13.05.00 – 19.05.00

After going totally off the wall on the LS Mailing List about
all this bull concerning “competition” between LiteStep and PureLS, I
thought that I should continue it here for those of you who missed my
torade little rant.  To start, there is no competition between the two
shells unless people create competition, period.  I don’t care what
definition you give to competition or if its healthy or not, it won’t
exist unless its made to exist.  Now PureLS is going in a totally
different direction than the current LS code base so how can you have
competition??  And what is the big deal anyway if someone takes up
older, non-supported code and runs with it anyway?  What really gets me
is that I didn’t hear ONE of the dev’s from either team talk about
competition, just some users on the list.  Comon people, what is your
problem?  As I asked there, are you afraid of something?  Want to make
sure that only LS survives?  Ya, sure, lets make SURE people see this
new shell as something evil.  Don’t start whining to me that “Well,
competition is also a good thing…” bull because its more and obvious
that that was NOT your intent in bringing up the whole competition
thing in the first place.  And no, this isn’t directed at just one
person, but that group of people who cling onto the inane idea that
because a shell comes out that’s LIKE LiteStep or BASED OFF LiteStep
that the evil competition will spread like locusts through the LiteStep
community.  So please, get half a clue, think for more than 3 seconds
before you make your comments and replies, and give it up.  THERE IS
NO COMPETITION!

- demigod

…………………………………………….
-= Shell Specific =-
…………………………………………….

—————————
Top News Stories
—————————

- PureLS Released (11:45 15.05 pls)

Jugg and Ender have released a new shell based off of LiteStep,
PureLS.  It  is written in pure ansi c and winapi.  From the
site:

“PureLS comes from the roots of the ever popular LiteStep
Shell. PureLS is written in ANSI-C compliance, utilizing the
Win32 API. What does “PureLS” stand for? Simply put, its a
combination of two things: “Pure” – for its pure ANSI-C code
base, and “LS” – for following the philosophy of LiteStep to
be a powerful user oriented Shell.”

url – http://www.purels.org
e-mail – jugg@hotmail.com
(source: Fahim via private chat)

+—————+

- DS GUI Config Explained ~ Bob Wells (10:25 19.05 ds)

“Just added:  An entire page dedicated to explaining the new
functionalities of the DarkStep Console included with the
latest release of DarkStep.

“This is a very detailed explanation of not only the new
right-click pop up menu, but each resulting dialog the you will
encounter :)”

url – http://www.mswebdesign.com/DarkStep/970config.html
e-mail – bob@darkstep.com
(source: http://www.mswebdesign.com/DarkStep)

+—————+

- New LS Dev Team Member (10:43 19.05 ls)

“I know he’s not listed on the list of dev team members at
lsdev, but I’ve gotten confirmation from Noodge and NeXTer, so
I thought I’d announce it here. grd of grdTray fame has been
added to the LS Dev Team. He’s reportedly working on an update
to the VWM for LS .24.6.”

(source: http://floach.pimpin.net)

—————————
Modules
—————————

- SMbangs r2 ~ Two_toNe (12:43 15.05 ls)

SMbangs.dll is a bang module which allows you to Hide/Show
SysMeter and/or L-ement.

New in this version:

- Bug Fix – Sysmeter no longer gets moved when it is docked to
the right edge.
- Bug Fix – Sysmeter correctly shows itself if tray icon is
clicked.
- Added – 2 new bangs, !WinHide and !WinShow, will hide/show
any window by passing it’s class or window name.

url – http://home.inreach.com/2tone/
e-mail – 2tone@inreach.com
(source: LS Mailing List ~ SMbangs r2)

+—————+

- Rainlender 0.3 ~ Rainy (11:51 15.05 ls)

Rainlendar is a Litestep module that displays a calendar on
your desktop.

New in this version:

- Changed the way how days are calculated.
- Added possibility to display the current event in a
MessageBox.
- Added possibility execute a command (or !Bang) on a event-day.
You can use %m for the event-message.
- Added event days to display important dates. Doubleclick on
a day to insert a text.
- Added new tab in config-dialog to set the appearance of event
days.
- Alpha-Bitmaps can now have full path as well.
- Displayed month can be selected form the context- menu.

url – http://gamma.nic.fi/~rainy/
e-mail -
(source: http://floach.pimpin.net)

+—————+

- LSQuickBox 1.35 ~ Epsylon3 (12:40 15.05 ls)

This module is a LiteStep Desktop Module which imitate the
IE4 Quick Lauch Box in Explorer TaskBar.

New in this version:

- Added Explorer Context Menu
- Added “QBoxNoMove” command
- Added “!QBoxReload” bang command

url – http://lsfr.cjb.net/
e-mail – Epsylon3@ifrance.com
(source: http://floach.pimpin.net)

+—————+

- JLsMail ~ FxSlin (15:29 15.05 ls)

“JLsMail, an Litestep module. Use to check mail on an “remote”
mail account, an then notify if the account have received any
new mails. JLsMail requires Headius’s Javamm module and JRE
1.2 (javasoft)”

New in this version:

- Added JLSMailNewMailSound
- JLSMailNewMailFontType
- JLSMailNewMailFontSize
- JLSMailNewMailFontColorRed
- JLSMailNewMailFontColorGreen
- JLSMailNewMailFontColorBlu
- JLSMailNewMailShowHeaders
- JLSMailStartHidden
- Removed some variables and optimized some code

url – http://frodo.hiof.no/~nilscdah/fxslin/
e-mail – nils@dahl.hjem.as
(source: http://www.chunkymunky.com)

+—————+

- LiteStep Module AppWizard b3 ~ Message (14:10 18.05 ls)

“This appwizard for MS VC++ 6.0 will generate the necessary
cpp, h, def, and project files for a basic litestep module.
Options are giving as to the module type; either wharf module,
load module with a window, or load module without a window.
Ability to define bang commands and message handlers. Code
conforms to LSD2 format.”

Changes in this version:

Added [ Res / 05-14-00 / Message, TimeWarpX ]
- Added icon and bmp from Timewarp, though they arent
showing right, something to work on
Remove [Template / 05-15-00 / Message, NeXTer]
- Removed root.def ( uhhmmm don’t need it)
Changed [Core/Res / 05-17-00 / Message]
- Added Bitmap to dialogs (thanks TimewarpX for the great
bitmap, and thanks Headius for discovering the
“feature by design” fix for loading the bitmap)
- Added new icon (TimewarpX had a great icon but VC++
mangled it, so had to do with something much more
plain)

- Need to add lswinbase to the project to get it to
link.. for some reason VC++ wont add this file, so
until i figure out why, the need to add the file is
noted in the readme and in the source file (it will
generate a nice big error telling you to add the
file =)

%%UPDATE%% (10:45 19.05)

Changed [Core/Res / 05-18-00 / Message]
- Should have been lswinbase.cpp not lswinbase.h
- Fixed where it was only adding code for number
messages less one
- Fixed number of steps being improperly defined when
using LM messages

url – http://www.mindjunction.com/message/
e-mail – Bgvinyard@aol.com
(source: http://floach.pimpin.net)

+—————+

- BakSaver r1 ~ Two_toNe (14:12 18.05 ls)

BakSaver.dll allows you to run your Screensaver in the
background, like having a moving wallpaper.

Changes in this version:

- Added options to set position and size of BakSaver window
- Fixed bug of BakSaver not responding to mouse clicks
- Added option to disable mouse clicks
- Updated to run on newer LiteStep Builds
- Added bangs to Start/Stop BakSaver
- Added option to allow BakSaver to start disabled

url – http://home.inreach.com/2tone/
e-mail – 2tone@inreach.com
(source: http://floach.pimpin.net)

+—————+

- LS Dialer 0.3 ~ WhiteShadow (14:14 18.05 ls)

This module lets you dial in and disconnect to entries already
in your phonebook (the connections listed in Control
Panel->Network and Dialup Connections).

Changes in this version:

[v0.02 15.05]
- Added support for *LSDialerEntry
- Fixed a bug with not hanging up the connection if it failed

[v0.03 17.05]
- Added dialog box when dialing
- Added try icon (double click to disconnect)

url – http://www.muohio.edu/~changty/
e-mail – changty@muohio.edu
(source: http://www.muohio.edu/~changty/)

+—————+

- PureLS Option Pack ~ jugg (14:17 18.05 pls)

“PureLS’ “Option Pack” now has Maduin’s chronos.dll, along with
a previously unreleased popup r9 (re5ources) and a fixed ver
of systray. These are definite musts if you plan on running
PureLS.”

url – http://www.purels.org
e-mail – jugg@hotmail.com
(source: http://floach.pimpin.net)

+—————+

- mzscript 0.7 ~ maze (10:29 19.05 ls)

mzscript is one of the more powerful scripting engines
available for litestep.

New in this version:

- Added !scriptload
- Added !scriptremove
- Added !varmul
- Added !setlistsep
- Added Internal variables to return system properties

url – http://www.acc.umu.se/~macce
e-mail – macce@acc.umu.se
(source: floach.pimpin.net)

+—————+

- Change.dll 1.00 ~ Asperon (10:47 19.05 ls)

“Change.dll follows along the same basic lines that textedit
accomplishes: editing the step.rc using only bang commands”

url – http://asperon.cjb.net/
e-mail – asperon@home.se
(source: http://floach.pimpin.net)

—————————
Themes
—————————

- Natural Ice ~ Thomas Crown (14:33 18.03 ls)

“I didn’t have anything to do at work, as usual so i decided to
finish this theme that was once called Iceburg as well as
Natural Ice.

“This theme is pretty east to figure out from the screen shot.
Packaged with the latest build of litestep (5-15-00). This is
a good theme for beginner litestep’ers. The step.rc is very
easy to figure out and very well formatted.

“Features in this theme include:
Fits any resolution.
lsmail
chronos with right-click up time
vbang (for mixer control)
lslnkmenu

“If you want to keep your co-workers off your computer, use
litestep!! The response will be “what’s wrong with this
computer, where is the start button?” pshhh, Foolish Mortals
;]”

url – http://www.msu.edu/~mtarquin/
ss – http://www.litestep.net/themes/ss/natural.ice7126.jpg
e-mail – mtarquin@msu.edu
(source: http://www.litestep.net)

+—————+

- Lexx ~ eGarage (10:20 19.05 ds)

“This theme was created with two very valid suggestions in mind.
The first was sent to me by PaKRaT.  He mentioned that there
was no room in my themes for end users to customize to fit
their needs.  So I`ve included a “Button box” that can be
hidden with ten user definable shortcuts.  The second
suggestion comes from the post in the Darkstep digest by none
other than Bob Wells, in which he laid out what I agree is a
simple, usable standard for theme distrobution.To this end,
this theme and installation is (if I understood correctly)
fully “Wells standard” compliant.”

url – http://www.mswebdesign.com/DarkStep
ss – http://www.mswebdesign.com/DarkStep/themes/images/lexx.jpg
e-mail – shawnduncan@altavista.net
(source: http://www.mswebdesign.com/DarkStep)

—————————
Web Sites
—————————

- LSSource becomes DesktopSource ~ TrOgi/Two_toNe (14:19 18.05 na)

“Looks like TrOgI has moved lssource from FPN over to
DesktopSource.Mindjunction.com and taken Two_toNe with him :).
It’s nice to see the site opened back up again. For those who
don’t know… lssource was *the* place to get the source code
for Litestep modules. Now the apparent intention is to include
source from a *lot* more modules, shells, etc with the site.
Look for more great things to come ;)”

url – desktopsource.mindjunction.com
(source: http://floach.pimpin.net)

+—————+

- Litestep LatinoAmerica ~ Chaoticbrain (14:37 18.05 ls)

“Hi, everybody. just wanted you to know there is a new site on
the web, called Litestep LatinoAmerica. Its the place for
latin skinners!!!. If you are latin, just contact Chaoticbrain
via e-mail and I’ll upload your themes. Check it out!!!”

url – http://members.xoom.com/chaoticBrain
e-mail – neurona2000@yahoo.com
(source: http://www.chunkymunky.com)

—————————
Programs
—————————

- lsdrinks ~ nf0 (14:26 18.05 na)

lsdrinks is a headline grabber written in perl.

New in this version:

[v2.14.0]
- Added: Casters Realm
- Added: Ever Lore
- Added: EQ Corner
- Added: EQ Stratics
- Added: EQ Dr. Twister
- Added: Brell Sirilis
- Added: Nerd Perfect
- Added: Anime Digest
- Added: Anime on DVD
- Added: EX Anime
- Added: DVD Animania
- Fixed: Some invalid Folder names

[v2.14.1]
- Fixed: Casters Realm
- Fixed: Ever Lore
- Fixed: EQ Corner
- Fixed: EQ Stratics
- Fixed: EQ Dr. Twister
- Fixed: Brell Sirilis
- Fixed: Penny Arcade
- Fixed: Aint it Cool News

url – http://www.10500bc.org/
e-mail – nf0@10500bc.org
(source: http://www.litestep.net)

—————————
MISC
—————————

- LSBox Gallery ~ BlkHawk (14:22 18.05 ls)

Blackhawk has opened up a grafix gallery for his new module
lsbox.  There are only a few sets there now but he is hoping
to add more.  Swing on by and check it out.

url – http://www.blkhawk.de
e-mail – blkhawk@blkhawk.de
(source:http://www.blkhawk.de)

—————————
Glossary Of Terms
—————————

- Theme
A theme is a total package of graphics and a step.rc that you
can unzip into your shell directory to change the look of the
shell.

………………………………

—-
Tips
—-

Nada again as I am working on XSWeekly in hopes of switching over to
that sometime this month.

…………………………………………….
-= Beyond the Shell =-
…………………………………………….

—————————
Tweaking Beyond the Shell
—————————

- “My Computer”, “Network Neighborhood”, and “Recycle Bin” Icon Names

This is one of the easiest GUI enhancements.  Here, I will tell you
how to change these icon names to what ever you want with a minimal
of work.

Step 1 – Open Regedit (Start, Run, Regedit)
Step 2 – By clicking the +’s get to this entry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\ *Note* The next
steps will take place within this key.
Step 3 – Within this key find the entry:
{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}
Step 4 – Expand this entry and right click on Default and choose
Modify.
Step 5 – Change the Value Data to what you would like your My
Computer to say. (ex: DemiGod’s Computer)
Step 6 – Now find the key entry:
{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}
Step 7 – Expand this entry and right click on Default and choose
Modify.
Step 8 – Change the Value Data to what you would like your Network
Neighborhood to say. (ex: DemiGod’s Playground)
Step 9 – Now find the key entry:
{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
Step 10 – Expand this entry and right click on Default and choose
Modify.
Step 11 – Change the Value Data to what you would like your
Recycling Bin to say (ex: DemiGod’s Trash)
Step 12 – Close the registry editor and reboot your system.

—————————
Intresting
—————————

- Penny Arcade

If you haven’t heard of it, go there now.  It’s an online comic
about two kids so deeply involved in computers that their
lives seem to strike a close cord to some real life people
I know.  http://www.penny-arcade.com

—————————
Programs
—————————

- FreeShade ~ hmmnsoft

“The app does some nifty X-style tricks with your app windows,
including ‘windowshading’ (double click the titlebar and the
app window minimizes to just the titlebar – a great mechanism
for quickly reducing desktop clutter, borrowed from *nix
window managers), ‘Fancy-maxing’ the dev’s term for maximizing
an app only horizontally or vertically, ‘Hugging’ the screen
sides or corners, toggle the app’s stay-on-top setting, display
info about an app’s process, and forcibly kill the process.”

url – http://www.hmmn.org/FreeShade/
(source: http://www.desktopian.org)

………………………………

————-
Latest Builds
————-
- LiteStep
o Stable – b24.6 build 041700

o Daily – b24.6 build 051500
Modified [lsapi, hookmgr / Headius / 05-15-00]
o Updated GetRCXXX functions to use the variable cache
o Fixed problem with variable cache not flushing
during recycles
o Removed the handling of a couple shell messages to
prevent Task Manager lockup problems

- DarkStep
o Beta – 0.970
* Fixed old-style Popup menu compatibility being broken
* Changed themable Console config info storage key to a separate
sub-key for themes
* Put in a modified version of the default Console bitmap by
courtesy of jugg

- PureLS
o Beta – 2000.05.18
- The “UnloadModule” and “ReloadModule” functionality is
working better, there are some updates to be done yet though.
- The use of “startup.dll” is more fail safe now, and any
errors during the processing of it will not cause problems.
- Fixed LiteStep theme support. (undocumented)
- Fixed bug in LSOpen(). (undocumented)

………………………………

————-
Mailing Lists
————-

- LiteStep
To subscribe, e-mail: litestep-subscribe@litestep.ru.ac.za
To unsubscribe, e-mail: litestep-unsubscribe@litestep.ru.ac.za
Additional commands, e-mail: litestep-help@litestep.ru.ac.za

- Stuff
To subscribe, e-mail: stuff-subscribe@litestep.ru.ac.za
To unsubscribe, e-mail: stuff-unsubscribe@litestep.ru.ac.za
Additional commands, e-mail: stuff-help@litestep.ru.ac.za

- DarkStep
To subscribe, e-mail: darkstep-subscribe@egroups.com
To unsubscribe, e-mail: darkstep-unsubscribe@egroups.com

………………………………

——
Errata
——

Last week I gave a wrong url for ReNovator.  The correct url for this
is: http://www.bome.com/ReNovator/.  Thanks to <name> for e-mailing
me about this.