Since 2001, when Windows XP shipped, most users have hovered between 1 and 2 gigabytes of memory.  That’s because 32-bit Windows really can’t use more than 2 gigs (technically 3 gigs).

With 64-bit Windows, however, there’s no real limit any time soon.  I predict that within the next couple of years you’ll see 16GB machines become pretty common and when that happens, lots of interesting things will start to happen again for PCs.

One interesting thing will be virtual machines. 

Running Windows XP within Windows 7 has a lot of utility to it as a developer but for most users, it’s largely meaningless. That will change as applications themselves start to be able to specify the conditions in which they run under. 

One of the things that has held Windows back has been backwards compatibility. But virtualization largely eliminates that issue because you could simply have programs run in their own VM.

It’s a real shame that Microsoft is even making Windows 7 in a 32-bit form because it just delays the migration to 64-bit computing.  The reason this is important is almost totally based on RAM.  This sort of virtualization isn’t cheap when it comes to RAM usage. But virtualization will free Windows to go in many different directions at once.  It’s the next big thing.

Related:

• Part 1: Intro
• Part 2: Fences

If you were thinking about purchasing Object Desktop 2009, but wanted to see some of it in action, well this video demo is for you.  This video shows some of the core components of Object Desktop, but not everything included is shown.

For a complete list of Object Desktop features, visit www.objectdesktop.com.
 

You can also view the video here.

http://www.screencast.com/t/26yQpieH9

Wow, where did this week go to?  This one certainly zoomed by, but no complaints here.  I have been overly impressed with the gallery submissions this week, as all types of great skins were coming in throughout the week. 

Now for this weeks picks!

	Glassy Rainbow by KrondailX The colors of this cursor for CursorFX immediately caught my eye, and the animations made this a definite pick.
	Snowy Mountain Pass by CarGuy1 Since there are still so many with freezing temperatures, this .dream just fit perfectly.
	Obsid for Vista by PiscDong This is my new favorite icon pack.  It’s a very sleek and smooth design, and it goes well with a variety of WindowBlinds skins.
	Basic Clear Suite by hallv5 I like simple dock backgrounds such as this, simply because they will match so many themes, and many of them recolor very well, so that opens up even more options.
	Asteroidea Acrylic by Tiggz I really love the simplicity and design of this.  Fantastic work!
	Tones by LightStar This is a wonderful and classy WindowBlinds skin that is perfect for everyday use.  Nice work.

Object Desktop, the desktop enhancement suite that you all know and love so much, that includes applications such as WindowBlinds, IconPackager, DesktopX, SkinStudio, and more, is having a limited time sale.  You get all the includes applications, plus all the updates and any new additions throughout the year for just $39.95!

But remember, this is a limited time offer, so don’t delay and get it now!  This is also a great opportunity to get your friends and family hooked up, so be sure to pass the word along to them.

Get more info about Object Desktop at www.objectdesktop.com.

TweakVista 1.5 was released today by Stardock.  TweakVista is a utility that enables users to optimize the performance and behavior of Microsoft® Windows Vista. The program has been designed to allow both casual, non-technical users to safely use it as well as contain a host of advanced features for power users to dig into the internals of Windows Vista.

Just an example of some of the features of TweakVista include:

• Security Handling. Users can now easily and safely adjust the way Windows handles security prompting including the new UAC (User Account Control)
• Memory Optimization. TweakVista knows which start-up services different types of users will typically use and offers recommendations on what services to disable. Users can easily switch between different profiles (including the default) based on their needs to maximize performance and memory use.
• Resource Control. TweakVista has several features for keeping an eye on and flagging programs that use excessive amounts of resources (memory, CPU, or system handles) as well as integrating seamlessly with built in hardware diagnostic reports.
• Start-Up Management. TweakVista not only will display and enable users to control what programs are loading on start-up but will identify in plain English what these programs do.
• Performance Assessments. TweakVista uses the new Windows Vista assessment features to benchmark nearly every aspect of a user’s PC and allow them to submit their results for comparison with other users of similar or upgraded hardware.  Reports indicate where the user's PC ranks amongst other submissions.
• Cost of Use and Carbon Footprint Analysis. TweakVista calculates the cost of running your PC. In addition a Carbon Footprint index is calculated. How "Green" is your PC?
  

The TweakVista 1.5 update brings:

• Improved startup programs and process list layouts
• Added sorting to Processes
• Improved snapshot load time
• Improved tooltip information
• Limited Windows7 support
• Added SMART drive attributes
• Option to disable built-in skin/use WindowBlinds skinning

TweakVista is part of the Object Desktop Ultimate suite of desktop enhancements, or available as a stand-alone application for $19.95.  A free trial version is also available for download.

For more information visit www.stardock.com/products/tweakvista/

With February half over, it’s time to post the January moderator picks.  Yes, it is late, and completely my fault.  Regardless, the WinCustomize moderators picked out a few skins that caught their eyes last month, and here they are!

Snowman picked Anonymity by Voidcore.

“Minimalism + great color combo + well put together skin = Anonymity. 'Nuff said.”

HG_Elminator chose Rainbow Clock by Vad_M.

“An innovative clock, that utilizes images from Windowblinds to skin its self. Just pick the WB you wish it to emulate and let it do the rest.. “

WOM went with Ionic Breeze by kittycat670.

“Colorful, nice depth and balance.”

Lantec’s pick is Xpired by Michael Brandt.

“It's good to see a talented skinner return to WC.
He's got a great knack with the dark skins and this is a perfect skin to get back into the groove with.”

Erk picked AX-26 by oAREAo.

“It's a nice well-made skin. Sharp & functional”

Zubaz liked Troll Thumping Day – Year of the Beserker by theAVMAN.

"This is a wonderful update of a great skin.  It's interesting to see how new concepts and people get involved with community events.  Great work!  Make sure to look for other, matching skins."

TWiS skipped a week last week, but once again we are back this Friday with some more skin goodness.  It was another good week, and don’t forget the WinCustomize Subscription Drive is still going on, so be sure to tell your friends.

Now for this weeks picks!

BootSkins (XP and Vista)

Cursor Themes

ObjectDock

Wallpapers

WindowBlinds

Stardock is excited to announce the release of WindowBlinds 6.4.  WindowBlinds is an application that allows users to change the complete look and feel of both Windows XP and Windows Vista using skins, also called “visual styles”.  WindowBlinds does not alter system files, so it’s completely safe to use, and it uses the latest in hardware acceleration features so it will not affect your PC’s performance.

Aside from just changing the visual style, WindowBlinds gives you control over them by allowing users to change the colors of the skin, adjust opacity and blur levels, change skin fonts, change Explorer window backgrounds, and much more.

What’s new and updated in WindowBlinds 6.4:

• Support for glass menu bars on Windows Vista
• Support for a different mouseover image on the right hand side of the Start Menu
• Control over the background color of the Start Menu "Programs" list
• Double clicking the top left of a per pixel window will now close it on Windows Vista
• Control over the search box text color & font
• Better control over the Start Menu fonts & colors
• New section to allow a custom mouseover image used on the "Programs" link on Vista versus the legacy solid color
• Start button overlay now supports animation

WindowBlinds is part of the Object Desktop suite of desktop enhancement, and is also available stand-alone for $19.95.  Visit www.windowblinds.net for a free trial download.

Stardock is pleased to announce the release of SoundPackager 1.2.  SoundPackager is an application that lets users change the default Windows sound scheme to one of many available for download.  This is done by applying “packages” of sound files which allows you to easily change to custom sounds without having to change each individual sound file.  Changing to a new sound package just takes a couple of clicks, and restoring to the default Windows sounds is just a click away.

What’s new in this update:

• Added option to toggle default skin
• Improved the left panel options for clarity
• Added Windows Default Sound to Package list
• Added option to back up existing sound scheme before application
• Improved sound package restoration

SoundPackager is included with an Object Desktop Ultimate subscription, and also as a stand-alone application for $19.95.  More information, including a free download is available at www.soundpackager.com.

Impulse Phase 2

In June, Impulse was initially launched and in the 6 months since then, it has evolved and changed dramatically for the better. 

In our development schedule, we came up with 3 phases for it. Phase 2 was released last Fall and introduced a server side platform called Impulse Reactor which provides multiplayer matchmaking and an updated UI.

Impulse: Phase 1

So what’s in store for Phase 3?

The next major iteration of Impulse is due April 7th. And it will include the following new features:

Impulse Client updates:

• Player Rankings. Players will be able to see how they rank in a variety of games initially those that make use of Impulse Reactor. Demigod will be the first game to make full use of these new features.
• Achievements. Games for Windows Live integration will probably not be ready for Phase 3 but per game achievements will begin to show.
• Community Enhancements.
• My Impulse. This new default page for the community tab will let players manage friends lists, events, etc.

Impulse Anywhere:

A new web-based edition of Impulse is going to be created. PC software can be huge in size and downloading to your home PC is not always a viable option. Impulse Anywhere will allow users to download a .Impulse file from a website and take it home to install via Impulse on their home PC.

Impulse NOW:

A tiny new tray application will be able to be optionally used to keep users up to date on updates and let them quickly and easily access Impulse features. Best of all, it’ll be tiny in memory so users will be able to manage to keep up to date more easily than ever without having to have a client loaded.

Impulse Builder:

This new program will allow developers to start to easily submit their software to Impulse.  You have a game? An application? And want to share it with the world? Impulse Builder will let you submit it.  Our moderators will evaluate it and as long as it meets our quality threshold, it’ll be available to the public.  This will open up Impulse to thousands of freeware, shareware, and commercial programs that they can manage through Impulse (hence easy updating, etc.).

Impulse Reactor Phase 3:

Impulse is a server based solution. What this means is that its functionality is provided via dozens of data centers distributed throughout the world. The features of Impulse do not come from the client.  This is a big deal for developers because they can make use of features of Impulse without having to distribute the client.

One of the areas Stardock has been working on is in developing IP protection for publishers that also adheres to the Gamers Bill of Rights.

For game developers, Impulse Reactor Phase 3 provides features like multiplayer match-making that eliminates the need for players opening specific ports (if you’ve ever had to mess with your router to do port forwarding, you should insist to developers that they start using Impulse Reactor).  It also supports achievements, rankings, tournaments, etc.  And it’s free.

But for publishers, it also supports IP protection. A developer merely had to run the Impulse Reactor wrapper and then the game or application will make use of the IP protection that Stardock has been using for years. The reason this is a big deal is that it doesn’t require developers to alter source code or have different versions of their programs. One version, good protection, consumer friendly (no hassles), platform neutral (doesn’t force anyone to install a client, store, or even become a user of Impulse), and incredibly easy to use.

Beyond

Impulse Phase 3 launches just before Demigod.  Demigod will really help show off some of the cool stuff that Impulse can do.

I think when Impulse’s first birthday comes up in June, people will be shocked at how much it’s changed and improved in such a short amount of time.  And then we can start talking about Phase 4 which we have some really exciting things planned for.