 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (February 2014) |
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 Objects may be combined to make themes | |
| Developer(s) | Stardock |
|---|---|
| Stable release | 3.5
/ July 2008 |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows |
| Type | Desktop customization |
| License | Shareware |
| Website | http://www.stardock.com/products/desktopx/ |
DesktopX was a shareware desktop enhancement program that allowed users to build their own custom desktops. Amongst its features was a complete widget engine for Windows as well as a desktop object system. User creations could be exported as .desktop files or as widgets. The program was distributed with Object Desktop as well as stand-alone.
DesktopX was released by Alberto Riccio in 1999 as VDE (Verona Desktop Enhancer), and bought in 2000 by Stardock. Mini-applications created with it were called "object packs" but later rebranded as "widgets" to standardize the term.
Most users used DesktopX to build alternative desktop environments. The mini-application creation ability was there from the start but did not gain widespread use until the release of DesktopX 2 in 2003. Current versions run on Windows 2000 and above.
DesktopX is no longer for sale by its author and is not actively supported.