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If you've ever wished you could have that multipage graphical user interface (GUI) that you see in Macs and Android devices, your wait is over. Blacksmith from jLab promises to bring that type of functionality to a Windows environment for free.
The Virtual Desktop Manager might seem daunting to the newbie at first, but the application is well worth knowing once you get the hang of it. Blacksmith allows Windows users to configure as many as four desktops into their system and provides them with quite a number of options to manipulate them. These include assigning separate icons for each desktop, changing desktops at will, making windows transparent, and customizing wallpaper settings. Changes to the screen are done with either the mouse, the keyboard, or in the case of laptops, the touch pad.
Blacksmith brings a GUI elegance and functionality previously only enjoyed by Mac users and makes it available to Windows users. The application is limited to Windows XP, Vista, and 7 machines. One minor issue we found during the test is that the application does not uninstall cleanly, leaving behind some folders that must be manually deleted.
Publisher's Description
From jLab:
Blacksmith extends your Windows GUI. Main features: Virtual Desktops and Window Switcher; Application Launcher like smartphones; Make other applications' windows topmost or semitransparent.
Enjoy your single-display like a multi-display. Portability in your USB flash drive. For Windows users who want the elegance.
What's new in this version: Version 1.5.4 :
- Supported Windows8 tentatively
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All versions:
3.3 starsout of 3 votes
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Current version:
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Results 1-3 of 3
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"Best desktop switcher. Period."
Version: Blacksmith 1.5.3
Pros
No install needed. (just unzip folder wherever, run from unzipped location)
Interesting features, such as: animated switchers (Android is my favorite), Custom wallpapers, a shortcut launching system, and so much more.Cons
Sometimes hangs and you have to enter the configuration menu to fix.
Summary
With it's myriad of features, zero spam or spyware, and ease of install and uninstall, (just delete the folder), Blacksmith rises above the competition.
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"Zip archive available"
Version: Blacksmith 1.5.2
Pros
You can download Blacksmith as a zip file now. Not an exe installer.
Cons
I'm sorry about no updating for more than 2 months.
Summary
Now installation became very simple.
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"Installed spyware onto my computer, not happy"
Version: Blacksmith 1.5.2
Pros
The program itself is okay,
Cons
The program installs spyware called incredibar onto your computer, which is incredibly annoying to remove
Summary
Don't get this program, disgraceful to have on CNET.com
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