Should I skin for XP?

Or do I need to upgrade Vista?

A few months ago I opened up a new skin template in skinstudio and started changing images. My goal was simply to learn Skinstudio so I could make my own skins. Now after changing around 95% of the default images I am ready to move on. I have several ideas that I can't wait to get started on.

One of the main things I have learned is that there is a lot of time and hard work involved in creating a windowblind. In fact I have already invested a lot of time designing and sketching out themes that I haven't even started yet. I know that I am going to invest considerably more time into these and I am concerned that if I create these skins for XP that they will be obsolete before they ever make it into the gallery. Do I need to upgrade to Vista if I want my work to be usable into the future. 

7,722 views 18 replies
Reply #1 Top
I think that there will be XP users for years.  It's still a good audience.

I further think (although some would say that I've strained myself enough already) that you should only upgrade to Vista if it does things that you want to do that you cannot do with XP.
Reply #2 Top
That’s my point. I don't want to upgrade to Vista. I just want to know that there are still enough XP users to make it worthwhile.
Reply #3 Top
Theres going to be many more people on XP for a while to come, haveing said that if you want to be on the cutting edge, please everyone and have a system that can handle it.. skin for Vista too.
Reply #4 Top
Make the skins for you.  Share them here.  Make more.  Have fun! 
Don't worry about everyone else.
Reply #5 Top
Skinning XP isn't going anywhere anytime soon.  I look forward to seeing your skins.

 
Reply #6 Top
Yes, yes, & yes. If you look at the downloads for the recent XP skins that will confirm it and the continued download of older skins. My computer can handle Vista but I have not intention of upgrading for a few years..And a large # of people will not buy a new computer just to get Vista...all versions of XP are now supported through MS till 2014. There are still people using 98 so there is no concern.

It's My Secret
Reply #7 Top
The other thing to remember, is that "XP" skins (mostly) work on Vista.
Reply #8 Top
Thanks for your input.

Although I haven't made any skins, I have done other types of art.
For me its just as fun to share it as it is making it. Probably more so.
Reply #10 Top
I would definately say start with xp themes. Xp is still the most common OS. Many people won't be moving to Vista anytime soon for various reasons.
Reply #11 Top
all versions of XP are now supported through MS till 2014.



Didnt know that... nice to know that.
Reply #12 Top
I don't plan to switch and I still have XP. Until this computer dies I will have XP.
Reply #13 Top
Look at it this way.
Just because the car makers come out with a new model every year, doesn't mean we have to turn in the old ones.
So, skin whatever you are comfortable with. There will (always) be someone who will enjoy it.
Reply #14 Top
I only skin for winxp at the moment,
vista users may be growing in number but they don't come close to matching the number of winxp users out there. Don't worry about xp becoming obsolete, sp3 for xp isn't scheduled for release until sometime in 2008, you still have a ways to go before xp goes away. I would say skin for xp, your skillset can only benefit from the experience when in a few years you make the shift to skinning for vista. Plus I could be wrong but I heard someone say that these wb themes will work in a vista environment as well (don't quote me on that, I'm just repeating what someone else said), some things may not transfer over correctly or at all but for the most part the themes should work in vista. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong, a smack on the hand will suffice as the back of my head is started to sting a little.   
Reply #15 Top
I further think (although some would say that I've strained myself enough already) that you should only upgrade to Vista if it does things that you want to do that you cannot do with XP.


i ditto that...
Reply #16 Top
I'm using Windows XP. And I shall use it till I'm getting bored of it, OR Vista is Bug-free (something that doesn't happened for the first 5 years I think )
Reply #17 Top
Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong, a smack on the hand will suffice as the back of my head is started to sting a little.


So, that's where the hair's been going?  
Reply #18 Top
Canmandeco....I'm on XP...plan on being on it for a long time...so you make them and I'll use them.