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App |
Short for application. Also known as a
program.
Example: Winamp is an excellent
app for playing MP3's.
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Port |
A "port" involves transporting,
or translating a skin or theme from one program or theme
to another. Sometimes ports are from one incompatible operating
system to another. (Note: Proper etiquette requires
the permission of the original author before porting a skin
or theme.)
Example: My new theme for LiteStep
is a port of a Linux theme.
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Rip |
Any theft of graphics - skins, themes or
graphics taken without the original authors permission.
Short for "ripped off".
A person who steals graphics is called a "ripper".
Example: That skin is a rip of my
Winamp skin!
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Ripper |
see Rip
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Skin |
A graphic, or series of graphics, that
when applied to a program, changes the appearance of the
program. (Usually, a skin also includes a text instruction
file, sometimes called an ini file, to explain to the program
how to use the graphics, and where to place them.)
Example: Winamp has more skins than
just about any app.
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SS |
Screenshot |
Theme |
A group of skins that together create a
coordinated look to two or more programs.
Example: My theme includes skins for Winamp, Quicknotes,
and eFX.
The term theme is also used to describe
the skin elements of a larger program that controls the
complete desktop's look and feel.
Example: My new theme for LiteStep
is a port of a Linux theme.
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WP |
Wallpaper |
Shell |
A shell is a replacement for the Windows
Explorer interface. The Windows interface consists of the
Start button, the System tray, the Task Bar, and the desktop
icons. In other words, all those things that make Windows
LOOK like Windows. Shells replace some, or all, of those
things with replacements designed to change the look and
feel of the desktop.
Shells can emulate the look and feel of
alternate operating sytems such as the Apple Macintosh,
or Linux. It can also be something completely different
such as a fantasy of science fiction theme.
Examples of popular Shells include Litestep,
Geoshell, and Talisman (in full shell mode).
also see Shell enhancement
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Shell enhancement |
A shell enhancement is a program that runs
over the top of the Windows Explorer shell and gives it
the APPEARANCE of a different operating system or shell.
The difference though is that it is not actually a new shell.
When the shell enhancement is closed, your desktop returns
to normal.
Examples of Shell enhancement programs
include Nextstart, Hoverdesk, and DesktopX.
Talisman can also be used as a shell enhancement, but it
also has the ability to run as a full blown shell replacement
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Shell replacement |
see Shell |
Moderation |
Moderation is a word you will see used
on skin sites. It means that the administrators of that
site limit, or censor certain skins or wallpapers uploaded
to that site.
Reasons for moderation vary, but usually the focus of moderation
involve one or more of the following:
Nudity, or pornography
Copyrighted material ( such as pictures from movies, magazines,
or games)
Poor quality (this is usually a judgement made by one or
more administrators)
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