[3421] in comp.os.os2.announce archive
BETA: Object Desktop for Windows!
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Brad Wardell)
Sun Sep 28 09:20:18 1997
To: os2ann.DISCUSS@bloom-picayune.MIT.EDU
Date: 28 Sep 1997 00:03:00 -0400
From: bwardell@nospamme.stardock.com (Brad Wardell)
Reply-To: bwardell@nospamme.stardock.com (Brad Wardell)
Reply-to: bwardell@nospamme.stardock.com (Brad Wardell)
[Followups directed to comp.os.os2.misc]
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Object Desktop for Windows
Stardock's advanced desktop environment will soon be available on
Windows 95/NT!
OS/2 users who also use Windows 95 or Windows NT (either because they want to
or because they have to) are invited to join the Object Desktop for Windows
Early Experience Program.
Object Desktop is a desktop environment designed to seamlessly integrate
features into the operating system. The OS/2 version is reportedly the best
selling OS/2 shrink wrapped product of all time.
The Windows version will be somewhat different than the OS/2 version in that
its needs are different. For example, some of the functionality inherent in
OS/2 will be brought over to Windows.
The Early Experience program costs $45 to join but gives users access not only
the initially components but all of the components and upgrades for the next 2
years. For obvious reasons, Stardock is limiting the number of beta testers to
5000. Once it is generally available, the cost will be considerably higher.
The first public beta will be made available to Early Experience participants
in the beginning of October. The features expected to be initially available
include:
Control Center:
Gives Windows virtual desktops, real-time resource monitoring, configurable
fly-out menus, and more. Works in conjunction with the Windows 95/NT Start
bar.
Enhanced Look:
Object Desktop will update the look and feel of Windows giving it a bit of a
"Merlin" meets "Rhapsody" blend.
Text View:
Integrates a powerful yet fast little text editor into the OS. Now when you
right-click on an object, you'll be able to edit the file without having to
associate it with Notepad. Can also handle file sizes greater than 64K (unlike
Notepad).
Object ZIP:
Makes ZIP files behave similar to standard folders without having to use a
device driver. No need for clunky tool bars and wizards, just drag and drop or
extract an entire archive in a single click. Works from command line too.
Association Wizards:
Now Windows users will be able to easily associate multiple programs with a
single file type at the object level. Right click on a program and associate
it with several file types. Right click on a file and choose from the menu
which program you want to use on it.
Component Manager:
The cornerstone to Object Desktop for Windows is Stardock's next generation
installation management software. With Component Manager, users simply type in
their serial number (once) and it automatically connects to Stardock's
Internet server (Stardock.net). Component Manager will then list all the
available components and their version numbers. Users can then upgrade and add
components with the press of a button and Component Manager takes care of
everything else. Any end user or Corporate IS manager can see the benefits of
the Internet becoming a gigantic virtual CD-ROM drive.
Features Stardock plans to have available by mid 4th quarter include:
Object FTP:
Integrates FTP sites into the desktop like a standard folder making them
accessible from the Explorer and desktop alike.
Object NetScan:
Graphically displays how much of their internet bandwidth they are using.
Tab LaunchPad:
Organizes programs by category making them much more accessible.
Users can join the Early Experience Program today by calling Stardock at
1-800-672-2338 or by visiting http://www.stardock.com and using the on-line
sign up for.
Users will receive Component Manager electronically in October and access to
all the Object Desktop components plus all the new components that come out
for the next 2 years!
Stardock is in particular looking for people who have used non-Windows
operating systems such as OS/2, NeXTStep, MacOS, and Amigados who want to help
bring some of the nice features of those operating systems to Windows NT/95.
# # #
Object Desktop for Windows 95/NT $45 to join the Early Experience Program
Public Beta #1 begins in October.
Stardock Systems, Inc.
http://www.stardock.com
Ph: (313)762-0687 (1-800-672-2338 for orders)
Fax: (313)762-0690
Note. The OS/2 version of Object Desktop is also being worked on.
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