Windows 10
Customise Windows
November 2019 | |^57
shell with another one. One of the simplest
to deploy is Cairo (https://cairodesktop.com)- during installation, leave the default settings,
so it installs alongside File Explorer, not
in place of it.
56
Set up apps
After installation, Cairo opens the
App Grabber to enable you to choose
which app shortcuts to add to the
Programs menu at the top of the screen.
Drag those you want into the left-hand
pane, then click Continue to place them
in subfolders such as System Tools or Office.
Click Finish.57
Use the menu bar
Cairo’s menu bar offers shortcuts to
Programs, Places (folders, This PC, Program
Files, and the Recycle bin), Documents, and
Downloads. There are various system tools
and shortcuts on the right – click ‘<’ to reveal
your Taskbar notification area icons. Click the
Cairo menu button in the top-left corner for
a slimmed-down Start menu (plus access to
Cairo’s settings, or choose Exit Cairo to return
to the regular desktop).58
Navigate folders
with Cairo
You’ll see a list of files and folders on thedesktop that correspond to those that
are on your desktop. A floating bar
enables you to change the folder shown
using the navigation buttons to move
up and down the folder tree, go back to
the ‘home’ desktop folder, or jump to a
different folder.59
Cairo’s dock
Last, but not least, is Cairo’s dock- its replacement for the Taskbar. It exclusively
displays shortcut icons and open windows - click to open, right-click for more options,
or ‘=’ to open Task View for a preview of
open windows.
60 Transform your desktop with WindowBlinds
A Download and install
Download the trial version of
WindowBlinds from http://www.stardock.com/
products/windowblinds – after
the program has installed, choose the
30-day trial, and enter your email
address. Once activated, pick a
style from the Style section of
the program to preview it.B Modify skin
Click Modify Style to make changes –
work through the Colors, Transparency,
Textures, and Fonts sections to
customise it exactly the way you want
it to look. Aching to recreate the old
Windows 7 glass-like style? Select
Diamond and choose One click blur
under Transparency.C Apply new skin
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changes in WindowBlinds, click Stop
modifying followed by Apply style to
desktop. After a short pause, you’ll see
the Windows desktop update. Continue
making tweaks – increase transparency
using the sliders, for example – and
apply them in real time.The Cairo desktop
offers a completely
different way
of navigating and
working with your PC.