by Prasanna Vignesh
26. May 2007 22:04
Fix Java apps that disable Aero Glass
Do you need to run a Java application and hate how every time you run
it the Aero Glass interface reverts to the non-glass look?
This is caused by the way the JRE (Java Runtime Environment)
communicates with the display adapter. In short, it does not want to
share the 3D surface the desktop is painted on so Windows has to revert
to the old method of painting the desktop and turn of Aero Glass.
The only way to fix this is to fix the JRE and Sun has done just that.
Java users need to upgrade their JRE to release 6 update 2. Click here for the direct download from Sun. Offline Versions are also available.
Customize your system icons with Microangelo On Display
Microangelo, the famous icon tool company, has released an updated
version of their On Display application that allows users to easily
change and replace the default system icons in Windows Vista. With
Microangelo On Display you can:
1. Customize Windows icons quickly and easily. Just right-click on the
icon and select "Appearance" from the popup menu. One elegant dialog
allows you to change icons just about anywhere on your computer.
2. Use On Display to change icons displayed by Windows Vista, XP and
Windows 2000. If you can't change an icon with On Display, it probably
can't be done. Folder, shortcut, shell and system icons, On Display can
change icons in more places than any other tool available.
3. Turn icon shortcut arrows off, on, or change them. On Display can
change the overlays that Windows displays on shortcuts and shared
drives or folders.
Click here to download.
Windows Sidebar Styler
Windows Sidebar Styler takes advantage of the new technologies
introduced in Windows Vista™ in order to provide extensions to the
existing functionality of Windows® Sidebar.
Custom styles allow for resizing and customizing the appearance of
Windows Sidebar so that it fits other UI elements, such as the Aero
Glass colorization or an actual third party theme. Designers could save
their visual styles so that other Windows users could apply them.
Designers would not necessarily create these files on Windows Vista -
Windows Sidebar Styler is backward-compatible with legacy operating
systems as well.
Quick aero speed tip
The transparent glass in Windows Vista computer can look very nice.
However, on some computers that have underpowered video adapters will
see a performance hit when running the transparent glass effect. One
way to speed up Windows Vista and still get the benefits of aero, such
as flip 3D and taskbar thumbnails, is to disable glass transparency.
1. Click on the desktop and select Personalize.
2. Select Windows Color and Appearance.
3. Uncheck Enable Transparency.
Pump up the volume in Vista
If your PC is built using an Intel motherboard with High Definition
Audio support, you can take advantage of some cool enhancements. Open
the Sound option in Control Panel, select the Speakers icon on the
Playback tab, and click the Properties button. The Enhancements tab
includes a set of options you can use to control bass levels, create
virtual surround sound on a two-speaker system, correct for crummy room
acoustics, and change loudness settings.
Note: For more
Windows Vista Tips, Tricks &
Tweaks.
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