VISTA Features

What many are not aware of, is that there are third-party products out there now that provide similar features found only on VISTA.  Yes, this includes Flip 3D, which based on statistics from my previous VISTA articles, appears to be the feature that has caught the attention of many.  In this section, I'll give you an in-depth look at some of the best out there.

1. TopDesk 1.4.2

I'll start with the Flip 3D alternative application, the only product in this guide that is not free. 

TopDesk is an application designed by the folks over at Otaku Software.  Not only does it mimic the Flip 3D feature, but also allows you to flip through windows using other more convenient methods.  However, I will focus primarily on its 3D Layout in this Guide.  For those who tend to use the Alt-Tab keys a lot, this is an application worth looking into.

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Upon installing, you can choose the default window layout of choice.  TopDesk allows you to not only use its 3D layout, but also tile or grid your open windows as well.

The software also allows you to set your preferred key choice to activate the feature.  The Alt-Tab key combination is recommended for the 3D layout.  What is also nice, is that it will give let you define its performance based on your system specs.  In these tests, our system was able to handle its maximum setting easily.  However,  those who don't have a high-end system can set its setting lower, reducing image quality.

There are many user-defined options available.  They include the ability to define hot keys, enable floating buttons, and even define its mouse hotspot actions.  Window options are also available.  You can define the tiling and hiding animations and set their speeds accordingly.  There are also a number of settings for those who opt to used its tiling feature.

The biggest question here is just how well does it mimic the Flip 3D feature in VISTA?  Pretty damn good actually.  Below is a side-by-side comparison...

TopDesk 1.4.2 was compared against Windows Vista Ultimate RC2 shown to your left above.  While image quality still needs improvement, I actually like it a bit better than Vista's Flip 3D because they take it a step further by showing you an information bar at the bottom with the title bar of the window chosen.  A nice touch!  Why Microsoft didn't implement this is beyond me.  TopDesk, however, will not include the desktop as a 3D window like Vista does.  Overall, this is an impressive piece of software that is only improving in each and every release.  Highly recommended!  Unfortunately, it is the only application covered in the article that is not freeware.  However, I think that $14.95 is a small price to pay for this kind of functionality.

2. Copernic Desktop Search 2.0

Windows VISTA features much more powerful search capabilities.  In fact, I personally think the search capabilities on WinXP are completely useless and incredibility slow.  That's where the next tool comes in.  Copernic Desktop Search is a superb search tool that is basically based around the WinFX feature.  It also happens to be completely free, making it an excellent companion for your WinXP system.  I've been using this tool for a while now and I highly recommend it.

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Desktop Search 2.0 is an all-in-one search tool that is extremely fast and easy to use.  In short, if its in your computer, you can find it from this one utility without resorting to searches within other applications. 

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You can search for just about anything quickly and easily, including emails, favorites, contacts and even browsing history.  This utility is also "smart" in a sense, meaning that it will utilize CPU and Memory usage quite efficiently.   Its indexing features are excellent.  As an IT professional, this is one tool that I highly recommend to many.  You can learn more about this powerful tool on their website.

3. MediaPortal

Those who have played with VISTA releases know that depending on the version you choose, it comes bundled with there Media Center Software that is designed primarily for those looking to build to an HTPC.  Well, what many do not know is that there is a free alternative out there that has many additional features. MediaPortal is an open source application that is a step ahead in terms of features and is an excellent alternative to the bundled software in versions of VISTA.  

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Being open source software, it means you can expect a high level of support and added functionality as the product matures.  MediaPortal has a slew of options available, including full skin support.

It does feature some impressive interfaces built-in, including a skin that resembles the one found on the original Media Center suite.

The software supports just about everything, including a fully customizable weather feature and game support.  It also supports plug-ins, meaning that you can maximize its functionality quite easily.  This is a recommended tool for anyone with or looking to build an HTPC.

4. Desktop Sidebar

Remember the infamous sidebar loaded by default on very early builds of Longhorn?  It was one of those love or hate features with no in-between.  Well, there is an alternative out there is completely free and one that will please a majority, regardless of whether or not you were a fan of it or not.  For those with large LCD displays supporting a high native resolution, this freeware app is one that will certainly impress, and add to that Vista-style look.  Desktop Sidebar is exceptionally designed, and basically provides you with instant access to information, both from your PC and from the internet.  This piece of software is loaded with options, all of which I can't possibly show you here.  However, I'll try and show you just how functional it is.

In order to demonstrate its capabilities, let's take a look a full desktop screenshot...

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The sidebar allows your to fully customize the content it displays.  Hovering over any of its user-defined panels will pop-up additional content.  Coming from one who has done nothing but try to like the sidebar in early releases of the new OS, I can say that this particular software is quite different, and a step ahead in terms of what it is really capable of if you put some time and effort into it.  This is one app that will seriously make you consider that monitor upgrade!

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"The desktop tool that let's you have it all".  That's definitely what this third-party software does and does it well.  Most importantly, it loads instantly and does not take up too much resources.  However, that's just one of the many areas that I found most impressive.  You have the ability to fully customize it, including the removal or addition of a certain panel, as well as hide any supported ones that may not be of use to you.  You can even move each panel up or down to your own liking.  You have system performance meters, latest news, weather and more.  You also have full control of your email and Media Player from the sidebar as well.

The Sidebar also has full skin support and plenty of nice looking skins are bundled with the program.  While the default blends in well with Vista's GUI, there are a number of other skins that are highly appealing, including the Florescence skin, which was probably inspired from the highly talented artist over at digitalblasphemy.com.

For those with large displays, this is one app you should look into.  I'm sure most will appreciated all it has to offer.  It is that well designed!

Next: VISTA Applications