Newbie interested in DX

Looking to create a custom Desktop

I'm new to this sort of thing, and was interested in learning more about DX. I had some ideas that would be great if I could get them sorted. To make into custom desktops for my PC. One major bump in the road is I have little knowledge of scripting, so I doubt I could pull things off. There are two distinct ideas I had.

 

1. Keypad

This was the first idea I had. To make things like more of a "security" issue, rather than anything else.

Basically there would be a place to type in numbers, or possibly keys like the Numpad on a keyboard. You enter in a number and click "Enter" or "Ok" or something like that. And based on the number, it would pop up a shutter in DX on the screen, containing a specific grouping of icons or links.

 

So like if I entered "0", a shutter with the start menu and basic windows components would become available.

Only the one using the desktop would know the proper entry codes. So, for instance, someone unfamiliar with the PC tried to use it, and didn't have enough knowledge to force DesktopX to shut down, they'd be stuck at the basic desktop, without access to most of the computer.

 

Would this be doable? Or would it be a huge pain in the butt? I'm only capable enough in this case to theorize how something works, no idea how to implement it. But if I had a basic script for say two numbers "0" and "1", I'm sure I could replicate it to add new options and expand.

As far as the numbers to use, no more than 3 digits for the code, but it could only use 1 digit. So 0-999 would be the score.

 

 

2. Popup Display

This is more of a video game fantasy. Might be possible, might not. It's kind of like a HUD display. Think Metroid Prime really. Where there is a basic screen, but new stuff can appear, roughly in the center, when triggered.

Like a glassy transparent graphic, featuring clickable icons. So you trigger it, and it pops up, minimized towards the center, but then the glassy part expands to the left and right and then reveals the icons.

I'm pretty sure this one would be too difficult or impossible. But I'm very unfamiliar with the program's capabilities, so I figured I'd sign up on the forums and ask around, maybe there is something similar out there, and a coder that could help me piece my desktop into a reality.

 

I appreciate the time and effort of any stopping by to help out. :)

11,060 views 8 replies
Reply #1 Top

Like a glassy transparent graphic, featuring clickable icons. So you trigger it, and it pops up, minimized towards the center, but then the glassy part expands to the left and right and then reveals the icons.

Maybe fences would interest you: https://www.stardock.com/products/fences/

Reply #2 Top

I think this is doable, especially #1, but keep in mind, security codes like this are only as secure as the lips of those that know it. I WILL get known by others, but I think a script could be made to change said code easily enough.

#2 - beyond MY skillset but DX in the RIGHT hands can do much more than has ever been demonstrated on this site. VAD (VADM?) my be a good contact for you on this stuff.

Reply #3 Top

You can also seek out sVis for scripting and also ask RedneckDude who is our DX Master. Both can point you in the right direction.

Reply #4 Top

Both of these are totally doable in DX.

As to the first, one question:

Are the 'security codes' user input? i.e., is there a settings prompt where the user can assign their own codes to the different pop up menus and such? Or will the codes come pre-loaded in the theme (which if you're going for actual security doesn't seem secure)?

Either way, it's not going to be super-secure as the codes have to be stored somewhere (on file or in the registry.) I'm assuming this is more for style, right?

As to the second:

If I understand, it's one glass window/screen image which appears then expands and contracts to show/hide its contents? I made a template that works in a similar manner and could be modified for your purposes. Overall, this would be highly dependent on your graphics.

 

Reply #5 Top

Eve, he has sent me emails with more in depth info. I offered to fwd to you, waiting for his response.

 

I'm afraid the scripting is way past me, but I'm in for graphics, if I'm needed.

Reply #6 Top

Eve, you have mail...:grin:

Reply #7 Top

Okee doke.:)  

Reply #8 Top

I found a new toy.

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