customization software, and other utilities for Windows 95/98/NT/2000, and other OSs.

• ShellFront

  http://www.shellfront.org/
  Information on various alternative shells for Windows.

• Talisman Desktop

  http://www.lighttek.com/talisman.htm
  A desktop alternative and shell-replacement for Windows 9x/ME and NT/2000/XP.

• WinStep

  http://www.winstep.net/
  Skinnable applications for the Windows 32-bit environment. Compatible with Win9x, ME, NT4, 2000 and XP.

 

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