Wallpaper FAIL!

Of all the articles I have written and research I have done, no topic seems to be as popular as wallpaper.  Believe it or not, it seems that more people are drawn to dressing up their desktop than making their computer run faster.  I sure can’t blame anyone for pursuing a pleasant scene to stare at for hours a day, I was just surprised when I saw the numbers.  Luckily for you desktop connoisseurs, I recently stumbled onto an article over at digital inspiration (via lifehacker.com) that outlines the benefits of using bing (the search engine) for wallpaper hunting.  You don’t want to miss the details.

The original article on digitalinspiration.com, written by Amit Agarwal, outlines how you can use the bing image search to find wallpaper that fits your screen.  While this may not seem like a difficult task to most, picking the proper image size for a desktop background can be more difficult than you think.  In order to really explain the benefits of the “bing wallpaper search” I want to take a step back and demonstrate the “old” method for hunting down wallpaper and compare the two.

Screen Resolution

The screen resolution of your computer is defined by the number of pixels shown horizontally and vertically.  If you right-click on your desktop and choose properties (screen resolution for Vista and 7 users), you can access the “display properties” and see what your computer is currently set at.

In short, you want to pick a wallpaper that matches, or comes very close to, your screen resolution.  By doing this, the image will be crisp and undistorted.  Faces won’t look stretched or too narrow and shapes like circles and squares will be shown properly.  It may seem like a small detail, but you are going to be staring at the screen for the majority of the day, right?

As an example, I have taken a screen shot from my laptop (shown to the right).  Based on the screen resolution (1280 x 800), I should be looking for images that were created/saved at the same size.

Finding Images – Old Method

Until recently, you were confined to searching through individual web sites for images that matched your resolution.  Great sites like vladstudio.com made it easy to choose an image, if you already knew your resolution, but only gave you a small sampling of what the internet had to offer.   Here is an example of the choices in screen resolution from vladstudio.com.  When you include the standard screen resolutions, cell phone screen sizes, dual monitor and triple monitor setups there are over 50 choices for that one desktop image.

VladStudio Has Options - Do you know which one to pick?

Google came along and added size “filtering” to their image searches, giving you a way to narrow down images to a size you could use.  This handy tool is available (over on the left-hand side under “any size”) for every image search you do on Google, but you still have to know your resolution when searching.

Google Filtering

Now – bing Wallpaper search

Finally, we have moved on to a reason that I might actually start using bing for some searches.  Their new Wallpaper size filter allows you to search for anything and simply filter for wallpapers that match your screen resolution.  You don’t have to know what that screen resolution is in advance.  That piece of information is transmitted every time you visit a web site (along with your operating system, IP address and some other tidbits).

bing Wallpaper filter

To access this great new tool, simply search for an image and then look for the “Size” filter over on the left-hand side of the screen.  One problem (if you can call it that) that I have noticed is bing doesn’t register dual-monitor setups.  It’s a small price to pay for this fantastic functionality.

Over the last few days, we have shared information on “skinning” your background to provide entertainment (see links to previous articles below).  Today, we show you how to make that space functional as well.   The Functional Desktop is available to PC users, yet it has never been very mainstream.  There are numerous programs available and each has a very different take on how you, the user, should organize your desktop for efficiency.  These programs also range from basic, easy-to-install applications to fully customizable, “you might as well be an engineer” programs that allow you to completely change the way you use your desktop and your PC.  We’re going to provide you with a few options, covering this range, that you can begin using today.

Level I – Widgets (easy)

“Widget” is not just a term used in basic algebraic equations in junior high.  It is also the term given to small, convenient programs that provide information.  Widgets can be installed using external programs (like Yahoo! Widgets), but also come standard in Windows Vista and Windows 7, where they are called Gadgets.  Much like adding Apps to an iPhone or iPod Touch, you simply choose the Widget you want, install it and it appears on your desktop.  These Widgets can show you the weather, tell the time, report the latest sports scores, provide stock quotes… The list goes on and on.

Widgets on Desktop (My Deals Widget Install)

What makes Widgets especially useful is that you can “place” them just about anywhere you want (within the desktop) without disturbing your wallpaper or shortcuts.  Choose any number of widgets you want and have information delivered to you without every opening your browser.  Best of all, Widgets are FREE!

Level II – Clocks and Calendars (mid-level)

For most of the working world, keeping track of the time and your calendar are top priority.  Microsoft Outlook does a great job of managing this information, but you can also use your desktop to help.  After all, there are times when you might forget to open Outlook or the Exchange Server (which manages this info for companies) is down!

• Wallpaper Clocks – Your wallpaper can change to completely different images or, with a wallpaper clock (from VladStudio), can simply update itself to show you the current date and time.  This information can be shown in an artistic and fun way.  The program comes with a free 30-day trial (through the use of Chameleon Clock) and will set you back $29 if you decide to keep using it.  While it isn’t free, it does provide a great service and it is a one-time fee.

Wallpaper Clock changes With the Date and Time

• Desktop Calendar – Although there might be some other programs out there, I like the look and feel of Active Desktop Calendar, which puts your calendar, notes, alarms and contacts right on your desktop.  Integration with Outlook and/or Google Calendars is possible, meaning you don’t have to keep information in two places to make use of this seamless application.  This program does come at a cost ($29.90) but might be well worth it for those who are constantly showing up late for meetings and appointments.

Active Desktop Calendar

Level III – Samurize (difficult)

If you require more control and functionality and are willing to put in the time and effort, you can make your desktop do just about anything you can dream of.  A wonderful program call Samurize allows users to access a plethora of information about their computer performance, calendar, clock, weather, mail, music…. I’ve seen Samurize desktops that update you on blog posts and sports scores.  You can essentially have the best of Levels I and II (shown above) integrated into a format and color pattern of your choosing, creating a theme that no one else on the planet has.

Samurize is FREE and has already been downloaded almost 800,000 times.  There is a vast community of users who help each other with customizations and integration, so you won’t be venturing out on your own.

Samurize Desktops - Anything is Possible (click to enlarge)

Previous Articles on “Skinning” Your Desktop

Desktop Departures – Escape With a Wallpaper Change – multi-display desktops

Wallpaper Slideshows – You Don’t Have to Choose Just One – wallpapers that change at regular intervals

Introduced in Windows 7 as a standard feature (for all versions except Windows 7 Starter), the wallpaper slideshow provides users with a utility that automatically changes the background picture at regular intervals, using a select group of images.  Users are no longer forced to stare at the same image for hours, days or even years.  With this application, the desktop can change every 30 minutes, giving you a fresh desktop.  As with many features found in newer operating systems, this type of feature has been recreated (under other names) for use in Windows XP and Vista as well.

Windows 7

Windows 7 users can begin using this feature without installing any additional software.  The easiest way to access your background options is to right-click on the desktop and choose Personalize.

Windows 7 / Personalize

Microsoft provided some “themes” that you can begin using right away or you can click on Get more themes online to search microsoft.com for more.  There are dozens to choose from.  You can  also use wallpapers that you downloaded from sites like VladStudio and DeviantArt.com.  Create your own themes, using personal photos and change out the theme for different seasons, holidays or even events.

Windows XP

Unfortunately, previous versions of Windows were not equipped with a wallpaper slideshow feature, so a few companies (including Microsoft) have filled in the void with shareware and freeware that you can install to achieve a similar functionality.

Windows XP Desktop Wallpaper Changer is a FREE download from Microsoft.  According to the Microsoft Download Center “Make your computer desktop more dynamic, interactive, useful, and fun. The Wallpaper Changer PowerToy allows your desktop wallpaper to change automatically. It also lets you choose which images to display. Select the folder of images to display as a slide show and set the display interval to change wallpaper every few minutes, hours, or days. The simple intuitive interface is easily available from the system tray.”  You can even create folders for “special days” that will use a different set of images.

LINK: Microsoft’s Download Page for this Product or you can try the Worldstart.com Download Link

Wallpaper Changer for Windows XP

Windows Vista

Locating a FREE utility for Vista proved to be quite a challenge, but I finally found a suitable program for alternating wallpapers.

DesktopSlides is a 100% FREE program that is both user and resource friendly.  According to wallpaperswide.com “You can set DesktopSlides to change your desktop wallpaper at a predetermined time interval (e.g. every 10 minutes) and customize the wallpaper position (tile, center, fit to screen) easily.”

LINK: WallpapersWide Download Page

I was unable to test this software myself, but found no bad reviews or negative comments about its performance.

DesktopSlides for Windows Vista Users

Back in December, we brought you the article Decorating is Not Over – Time to Spruce Up That Desktop, where we highlighted 5 of the best wallpaper sites on the web.  While the sites listed have some wonderful new images, we thought it was time to return to the art of desktop decorating and bring you some new ways of thinking about your wallpaper.  Over the next few days, we will shed some light on the different ways that you can “skin” your desktop to provide both entertainment and functionality.

Part I: Multiple Displays

Monitor prices have dropped steadily over the last couple of years and many offices are upgrading their workstations to larger monitors or, if you are one the lucky ones, dual monitors.  If you manage to convince your employer to pony-up the funding for that second monitor, don’t let the space go to waste.  You can increase your productivity and take advantage of the added space by finding a dual-monitor wallpaper.  These specially formatted desktop images span the two monitors (or more if you are really, really lucky) to form one, seamless image.

So, instead of wasting your space and staring at one wallpaper twice:

Dual Monitor FAIL!

You can search for and install a wider image that makes use of this wide-screen configuration:

Dual Monitor Wallpaper Win!

A quick search on Google will return thousands of images for you to choose from, but we have a few favorites for you to check out.

• VladStudio has support for 2 monitor and 3 monitor setups and provides some of the most unique images on the web.  **Unfortunately, these multi-monitor wallpapers require a membership (minimum is 3 months for $9.99)

VladStudio.com Examples

• DeviantArt.com provides Multi Display images from various artists around the world.  The images are all FREE and cover a wide range of categories/interests.

Multi-Display Images from DeviantArt.com

• DualMonitorBackgrounds.com (DMB) is exactly as advertised and FREE.  The site is very simple and easy to navigate, providing hundreds of wallpapers from 18 different categories.

DMB Provides Dual-Monitor Backgrounds

Desktop Image Considerations

Before diving in completely and making a decision on that new wallpaper, there are a few things you should consider:

1. Don’t download any installation files (.exe) or unknown file-types from web sites you are not familiar with.  Only download image files, like JPG or PNG.
2. Check the resolution of your monitors (right-click on desktop/properties/settings) and choose images that are formatted to the same resolution/aspect ratio for the best quality.  Example: if you have two monitors set at 1280×800, then will want to pick an image that is 2560×800.
3. If you have a hard time finding icons and important documents on your desktop, try choosing an image that is more of a solid color or pattern.  Very light or very dark images make great, functional backgrounds.

No single article could truly capture the excitement and pride that I feel right now so, in the spirit of every long-running television show, we would like to provide you with a look back at our most popular posts.

Organize and Stylize Your Workspace

This 2-part article highlighted a few ways that you could organize your monitors, wires, surge protector and peripherals to get the best use of the space you have to work in.  I even shared a few pics of my setup, which I am still enjoying today.  This article was read hundreds of times and was even mentioned on BlueLounge.com, who happens to be one of our favorite companies.  They are the makers of the CableDrop, a must have for anyone interested in organizing their workspace.

Links:

• Part 1 of “Organize and Stylize Your Workspace”
• Part 2 of “Organize and Stylize Your Workspace”

Decorating is Not Over – Time to Spruce Up That Desktop

Although this article was really meant for adding a little Christmas Spirit to your desktop, the links and sites mentioned provide year-round decorating fun for your PC.  We reviewed 5 sites that provide FREE (in most cases) mind-blowing wallpapers for your computer.  Since stumbling onto these sites, I have found myself changing out my wallpaper almost weekly.  As an added bonus, here are a few quick snapshots of Valentine’s Day wallpapers that we found from the same sites mentioned in the article.

Link:

• Decorating is Not Over – Time to Spruce Up That Desktop

If You Don’t Need it, Delete it!

We talk about PC maintenance several times a month and the topic is really the heart-and-soul of JumpstartMyPC.com.  As it turns out, comparing your old computer to a hoarder was the key to getting everyone’s attention.  In this article, we reviewed several program and processes that make uninstalling old programs a snap.

If your computer is running slow, this is one of the many articles that will help you understand why and teach you how to combat the issue.

Link:

If You Don’t Need it, Delete it!

There were so many more articles that I wanted to add to this list, but these were the ones that really grabbed the readers.  Remember that we have 100 articles for you to review now.  If there is a particular subject that you would like to know more about, simply use our Keyword Search feature (found on the right-hand side of our blog section) to see any articles that we have written on the subject.  You can also browse through the previous articles using the Categories or Archives.

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