Natural Desktop Rocks

http://www.naturaldesktop.com
from JoeUser Forums
Call me crazy, but I am in love with Natural Desktop by Stardock.

I happen to be one of those people always changing my desktop background because I get bored, but not with this software program. My desktop changes three times a day depending on the time of day. The background noises are incredibly soothing (my husband and I can actually sleep to the sounds.) I have up to the minute weather conditions and forecasts at the touch of a button. The interface is sleek and easy to use.

What can I say...I am hooked. The best part is that it does not use too much system resources. I run it in the background all the time with no trouble. My husband is quite impressed because I am a "resource hound" according to him, whatever that means. He is the computer guy. I just test his knowledge and abilities (I am the best system crasher around!)

Thanks Stardock....another great product! Oh and you too, Brad!
18,478 views 19 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
Indeed it does rock.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
I am enjoying it as well. It can be a bit high in terms of CPU usage for me, depending on what is the animation (rain etc. bumps it pretty high to the 35-45% range), but I am pleased with it so far.
Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The CPU can jump, but if you set the animation to medium when you need to it goes back to 0/1%

I'm happy I bought it, though must admit I don't use it that often. Will do during the Christmas season as it fits so well.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
My biggest holdout in terms of using it is the fact that the changing wallpaper makes it hard for me to have everything coordinated (WB, Cursor, Icon Package, etc). But I think I am going to give it a go now for a while. The three that show up for fall during the day are all very similar, but with the night one being so dark and blue it throws things off.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I really like Natural Desktop too. I don't use it all the time because the sounds are repetitive and after awhile can get a little annoying. PLus, I am a creature of change and the backgrounds get old. But that's why I use it like I would any other WB skin . . . for awhile and then I'll change. It's well worth the money and one of the most original, neat products that Stardock has released! A winner all the way.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
BlueDev, don't forget that you can specify your own wallpapers. You can either select a single file or a folder from which walls will be rotated at set intervals.
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
BlueDev, don't forget that you can specify your own wallpapers. You can either select a single file or a folder from which walls will be rotated at set intervals.


Yeah, I know. Thanks for the reminder though. I suppose the silly thing is I love the wallpapers that came with it, so want to use those, but and still figuring out what blinds will go will with it. Don't get me wrong, I still think it is a great program and am glad I purchased it. Thanks for your work Martin.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I am listeming to twitering birds and a gentle rainfall as I am typing and find it very soothiong after a long battle with some spyware that has been going on for a few howrs now and I'm not sure where I picked it up. It seems to have spread pretty deep and all over the place so it is a chore to try and get rid of it all. Even the ever cafeful me mananged to get hit hard this time. I use SpySweeper, Pestpatrol, AdAware SE Plus, Spybot S&D,SpySubtract Pro, and Giant AntiSpyware, just a little paranoid wouldn't you say. But they keep finding traces. I love the Natural Desktop and all of the other skins that are available with Object Desktop and find they are hogs only occassionally, "OH NO I HEAR THUNDER". I must change my settings a few times a day I never get bored trying all the skins available. I wish I had the guts to try it, but there are so many talented folks around I'll leave it to the Pro's and just enjoy and praise others. Natual Desktop was certainly worth the few extra bucks as it is a work of genius and I am looking forward to seeing what they will do to improve the package in the future as I am sure as it catches on and they start to make some money they will offer many more features at least I hope so.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Concerning Natural Desktop, is there a shareware version available? I'd like to try it before deciding to purchase it. That's worked out well for me with WB, Iconpackager, DesktopX, etc. I eventually was moved to buy an OD subscription. So, it would be nice to give it a try before I just jumped in, since I like to change my desktop with some frequency (at least weekly).
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
schizo
I am listeming to twitering birds and a gentle rainfall as I am typing and find it very soothiong after a long battle with some spyware that has been going on for a few howrs now and I'm not sure where I picked it up. It seems to have spread pretty deep and all over the place so it is a chore to try and get rid of it all


I love it when it rains outside. The thundershowers on Natural Desktop are my favorite sounds. Sorry about the spyware, those pesky theives.

Natual Desktop was certainly worth the few extra bucks as it is a work of genius and I am looking forward to seeing what they will do to improve the package in the future as I am sure as it catches on and they start to make some money they will offer many more features at least I hope so.


Yes, it is definitely worth the few extra bucks. And most assuredly a work of genius. I cannot wait for improvements in the package, either.

juryguy
Concerning Natural Desktop, is there a shareware version available? I'd like to try it before deciding to purchase it. That's worked out well for me with WB, Iconpackager, DesktopX, etc. I eventually was moved to buy an OD subscription. So, it would be nice to give it a try before I just jumped in, since I like to change my desktop with some frequency (at least weekly).


I am not aware of a shareware version, but maybe the illustrious, Brad, will be able to help. For what it is worth, I recommend the purchase regardless.
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
Sadly I seem to have run into the sound bug. No matter what I do, every time I start it up the music is automatically set to "Customize" and only plays the night sounds. Even if I change the setting it doesn't ever seem to get off the night noises. Looking forward to the next update that will hopefully address this as I know I am not the only one.
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
Sadly I seem to have run into the sound bug. No matter what I do, every time I start it up the music is automatically set to "Customize" and only plays the night sounds. Even if I change the setting it doesn't ever seem to get off the night noises. Looking forward to the next update that will hopefully address this as I know I am not the only one.


Yikes...so sorry BlueDev. Want me to come over and make some thunder, rain, and bird noises for ya
Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top


That is okay, I think I can handle it. I am sure it will get straightened out soon enough.
Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top
I replaced the sound file with Black Sabbath's Sweet Leaf. Now I can honestly say Natural Desktop *Rocks!!*
Reply #15 from JoeUser Forums Top
I replaced the sound file with Black Sabbath's Sweet Leaf. Now I can honestly say Natural Desktop *Rocks!!*


Seriously Rocks!
Reply #16 from JoeUser Forums Top
I replaced the sound file with Black Sabbath's Sweet Leaf. Now I can honestly say Natural Desktop *Rocks!!*


Sweet. Course, my first choice would be


Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm not getting any sounds at all Customised or default. Bummer.
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yeah, I am desparately waiting for an update to fix all these little issues so I can start using it without feeling like it is broken.
Reply #19 from JoeUser Forums Top
Oh, darn, I wish I had it, but I don't have my own credit card and I'm sure my parents won't get it for me. Somany stardock things I wish I had... like a full version of FX, my computer desktop and startup and everything has been made to look like Longhorn, so FX would be perfect.



I'm draging on, aren't I?