Why would anybody replace the Windows Shell?

Question

I'm using Windows 7, with the default Windows Shell (Aero). What's the benefit on switching to another Shell (such as, say, KDE4) ?

Answer 1

Most people will leave it as it is. The majority of the ones that's gonna go changing it will do so because of the "desktop screenshot" mania. Personally, I've played with decorating desktops a while back, but never found any of that stuff productive, just the opposite, it usually just distracts you more.

Answer 2

Don't quote me too much on it, but maybe Linux users who are working in Windows would want to have a more familiar feel to things -- such as virtual desktops in Litestep.

Answer 3

Just to name a few....

1. Maybe they like the interface better
2. Has more productivity features

Answer 4

Remember its not called a PC (Personal Computer) for nothing. Some people spend more time on a computer than others. Part of the whole lure of computers is the ability to explore.

Mostly the average non geek user accepts the Windows interface as is, but geeks have been skinning since dos days (Ansi.sys). Windows XP is perhaps the easiest version of Windows to skin (check out Deviant Art). There is also a paid App called Window blinds.

I know I'm discussing Skinning here - NOT shell replacement, but this is really the easiest way to change the look of your Windows installation.

Stepping back in history to the days of Litestep, explorer used to be a beast of a process. Back then replacing the shell meant saving ram. Explorer was pretty top heavy until Windows 7, since then its been nicely redesigned.

Along comes Windows 7 and every desktop on the planet looks the same. Sure there are themes, but these are just color variations on the same look.

Windows 7 by default does not skin very well, sure you can hack some sys file to get it to skin, but there are a lot less usable skins for Win 7, than for XP.

Some geeks are turning to Shell replacement just because they want diversity and more control. Microsoft don't provide this.

Having said this, I will say that after trying a few shell replacements you get an appreciation for how well designed Windows 7 really is. I must say its a very good general purpose interface. I only wish it was easier to skin and more skins were available.

Answer 5

Typically, easier usability/prettier look compel people to alter default shells. There are some lovely shells in Linux.

Answer 6

Just to see how it works.

This was the reason I used to try out every Finder replacement that came down the pipe on Mac OS Systems 6 and 7. That and trying to squeeze out a few more kb for my programs, but somehow I doubt that applies so often these days.