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Zulas Desktop Environment
[WIP]
Codename: Gelato
*Cough* This is a Work In progress. There is currently no Public Stable Release as of yet! *Cough*
Zulas is a Desktop Environment created within C#. Also, this is not be confused with a 'Linux' Desktop Environment.
This 'Environment' is for use on the Windows Platform. But why?~
The purpose for it being on Windows Only; is because, if you're sick and tired of the Windows Explorer Interface. Whether you are running Windows XP, or the latest and greatest Windows 10.
Zulas also does not modify, or replace any Windows Files, Extensions, or the Explorer environment itself. Instead, it completely runs on top of it!
Now, this has been done before; but has it been executed well? Most of these Visual Basic OS', aren't very good. Or at all for that matter.
But, what if we could change that?
By first using a more complex, programming language. A more feature rich, and simplistic interface; and the ability to launch Win32 apps in general!
Well, that's what Zulas aims to be!
Zulas has been a project for three years now, and continues to grow. Although, when it first started; it was created within Visual Basic, and wasn't that appealing of an Interface. So, for the past month I have been Redesigning it, from the ground up in C#.
I have also, been using a few other Open Source Libraries. Such as the Chromium Open Source Lib, Material and Metro Design Lib, and my own QTX Design Lib. These libraries are used together to give you the best experience possible.
Okay, so what does it do?
Zulas allows you to use the Integrated Applications that are bundled with it, as well as install any new ones via the GitHub repository.
This is done by simply reading an xml file, parsing it, and displaying information on a 'Store' application. You can then select a App, install it, and run it!
All apps are separate executables, but they all use the same design libraries. Making the visual experience seamless.
Zulas also will allow you to launch Win32 apps (As stated before.) Currently, I am testing ways to get it to work properly; and also to try and integrate the Design into Win32 apps.
In other words, change your favorite applications Titlebar, button, and other object designs; to match that of Zulas' own.
Zulas also has the ability to change the layout of the Desktop. You can change it to something more fitting to your style. You can make the layout resemble that of Windows, macOS, or even a list of Linux Environments. Such as "Gnome, Unity, KDE, XFCE, LXDE, etc."
Zulas also has a simple Account System. You can create up to four different accounts! Wowza, so many!
Reason being, is that it can be a mess trying to have more than four, or an infinite amount for that matter.
Zulas does not use any form of Encryption for the time being. So, do be advised that Zulas is easier to exploit, and hack than Windows Explorer.
Cool idea, but why would I want to use it?
Simple; as stated before hand, if you're sick and tired of the Windows Explorer environment~ You can use Zulas.
Although, the main reason why; is if you don't want to replace Windows. For something like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Arch Linux.
Of course, you won't be getting that Linux Experience, but you don't have to go through the hassle of Installing a Distro.
And probably taking at least an hour to backup documents, and other files. As well as look for alternative programs.
Instead, using Zulas to just run on top of Windows is a better solution for some. You're not replacing Windows, and you can still use
all of your favorite Programs, and access all your files.
Okay, this sounds cool and all; but where can I get it?
Zulas is still in development. So, there is no stable build available at this time. Although, there are some unstable testing builds available on the GitHub Repository; "master\builds."
Do keep in mind that these builds are nowhere near finished, and the latest build may not even be there, or compiled. Since I may have not even committed the changes.
Great, can I see it though?
Sure, here are some recent screenshots of Zulas:
NOTE: Some of the icons that are shown in the Interface, may/may not be final.
Nor is the Interface itself. Things are subject to change.
I am also still implementing the Chromium Browser. There is currently no Tab Support,
and many other Chrome features. There is hardly any documentation... SIGH!
Here are the links:
And more info about AtomUI is available on the GitHub Wiki.
Components used:
- CefSharp 62 (x86, Chromium)
- Material Design Lib (x86)
- Metro Controls (Win 8.1/Win 10)
- Atom (Formerly QTX) Design Lib (0.1.4_vanilla, x86)
- Live Wallpaper System.
- Weather System
- Fading, Blur, and other Image Manipulation systems.
- A sleek and simplistic Notification System. Uses the Atom Design Lib.
Last edited by Dr.Hacknik,
