Configuring your Desktop

 

 

The BeOS User Interface is highly customisable and set to become even more so in future releases. The two main components of of the desktop, Tracker and Deskbar, have just been released as open source software, so expect to see some interesting variants in the near future. Below are some of the frequently asked questions that new users typically ask about the Desktop.

Desktop FAQ's

How can change the look of my windows?

The look of the windows in BeOS can be changed using a little hidden extra. Hold the left Ctrl-Alt-Shift key down, and click on the Be menu. A new option will have appeared called Window Decor, which gives you the option of having Win95/98, MacOS 9 or Amiga-look windows as an alternative to the classic BeOS look. If you like the BeOS look, but don't like yellow that much, then download a utility called Window Shade (available from Be Bits) and its front end WS Control. This will allow you to set whatever colour you like for the title tab.

How can I change an icon?

This is done by right clicking on the icon you want to change, and choosing Add-Ons > File Type. Then do the same with the icon you want to use. You should now have two similar panels open. In the top right-hand corner of each is an icon well. Simply drag the icon you want to the well of the icon you want to change and save it.

How do I change the Trash icon?

All the Tracker icons can be changed, but should only be attempted if you're quite sure you know what you're doing. First, make a back-up copy of Tracker, which is found in /boot/beos/system/. Then right-click, choose 'Open with' > Quick Res. You will see the resources of the Tracker laid out. Among them will be the Trash icons. Click on the 'empty' Trash icon, and an icon editor will appear. Do the same to the icon you want to use as a replacement, and then drag the new icon from its well to the Trash icon well. Then do the same for the Trash 'full' icon. Save the Tracker resource file and close all windows. Hit Ctrl-Alt-Delete to bring up the thread manager, and kill Tracker. Ctrl-Alt-Delete again, and restart the Desktop. The Trash icon will have changed.

Are there themes for the BeOS?

No, not yet. This is partly because the menus, fonts, backgrounds and (to an extent) sounds can be easily configured anyway, and also because the BeOS is so fast you don't need animated cursors to keep you amused while your browser opens. Changing the looks of cursors isn't yet achievable at user level, but may be in future versions.

Where can I get cool things like backgrounds for my Desktop?

Head on over to Be News, who have a repository of nice goodies designed especially for the BeOS in their Media Center.