Windows 98 Skins

[Moderator]

Does anyone know any free Windows 98 skin software? Or skin downloads, viruses and spyware free?
(I belive Monty has a skin for his Windows XP or something like that. )

(and I am positive that google will give my adware and spyware links and whatnot)

Like this skin:

(Picture from Monty72's Photobucket, obtained from a link on a previous post of Montys. )

EDIT:  Maybe I should read the post next time.  I thought you were trying to delete that thing.  My bad.

WindowBlinds used to have a Win98 version - it can customise pretty much every aspect of Windows.

Windows 98 also has MS Themes built in (an option taken from Win 95).  There are plenty of places you can download suitable themes.

[Moderator]

WindowBlinds used to have a Win98 version - it can customise pretty much every aspect of Windows.

Windows 98 also has MS Themes built in (an option taken from Win 95).  There are plenty of places you can download suitable themes.

Well, I tried to get Windows Blinds. The only version available free to try is Windows 2000-XP.
The classic version is no longer available unless you purchase it.
(I mean, someone could FTP it to me, or send it to me, something like that..........)

I already use Microsoft Windows Themes, but they are boring now. I am looking for a completely NEW look.
(To almost make my 98 look like XP)

BTW: Is there a place to download "Paint" or "Pbrush"?
(My computer no longer has it, it was lost in the fiesco of the Windows 98 SE upgrade. Stuck at 98.5. )

[Moderator]

"Completely new look" and "free" sometimes don't go together.  

[Moderator]

"Completely new look" and "free" sometimes don't go together.  

Yeah. I will see if Pirate Bay (HAHA) would have it. \

EDIT: It does!
But I don't dare download it. Probably full of viruses and spyware. Maybe adware as well.....

[Moderator]

Yes you will get to test your virus scanner if you use that stuff! Much of it is non-functional and most of it is laced with crappola.  

[Moderator]

Yes you will get to test your virus scanner if you use that stuff! Much of it is non-functional and most of it is laced with crappola.  

You've got 9044 posts!
Did you know it stops at 9999?
What are you going to do then?
(Who knows, maybe you will disappear....)
Prepair yourself for unknown bugs!

[Moderator]

It's like the edge of the solar system. No one really knows what happens when we get there.  

[Moderator]

It's like the edge of the solar system. No one really knows what happens when we get there.  

I happen to be able to find out what happens when you get 9999 posts. Let me go find out...

I already use Microsoft Windows Themes, but they are boring now. I am looking for a completely NEW look.

>Completely free new look; will run on older hardware<.

[Moderator]

That's the ticket!!!  

[Moderator]

That's the ticket!!!  

Linux, huh?
I don't think I would BETRAY Windows for that...
(I just found out that yes, you can go past 9999. You will just go the the number after, its seemingly unlimited....)

[Moderator]

It, it, looks so clean!
Its so hard to resist!
Wait, could I keep Windows with this?
Could I be able to choose which one I want to use when I start up my computer?

Thanks

[Moderator]

Yes and yes.

[Moderator]

Thanks

Did you use a skin to get your start menu and windows to appear like that?

GX1_Man Quote:

Yes and yes.

How and How?

[Moderator]

Partition hard drive and boot manager.

[Moderator]

Partition hard drive and boot manager.

Partition? Ok. I believe I can do that....
But Boot Manager? WTH is that? (pardon my acronym language)

[Moderator]

Like XP does with older versions of Windows on separate drives or partitions, Linux distributions install their own boot manager so you can choose which OS to boot each time. Unlike Windows, it's free and it works.

Why don't you download a copy of Slax just for the experience and run it on that machine. Please don't compare the speed to Windows as this runs entirely from the CDROM rather than a much faster hard drive. Once you install Linux you can compare if you wish, but it's an "apples vs. oranges" things based on how the different OS'es function.

http://www.computerhope.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1152393515

[Moderator]

Like XP does with older versions of Windows on separate drives or partitions, Linux distributions install their own boot manager so you can choose which OS to boot each time. Unlike Windows, it's free and it works.

And instructions to go along with that so I don't get lost in the Linux world forever?

[Moderator]

See edited version above.  

[Moderator]

See edited version above.  

Big unfortunate problem. I have until about 6 o'clock to do this.
I don't have any blank CD's.
Could I just partition and make a drive D: and then somehow boot into it from there?
Can I get into this thing from DOS?
How, please, instructions?
Step by step?
(I need to know how to make this boot manager, and properly FDISK and partition the HD. )
I could easily have a 2GB partition. Any more could be out of the question. (Still need space for Windows)

[Moderator]

2 gig is not enough space (what do you allow Windows to run on?) and you do not want to rush this. Yes, you need a blank CD to do the project.

Do some reading up and we'll do it another time.  

[Moderator]

2 gig is not enough space (what do you allow Windows to run on?) and you do not want to rush this. Yes, you need a blank CD to do the project.

Do some reading up and we'll do it another time.  

Ok. As long as its easy to delete partitions, then I am willing to go up to 5 GB. I am looking at he standard edition. After 6:00, I know I will be able to get some blank CD's.

Then I will have to wait an entire week for everything else.

How would I make a 5 gig partition with FDISK?

[Moderator]

You first have to delete the existing partition and create a new one and then reinstall Win98 THEN we can install Linux.

There are tools like Partition Magic, but they mostly are not free and that one for sure is not. It can also cause it's own problems if you don't know what you are doing.

Try that Live CD and see what it looks like, apart from speed.

[Moderator]

You first have to delete the existing partition and create a new one and then reinstall Win98 THEN we can install Linux.

There are tools like Partition Magic, but they mostly are not free and that one for sure is not. It can also cause it's own problems if you don't know what you are doing.

Try that Live CD and see what it looks like, apart from speed.

Ok. I will try the live CD first.
So, your saying, that if I make a separate partition, the drive must be formatted first if I use FDISK?

[Moderator]

You make one partition that will hold 98. The unused free space is partitioned and formatted during the linux install.

Follow the software link in my signature.  Under the Filesystems category, grab FIPS.  Defragment your hard drive, then use FIPS to shrink your Windows partition.  You can then create the new partition for Linux (when you install it) without losing any data.

Thanks

Did you use a skin to get your start menu and windows to appear like that?

GX1_Man Quote:

Yes and yes.

How and How?

Yes

[Moderator]

Thanks

Did you use a skin to get your start menu and windows to appear like that?

GX1_Man Quote:

Yes and yes.

How and How?

Yes

Do you know what the software title was?
(Or the skin name and the program needed to run it?)

[Moderator]

I already use Microsoft Windows Themes, but they are boring now. I am looking for a completely NEW look.

>Completely free new look; will run on older hardware<.

Ok Rob. I will download Fips.

How do I install Vector Linux?
(Yes, I did read instructions. But I never really knew how to install it at all. The ISO file instructions are very hard to understand. I have plenty of blank CD's. )
And how do I use Fips to make another drive?
And whats this about a boot manager?

ROB! YOUR FIPS LINK DOESENT WORK! I FEEL HOPELESS  

Ergh i want say things but no make english goot  

If you cant Get rob's program , you can try Bootit NG, but its not as good

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/

It can Resize Drives as well

How do I install Vector Linux?

Can you boot from the VectorLinux CD?  If you do this after you used FIPS to free up space, the installation program should guide you through the process.

Do backup your data first.  

ROB! YOUR FIPS LINK DOESENT WORK! I FEEL HOPELESS  

Oh!  The home pages has moved.  Thanks for the heads up.  I have corrected the link in the software FAQ, so you can download it now.

[Moderator]

How do I install Vector Linux?

Can you boot from the VectorLinux CD?  If you do this after you used FIPS to free up space, the installation program should guide you through the process.

Do backup your data first.  

ROB! YOUR FIPS LINK DOESENT WORK! I FEEL HOPELESS  

Oh!  The home pages has moved.  Thanks for the heads up.  I have corrected the link in the software FAQ, so you can download it now.

Ok, when I said I don't have a single idea on how to install Linux, I wasn't kidding.
I really don't know where to start.
I don't know what version of Vector Linux I want or anything.
I can start a Knoppix "slaxware" CD, but my screen cannot handle 1024x768 resolution, just 800x600.
I can answer any question to make this easy as possible...
(And I don't know what to do with an ISO file. I don't have any ISO programs. )

but my screen cannot handle 1024x768 resolution, just 800x600.

That could be a problem.  Many of the Linux GUIs assume a minimum resolution of 1024*768, which may irritate!

You could start with >this< VectorLinux version.  Use the iceWM or XFCE window managers for speed.  They may be okay on lower resolutions.  YMMV.

(And I don't know what to do with an ISO file. I don't have any ISO programs. )

Go to the software FAQ (see my signature) and download DeepBurner.  You may also want to obtain >md5summer< - you can then check the md5 sum of your download against >this<.  If they don't match up, you know that you need to download again (otherwise you'll just end up burning yet another holographic coffee coaster)...

Once you've got it burnt, just boot from the CD.

[Moderator]

but my screen cannot handle 1024x768 resolution, just 800x600.

That could be a problem.  Many of the Linux GUIs assume a minimum resolution of 1024*768, which may irritate!

You could start with >this< VectorLinux version.  Use the iceWM or XFCE window managers for speed.  They may be okay on lower resolutions.  YMMV.

(And I don't know what to do with an ISO file. I don't have any ISO programs. )

Go to the software FAQ (see my signature) and download DeepBurner.  You may also want to obtain >md5summer< - you can then check the md5 sum of your download against >this<.  If they don't match up, you know that you need to download again (otherwise you'll just end up burning yet another holographic coffee coaster)...

Once you've got it burnt, just boot from the CD.

Thank you so much! Its on my priority list for tomorrow.
Hopefully, I will be able to figure it all out.
One quick question before I end up killing myself from confusion:
Can Linux be started from DOS?
Thanks

Ive Seen a Few Linux Installers that can be Started from dos, but you would be Better off Booting off the Linux disk

After you Burn it , just Boot off fit the Same way you would A windows CD

[Moderator]

Ok. Thanks, Panboy.
Rob:
If I get all the ISO stuff onto the disk, can I still add Fips to the disk?
I am wondering because I dint want to cause any problems installing, you now, in case it does something with the Fips file, like copies it, or messes up the installation...
(I wish I had Internet in my room, it would make everything easier)

CMLS
(I need an acronym for the letters CMLS. Like DMSCB=Dead Monkeys Smell Bad... or EGBDF.... etc...if you can think of any, send me a PM)

Fips it Self is a Bootable Program , You'll want to Put it on a Different Disk

Thats Wrong Bad Panboy!

I would Put Fips on a Dos Boot Disk Separate to my Linux Disk.

As you can't boot two Programs off one Disk(With out Writing your won Boot program), Fip's can Fit on a Floppy so i don't see this to be a problem.

[edit][timestamp=1153217219][/edit]

[Moderator]

Fips it Self is a Bootable Program , You'll want to Put it on a Different Disk

Thats Wrong Bad Panboy!

I would Put Fips on a Dos Boot Disk Separate to my Linux Disk.

As you can't boot two Programs off one Disk(With out Writing your won Boot program), Fip's can Fit on a Floppy so i don't see this to be a problem.

[edit][timestamp=1153217219][/edit]

Well, the only problem is that I don't have a computer with a floppy hooked up to the Internet.
I will see what Rob says...

You can Make a Dos Boot CD with Nero , Nero Come with a Version of "Nero Dos" you can Used for making boot CD's it aslo has the Ability to use an image of a Boot Floppy and Convert it in to a Boot CD, Ill see if i can Find some Help Doc's for this

I think there may also be a Boot Disk image For CD's on Robs Webpage, or in the BootDisks Topic.

You don't need a boot disk for the FIPS stuff.  Just boot to DOS.  Get FIPS on that machine by whatever means you have available - plonking it on a CD (all on its own... aah...) would be fine.

I wouldn't recommend attempting to add FIPS to a Linux CD.  You'd need to extract all the Linux files from the ISO, add in FIPS and burn your own bespoke compilation.  Not worth the hassle.

Good luck downloading FIPS.  I can't get a response from the FTP server.  You might need to google for a mirror.

[Moderator]

You don't need a boot disk for the FIPS stuff.  Just boot to DOS.  Get FIPS on that machine by whatever means you have available - plonking it on a CD (all on its own... aah...) would be fine.

I wouldn't recommend attempting to add FIPS to a Linux CD.  You'd need to extract all the Linux files from the ISO, add in FIPS and burn your own bespoke compilation.  Not worth the hassle.

Good luck downloading FIPS.  I can't get a response from the FTP server.  You might need to google for a mirror.

FIPS is on the Vector Linux install disk.
I have the image on the disk now... its all well. I used "Sonic Record"
One question:
will the Linux installation allow me to install on the drive I want it to? (Allow me to select the drive I want it to install to...)

Yes.

[Moderator]

Yes.

Ok. Great!

BTW: I checked out your software page, and it was AWESOME!
I downloaded both games, and really had a blast with one of them!
Thanks for making that list of computer essentials. It must have been a tedious process...

Thanks for making that list of computer essentials. It must have been a tedious process...

You're welcome.  Not too tedious.  It has grown gradually.

[Moderator]

OK. I am defragmenting my disk now. My next question:
I just downloaded from the link you gave me. I don't really know what version I just downloaded.  
How big should the partition I am about to make be?

[Moderator]

I have it installed now....
Everything went well (except installation was a bit difficult to figure out)
The boot menu set itself up, it works well. (and is installed on the MBR)
Now, here's my question:
I set the color bits too low, and the resolution. How do I change these again?
And when I start Vector Linux, I get a startup menu asking me what system I would like to run. (EG Flukebox, icecomething, etc...) Which one should I select? And  can I make it so it always goes to the same one?

Linux's distros , always come withe a bunch of Desktops , KDE and Gnome are I think are some of the More User Friendly.

I would try them all then see which one you like Best. and stick with it, as for Setting a default One , i have no Idea

For Linux help, please start a new thread in the Linux forum.

[Moderator]

Yes, this thread has wandered far afield from WIndows 98 skins.  

[Moderator]

Yes, this thread has wandered far afield from WIndows 98 skins.  

Ok. I will.....

http://www.computerhope.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1153509698/0