Many people are familiar with
computer case modifications, thanks to the
photogenic nature of mods. On the software side, most operating systems feature some potential for customization, though this is often limited to tweaking the colors and sounds. For some, this isn't enough. Enter "
skinning," the casual term for interface customization. To a degree, the
history of the media player Winamp (YT, 7:03;
transcript with pictures) mirrors the history of skinning. From a version 0.2, a visually dull app in June 1997, to easy user customization in version 2 in September 1998, and the complexly customizable Winamp3 in August 2002.
Wired captured something of the excitement at its peak in an article from 2000, before computing began shifting to more closed devices. Now approaching a
post-WIMP (windows, icons, menus and a pointer) era, where skinning is done with
alternative launchers. But for those still using traditional computers of one sort or another, it's not too late to modify your interface.
[more inside]
posted by filthy light thief
on Apr 17, 2012 -
70 comments
CreativeApplications.Net scours the net for platform independent apps that help sharing and engaging with information. They look at OSX, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Web Apps, Flash, Physical Interfaces, Max MSP development, Processing and others.
[more inside]
posted by netbros
on Oct 30, 2010 -
4 comments
The How-To Geek provides hints and tips for a variety of operating systems and popular pieces of software. The how-tos cover a pleasing range of head-slapping I-should-have-known-thats to relatively advanced techniques. Follow the
latest page to read the site in blog form.
posted by nthdegx
on Jul 8, 2007 -
12 comments
