Topics

1

Post New Requests Here / IDEA: Minimized Apps Render As Desktop Icons

« on: October 23, 2009, 02:53 PM »

OK, I hope I can explain this one though even if I can, it very well may turn out to be outside the scope of coding snacks.

My inspiration for this idea comes from two sources:
The Blackbox for Windows plugin - bbDeskMinimize and the freeware application - DM2's "Minimize to Floating Icon" feature.

In bbDeskMinimze, all minimized apps are rendered as icons on the desktop.  However, they are limited in style by the BB engine and look pretty block.  Also, the position is static, the only movement facilitated via the .rc file.

Here are some exaples of bbDeskMinimize:

bbLean with bbDeskMinimize - Firefox and Notepad windows both open


bbLean with bbDeskMinimize - Firefox minized to icon and Notepad open


bbLean with bbDeskMinimize - Firefox and Notepad Windows both minimized to Icons


DM2 minimizes app from a custom menu on the title bar of a window. The app is minimized to an opaque square without a caption.  Also you have little control over where they spawn or placement.  While it is more control that the bbLean plugin, it is still limiting.

Neither of these quite fites the bill as I am not using bbLean right now and the DM2 functionality doesn't quite do what I want and has a lot of quirky behavior that makes it less than desirable.

Here is an example of the DM2 functionality:

Screenshot from the about section of the DM2 website


What I would like is an app that allows you to choose between minimizing all windows to icons or selecting individual icons.  I would like the appearance and manipulation to be more like a native windows DT icon.  With a caption and the ability to drag the icons around the desktop.  Double clicking would open the application.

Extra points would be custom labels per shortcut and/or custom icons per shortcut.

Does that make sense?  If it would help, I could whip up some mock ups of the application to give a better idea of what I'm thinking.  Also, I have the source for the bbDeskMinimize plugin.  It's open source so I could upload it here for reference.

Thanks,
Kingsmob77

2

Post New Requests Here / IDEA: Monitor a folder and send shortcuts to desktop

« on: October 20, 2009, 12:27 PM »

Hi DC'ers.  

I have been a lurker for some time but haven't posted before now.  I love DC and the amazing creativity displayed by its members.

I have an idea for a little app.  If it has been requested before, please forgive me.  I searched for it but found nothing that was exactly what I am thinking.  

I'd like an app that will monitor whichever folder it is placed in and as files and/or folders are saved/moved/etc to the folder, it will create shortcuts on the desktop.

Some configuration options that would be nice:

• Ability to select output folder (Quick launch, etc)
• Filters - File Types, File Name, Wildcards, etc
• Ability to choose if files, directories or both are "shortcutted"

Again, this may have been done before and if so, many apologies.  If it hasn't been done before, does ayone feel like taking the challenge?  

Thanks,
Kingmob77