Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
Although some people are completely satisfied with the default Windows desktop interface, for others, customization is a must. Rainmeter (32-bit) is an attractive way to view system performance and a variety of other useful information--e-mail, weather, RSS feeds, and much more--right on the desktop. Casual users should beware, however; although it's not difficult to get started with Rainmeter, learning to fully utilize its features will take some time and geekery.
The program comes with two different themes, Enigma and Gnometer. Both of these are modular, transparent, and highly customizable. There is a wide variety of other themes around the Internet--an enthusiastic community of Rainmeter fans keeps them coming--so users who aren't crazy about Enigma and Gnometer can easily find other options. Features vary from theme to theme, but some common ones we came across include shortcuts to frequently used programs, clocks, calendars, notes, and news stories. Each theme can be reconfigured in a wide variety of ways, as each individual module can be dragged and dropped anywhere on the screen. All this flexibility is great for the hard-core Rainmeter user, but new users should expect a lot of trial and error, as the program definitely isn't as intuitive as it could be. The program comes with quite a bit of documentation, but even that doesn't really begin to describe what Rainmeter is capable of or how to use it. Overall, we think that Rainmeter is a great choice for users who like to geek out over customizing their desktops, but users who are looking for something that's easy and low maintenance will be frustrated and disappointed.
Rainmeter (32-bit) is free. It installs and uninstalls without issues, and we recommend this program to serious desktop customizers.
Publisher's Description
From Rainmeter:
Rainmeter displays customizable skins, like memory and battery power, RSS feeds and weather forecasts, right on your desktop. Many skins are even functional: they can record your notes and to-do lists, launch your favorite applications, and control your media player - all in a clean, unobtrusive interface that you can rearrange and customize to your liking. Rainmeter is at once an application and a toolkit. You are only limited by your imagination and creativity.
What's new in this version: Version 2.5 added FileView plugin, new ClipString=2 setting and new ClipStringW / ClipStringH options.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 12 votes
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Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
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"Works as stated"
Version: Rainmeter 2.3.3
Pros
All modules can be configured. Have noticed no heavy usage of CPU nor RAM. Very lightweight and does what you tell it to. Just using the basic settings works just fine. Even works fine on corporate workhorse computers (read as c**p computers).
Development still continues on this product as I just went direct to the website and picked up version 2.4 (sort of a prerelease). Hopefully the new version is just as rock steady as the 2.3.3 has been.Cons
The only problem I have ever noticed was the weather box. It would be slow to pick up on the statistics. But then again we were using a private corporate proxy.
No other issues have been noted. -
"Outstanding!"
Version: Rainmeter 2.3.3
Pros
I using this "gadget", a long time ago. It doesn't eating my pc's memory, neither.
Cons
I can't find any "con's" at all. It kept up on guard. The forecast
hasn't failed me .., so far!Summary
Addicted to the software? Not exactly! I have wrote down the weather, since A.D. 1973-03-13! This gadget has never failed my buddies interests, .. neither myself.
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"awesome!!!!!!"
Version: Rainmeter 2.0
Pros
Unlimited cuztomization n easy to use!!!!!!!!!
Cons
No cons so far......
Summary
Hey everybody, you should try the ominimo theme, its like no other
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"The best I have used."
Version: Rainmeter 2.0
Pros
Ease of additions to your desktop, unlimited customization.
Cons
None as of yet.
Summary
This is a great program.
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"good and versatile"
Version: Rainmeter 1.3
Pros
Versatile and can do alot with it.
Cons
Not an extremely friendly user interface but better than the version before.
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"Best I've used yet."
Version: Rainmeter 1.3
Pros
Easily configured
Cons
None as of yet.
Summary
Schweet!
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"the ultimate customization tool"
Version: Rainmeter 1.2
Pros
If you are a customization enthusiast or even just want to make your desktop shine rainmeter is the tool for you. It's not a traditional application and can take a little while to get the hang of but once you do you'll be very happy with the results
Cons
easy to learn, difficult to master... as with any great tool.
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"AVG Antivirus identified Rainmeter 32-bit as Trojan"
Version: Rainmeter 1.1
Pros
Nothing, because I can't use it.
Cons
According with my own experience, it is a serious and danger Virus.
Summary
After I installed this software inmy PC, immediately AVG Anivirus alerted me about Rainmeter as a Trojan.
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"Looks good"
Version: Rainmeter 1.1
Pros
Very usefull and the most important of all is FREE
Cons
No Cons, all good stuff
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"Rainmeter-the greatest free software around"
Version: Rainmeter 1.1
Pros
Most customization software is hard-coded, and you can't change much. With Rainmeter, you can change whatever you want and the more you learn about it, the more you can tweak it.
Cons
There are no cons unless you're a very impatient or lazy person. You do have to study the software abit if you want to do some serious tweaking or make your own skins.
Summary
If you need 64 bit, you can get it here http://download.cnet.com/Rainmeter-64bit/3000-2072_4-10965488.html?tag=mncol or for the newest beta version 1.2, download it at Rainmeter.net at http://rainmeter.net/RainCMS/
The software does not have a trojan or virus. It's a false positive. I've been using rainmeter for over a year (all versions) and haven't had any problems. Avast especially was showing false positives for a brief period till they were informed of this issue and they have since corrected their software. It's totally safe to use.
Updated on Jan 24, 2010
Updated on Jan 24, 2010The software does not have a trojan or virus. It's a false positive. I've been using rainmeter for over a year (all versions) and haven't had any problems. Avast especially was showing false positives for a brief period till they were informed of this issue and they have since corrected their software. It's totally safe to use.
