Fierelier
Freshman Member
Posts: 35 
OS: Windvn Daedalus (Devuan)
Theme: gtk-theme-raleigh
CPU: i5-520M
RAM: 4GB
GPU: Intel HD (Gen5)
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Post by Fierelier on Dec 28, 2022 22:26:36 GMT -8
PLEASE NOTE: The tool is currently in a super-early state and is missing little bits and pieces to make it complete.
OCT is an open-source toolkit meant to be an alternative to the now closed-source SCT. The two projects are not associated.It makes use of:* ClassicThemeTray* Open-Shell Features: * It's open source and will stay that way. * It introduces its own optional shell, to make the explorer.exe main process classic-themed. * All-in-one, configurable (if desired), installation/deinstallation. * The components are downloaded from original sources at run-time. * As much data as possible is kept within its own folder. * It can easily be expanded with your own modules. Supported operating systems:* Windows 10 (32-bit or 64-bit), tested: 21H2 * Windows 8.1 (32-bit or 64-bit) TODO:* Add config file* Classic metrics* 3D borders via UPM* Windows 8.1 compatibility* Windows 11 compatibility * Task Manager replacement  DownloadInstructions are enclosed in readme.txt. |
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Fierelier
Freshman Member
Posts: 35
OS: Windvn Daedalus (Devuan)
Theme: gtk-theme-raleigh
CPU: i5-520M
RAM: 4GB
GPU: Intel HD (Gen5)
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Post by Fierelier on Dec 29, 2022 17:07:38 GMT -8
Release version 1.1:
* Components have been separated into different scripts.
* You can now choose which components to install by editing config.bat.
* Classic window metrics added for more accurate appearance.
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Post by TechSalt on Dec 30, 2022 1:58:01 GMT -8
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Fierelier
Freshman Member
Posts: 35
OS: Windvn Daedalus (Devuan)
Theme: gtk-theme-raleigh
CPU: i5-520M
RAM: 4GB
GPU: Intel HD (Gen5)
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Post by Fierelier on Dec 30, 2022 10:15:28 GMT -8
I just like curl because it uses OpenSSL. On outdated OSes Microsoft's crypto libs tend to go outdated, and there doesn't seem to be a big interest (or it's not easily possible) to swap Windows' libs. Many sites force HTTPS, even if it's not necessarily required, it's a big problem. I know this is for a modern-ish OS, but it just makes me more comfortable to include it.
Previously, I had set PATH to expand in a way where Windows' curl is preferred if it's installed, but I decided to make it an override instead, since my kit now includes .bat commands, and I didn't want that to interfere with any user configuration. Maybe I'll separate stuff into folders, and prefer the installed curl once more.
Perhaps I could also download curl with one of the methods above, but having something that "just works" makes me feel more assured.
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Post by leet on Dec 30, 2022 13:15:47 GMT -8
I strongly advise refraining from using `Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted`. PowerShell disables this by default for a good reason: security. I suggest you use a tool like ClassicThemeTray instead of Set-ClassicTheme, which doesn't require the entire PowerShell and NtApiDotNet installation. It just requires .NET 4.8. (https://github.com/spitfirex86/ClassicThemeTray)
By the way, I very much don't appreciate the naming used here. I wouldn't understand why you would ruin an honestly okay piece of software by naming it something toxic. I did not want to take this seriously and react, the only reason why I'm putting this reply here is because your software has security issues.
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Fierelier
Freshman Member
Posts: 35
OS: Windvn Daedalus (Devuan)
Theme: gtk-theme-raleigh
CPU: i5-520M
RAM: 4GB
GPU: Intel HD (Gen5)
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Post by Fierelier on Dec 30, 2022 13:47:32 GMT -8
The security impact of Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted is in my opinion very much overstated, since you can run any PowerShell script by doing powershell -c "Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Scope CurrentUser" and running the script, or by using powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass .\script.ps1. It's also possible to combine a PowerShell script into a batch script, meaning you can run an entire PS script from batch without creating another file. Feel free to let me know if I'm missing something. In my case, setting the execution policy is necessary, otherwise the script cannot self-elevate without modification, which would probably be out of scope for pure batch. But be assured, if a script was malicious, it could do that regardless. Thank you for suggesting ClassicThemeTray, it sounds great, because PowerShell is kinda slow to start. And relating to naming: I saw how your project was going closed source, I didn't like it, and I made my own to replace it in my own eyes. People are free to think what they want about it. I'm just openly stating my opinion and giving people something that is a good-willed intended improvement on your project. I'll gladly choose an entirely different name if you withhold making your project closed source  |
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Post by TechSalt on Dec 30, 2022 14:34:13 GMT -8
By the way: I recommend modifying the userinit key and not the shell key. Explorer can't start with the taskbar/in shell mode unless shell is set to it. But, explorer won't care about userinit.
The worst that could happen is that Windows adds the original userinit.exe back to the key, but you can also rename userinit.exe to something else and make BSCT run it.
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Fierelier
Freshman Member
Posts: 35
OS: Windvn Daedalus (Devuan)
Theme: gtk-theme-raleigh
CPU: i5-520M
RAM: 4GB
GPU: Intel HD (Gen5)
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Post by Fierelier on Dec 30, 2022 14:59:29 GMT -8
@techsalt My shell actually sets the shell back to explorer before starting it, which makes the taskbar work. There is a batch in the startup folder which sets it back to my shell, after explorer started. This makes it possible for the user to log off before the second script started, however, it will fix itself if the user is patient next time.
Also, I just released version 1.2, which uses ClassicThemeTray instead of Set-ClassicTheme, as ʇǝǝๅ ftw suggested.
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Post by leet on Dec 30, 2022 15:55:25 GMT -8
And relating to naming: I saw how your project was going closed source, I didn't like it, and I made my own to replace it in my own eyes. People are free to think what they want about it. I'm just openly stating my opinion I am totally fine with this and giving people something that is a good-willed intended improvement on your project. Everything in this part of your post is bullshit. - good-willed: Your sole intention with this project is to shit on SCT. Nothing else.
- improvement: This 'better' SCT thing you made is significantly worse than Simple Classic Theme. It lacks a TON of features and it's batch for God's sake!
- on your project: This is where you cross the line. Your software is in no way, shape or form, a rendition of Simple Classic Theme. It's not based on it, and it certainly doesn't 'improve' upon it. It's a separate piece of software designed by yourself. You're linking your software with my software, even though they're completely unrelated projects. I do not want people to think SCT is shit, because even 'Better' SCT was shit.
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herit://that1cutie
Sophomore Member
sad girl times
Posts: 165 
OS: Windows 10
Theme: Shitbox Edition
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Post by herit://that1cutie on Dec 30, 2022 16:13:13 GMT -8
The security impact of Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted is in my opinion very much overstated, since you can run any PowerShell script by doing powershell -c "Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Scope CurrentUser" and running the script, or by using powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass .\script.ps1. It's also possible to combine a PowerShell script into a batch script, meaning you can run an entire PS script from batch without creating another file. Feel free to let me know if I'm missing something. In my case, setting the execution policy is necessary, otherwise the script cannot self-elevate without modification, which would probably be out of scope for pure batch. But be assured, if a script was malicious, it could do that regardless. Thank you for suggesting ClassicThemeTray, it sounds great, because PowerShell is kinda slow to start. And relating to naming: I saw how your project was going closed source, I didn't like it, and I made my own to replace it in my own eyes. People are free to think what they want about it. I'm just openly stating my opinion and giving people something that is a good-willed intended improvement on your project. I'll gladly choose an entirely different name if you withhold making your project closed source You seem to think closed-source is inherently evil. Open-source programming does not make things inherently better- that is what *better code* is for. This would make a bit more sense if Simple Classic Theme was a huge money-making AAA software but it isn't. It has one single developer who you are madly and openly disrespecting, a developer who was able to make a program the rest of the people on these forums couldn't make. This developer, unlike you, also did not punch down upon other previous classic theme devs. Bashing SCT, just because it doesn't line up exactly the way you want it to, will not make your program better, and certainly does not entice me to try it. Also, the *creator and owner of the program* absolutely is in the right to tell you, *not the creator,* to not use the name of their software. You don't have the right to steal something *you did not create* and then hold it ransom *from its creator,* especially while also using their suggestions. That's insult on top of injury, on top of insult, which garners no good will into this community. You can stay smug should you like but your behaviour is obvious to any you show. Further, you cannot use your opinions as a basis for technical security. A program's security holes are not suddenly fixed just because you have decided to think the active security hole isn't a problem. Including outdated SSH libraries for a program that is used upon an operating system, which itself does not use those libraries, is just simply redundant. Redundancy in this manner makes programs less efficient and run slower, which is antithetical to your rasons to step away from PowerShell. Also, what's the point of creating an open-source software so you can shoot down 2/3 of people's suggestions? I would just make it closed-source at that point. Your end game here is a mystery.
I'm not saying you can't make this program, I'm happy this process is being examined from multiple coding angles, but you don't have to act so disrespectfully to people who have done you personally no wrong.
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Fierelier
Freshman Member
Posts: 35
OS: Windvn Daedalus (Devuan)
Theme: gtk-theme-raleigh
CPU: i5-520M
RAM: 4GB
GPU: Intel HD (Gen5)
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Post by Fierelier on Dec 30, 2022 16:56:11 GMT -8
and giving people something that is a good-willed intended improvement on your project. Everything in this part of your post is bullshit. - good-willed: Your sole intention with this project is to shit on SCT. Nothing else.
- improvement: This 'better' SCT thing you made is significantly worse than Simple Classic Theme. It lacks a TON of features and it's batch for God's sake!
- on your project: This is where you cross the line. Your software is in no way, shape or form, a rendition of Simple Classic Theme. It's not based on it, and it certainly doesn't 'improve' upon it. It's a separate piece of software designed by yourself. You're linking your software with my software, even though they're completely unrelated projects. I do not want people to think SCT is shit, because even 'Better' SCT was shit.
* good-willed: My sole intention is to make a better version of SCT, you're assuming it's not. * improvement: Batch can work fine for certain things, this is one of them. I have been programming in it for 10+ years now. * on your project: The softwares are loosely related, since my software is doing the same job as yours and was inspired by your software. No, it does not use the same code-base, consider it more of a remake. You seem to think closed-source is inherently evil. Yes, you're right. Open-source programming does not make things inherently better- that is what *better code* is for. I agree, there's many aspects that go into software. This software does more than just offer open code. Please read my main post again. It has one single developer who you are madly and openly disrespecting Calling someone dumb once is somehow mad? Yes, I don't respect him, because of the decision he made that I consider bad in my mind. a developer who was able to make a program the rest of the people on these forums couldn't make. He admitted that his software is not that complicated. A lot of the things he does in the software can be done with batch and open source components. Bashing SCT, just because it doesn't line up exactly the way you want it to, will not make your program better I never said it did. Also, the *creator and owner of the program* absolutely is in the right to tell you, *not the creator,* to not use the name of their software. I don't think "Simple Classic Theme" is trademarked. You don't have the right to steal something *you did not create* and then hold it ransom *from its creator,* especially while also using their suggestions I didn't steal anything. He can still use his name if he so desires. He can make a software called "Even Better Simple Classic Theme" for all I care. And it was his choice to submit a suggestion. A program's security holes are not suddenly fixed just because you have decided to think the active security hole isn't a problem. Similarly, a security hole isn't a security hole when it isn't one. I'm perfectly open to admit that I'm wrong, but I don't see it here. Including outdated SSH libraries for a program that is used upon an operating system, which itself does not use those libraries, is just simply redundant. Redundancy in this manner makes programs less efficient and run slower, which is antithetical to your rasons to step away from PowerShell. There is a balance to be had between speed, security and comfort. I have expressed my desire and idea for a better solution already, and it will come eventually. Also, what's the point of creating an open-source software so you can shoot down 2/3 of people's suggestions? I would just make it closed-source at that point. I consider people's input, and if I don't think it will work, I just don't use it. If people don't like the direction, or the lack of direction that my project is taking, they're free to fork it. |
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Post by OrthodoxWin32 on Dec 30, 2022 16:58:08 GMT -8
leet I agree overall. Fierelier's project is absolutely not a fork of SCT, but a differing project. It's already borderline to steal the name of an existing project, but in addition to say "better than" it's totally dishonest. And more absurd: This project cannot be "a better SCT", since it has nothing to do with SCT  . A "project better than SCT" is theoretically possible on the other hand (but still unacceptable as a name in my opinion, because it induces a value judgment). And frankly, while I don't understand your decision to make SCT closed-source, you didn't hurt anyone by doing that, because we didn't close the source that was already open. It is clear that your decision does not harm anyone. On the other hand, I don't understand your opinion on batch scripts: why does something bother you about batch scripts ?
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Fierelier
Freshman Member
Posts: 35
OS: Windvn Daedalus (Devuan)
Theme: gtk-theme-raleigh
CPU: i5-520M
RAM: 4GB
GPU: Intel HD (Gen5)
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Post by Fierelier on Dec 30, 2022 17:16:26 GMT -8
to say "better than" it's totally dishonest. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. EDIT: I have edited my post a bit to clear up any confusion of the nature of this tool, I explicitly now mention the two tools are not associated. |
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herit://that1cutie
Sophomore Member
sad girl times
Posts: 165
OS: Windows 10
Theme: Shitbox Edition
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Post by herit://that1cutie on Dec 30, 2022 18:32:59 GMT -8
No dice. You seem to misunderstand that you are immensely disrespectful. No, closed-source is not inherently evil. Things are not so black and white. If you think I responded to your post before reading it you are mistaken. Do you not understand what SCT is? Because the things you claim to be adding are all part of it already. I'll have you know I didn't mention trademarking I mentioned morality which you seem to lack. You seem to be failing to acknowledge that you stole something regardless of what the law says and if you are that debilitated by legal definitions then I suggest you grow up and stop gaslighting the community you pretend to support. If your definition of morality is so bureaucratic I suggest you open your eyes to reality. Yeah balances had to be made, in the original program that you are stealing. The code that drives simple classic theme is still online just because the modern version is not open source anymore does not mean that this software is completely gone or off the Grid. It may not be trademarked according to law that doesn't make you suddenly in the right. The position of these forums is very clearly that you are in the wrong.
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Fierelier
Freshman Member
Posts: 35
OS: Windvn Daedalus (Devuan)
Theme: gtk-theme-raleigh
CPU: i5-520M
RAM: 4GB
GPU: Intel HD (Gen5)
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Post by Fierelier on Dec 30, 2022 20:10:50 GMT -8
If you disagree with my morality, then you just do.
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herit://that1cutie
Sophomore Member
sad girl times
Posts: 165
OS: Windows 10
Theme: Shitbox Edition
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Post by herit://that1cutie on Dec 30, 2022 21:01:07 GMT -8
Glad we have an understanding.
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Fierelier
Freshman Member
Posts: 35
OS: Windvn Daedalus (Devuan)
Theme: gtk-theme-raleigh
CPU: i5-520M
RAM: 4GB
GPU: Intel HD (Gen5)
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Post by Fierelier on Dec 31, 2022 1:24:13 GMT -8
Release version 1.3:
* Added Taskbar-Context-Menu-Tweaker.
* Included some themes: Classic, Incognito and Default (shortcut to W10's default theme).
* Restructured download/installation of some components for speed.
* Fixed issue where the startup script would attempt to start a component that has not been installed.
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Post by OrthodoxWin32 on Dec 31, 2022 3:13:09 GMT -8
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. EDIT: I have edited my post a bit to clear up any confusion of the nature of this tool, I explicitly now mention the two tools are not associated. Thanks for adding the mention. Afterwards, I still don't agree on the name ; but it's not for me to do anything about it. I'm not the developer of SCT after all. |
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s34642542
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Post by s34642542 on Dec 31, 2022 6:14:46 GMT -8
I had just assumed the reason for the name was an homage to things like Better TwitchTV.
I can understand why ʇǝǝๅ ftw is annoyed by it in any case. I still think it's odd that no reason was given for making SCT closed source, even though as previously stated, being closed source isn't inherently bad (although open is always better).
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Fierelier
Freshman Member
Posts: 35
OS: Windvn Daedalus (Devuan)
Theme: gtk-theme-raleigh
CPU: i5-520M
RAM: 4GB
GPU: Intel HD (Gen5)
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Post by Fierelier on Dec 31, 2022 12:45:42 GMT -8
Release version 1.4:
* Deleting DefaultColors in HKLM, so custom user colors don't reset.
* Batch commands have been moved to bat folder and are not added to %path%.
* %path% is only expanded temporarily for components that need it, preinstalled binaries are now preferred if available.
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. A "project better than SCT" is theoretically possible on the other hand (but still unacceptable as a name in my opinion, because it induces a value judgment).