WindowBlinds and Stardock, What a Find!

WindowBlinds software is something I stumbled upon, to be plain. I did not know what to expect from it when I installed it, and while I was searching for a means to get away from the bland and rather utilitarian presentation Windows comes with through a standard installation, the various forms of shareware available I had encountered disappointed me. I sighed, and installed WindowBlinds with little expectation.

What I encountered was an entire realm of software that completely out-did any form of expectations I might have ever wished for, and at a price that was so reasonable it made me leap for joy! As a veteran with not only a service-connected disability, but additional forms of disabilities, I do have to watch my dollars. The subscription price amounts to a few movie tickets, and both my wife and I are enjoying the immense benefits of a number of software packages through the Stardock corporation.

A purchase of WindowBlinds found me reaching for a subscription to a package of desktop software that includes CursorFX, DesktopX, Dreams, Login Studio, Object Bar and more – completely redefining the appearance and functionality of the Windows Vista operating system I use to write articles for two different disability websites. CursorFX has literally given me a, 'hand,' with which I can more easily see what I am pointing and clicking at, while Login Studio has not only beautified my boot and logoff screens, it has made them a pleasure instead of a hassle.

While searching through WinCustomize.com, the website associated with my subscription, I have found a plethora of themes for every single one of the packages that come with my subscription. One of the best WindowBlinds themes I have found so far is, 'One Tribe.' The theme has an added function to every single window; it permits users to shrink a window to a bar, such as the one you find in the image, allowing me to access items on the desktop without minimizing the window to the taskbar! I absolutely *love* this function!

One Tribe also has a DesktopX theme that provides users with items that slide on and off of the desktop. These items include a menu you can customize to contain your specific programs under categories for easy location, making the Start Menu obsolete. There is a calendar, a menu displaying memory use and additional computer functions, as well as a media player menu – all with the One Tribe theme. The wallpaper you find presented in this image is one I have chosen for myself; you can choose any wallpaper you desire, making the functionality of this particular theme even better.

Windows itself provides users with a generalized display of icons on the desktop. A benefit of subscribing to the package available through Stardock is Fences, which allows you to arrange your desktop icons in areas you desire! No longer do you have to deal with left-aligned icons getting in the way of what you want your desktop to look like, a wonderful feature indeed!

The Dream software that comes with the subscription provides users with the ability to turn off static wallpaper and turn their desktop background into one of any number of animated presentations. I have used a number of the well-created Dreams I found on the WinCustomize site and let me tell you – the effect is absolutely stunning. I am a fan of the Autumn season; one of the Dreams I found presents Autumn leaves, waving in the wind. It is very relaxing and beautiful.

For people with disabilities, the software available through Stardock is an inexpensive way to liven-up your life. Many of us use our computers on a regular basis, and a subscription to the software through this company is something I most-highly suggest. WindowBlinds provides users with the ability to change the fonts and sizes of all of the themes, something that is very useful for people with vision impairments. CursorFX gives you the ability to select among cursors with various sizes and shapes, something else that is disability-friendly. The colors and textures of themes can be adjusted and changed, and you can even design your own themes, cursors, icons, and more!

While there are a number of software packages on the market today, I have yet to discover anything like the items available through Stardock. To think a chance encounter has led me to a product I might never have discovered, one that has not only increased the functionality of my Windows graphical user interface, but beautified it in the process! Even my writing proficiency has improved because of the software items I am receiving through my subscription.

Tom Weiss