This is a super cool looking utility to change your Windows cursors and icons.
The TV-shaped program window takes a moment or two to get the feel of but once the familiarization is complete you will soon be flying.
The program offers two large knobs (like old fashioned TV control knobs), the bottom one being the on/off switch. Switch it on and the screen lights up, offering the desktop icons. Highlight an icon and you can change it to another style, or click on another button (bottom right) and it will revert back to the default Windows icon. The second position on the main switch is called "Start Bar", the third is "Drives", the fourth "Folders", then "Miscellaneous", "Cursors" and "System Control". The last position allows you to re-build your icon cache.
It also offers to include/exclude the arrow overlay on a shortcut, and to choose if you want to fill in behind text on the desktop (make the background of the text transparent so the wallpaper will show through. That last page also has an option to choose the maximum color for icons – 16 color, 256 color (recommended) or 16.7 million colors.
The program is really designed to be used with the shareware program, IconForge. However, on its own it is still a valuable tool and well worth the download (even if just to admire the graphics!). Context help is available, though not very detailed.
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ActivIcons has been updated to version 3.11.
Unfortunately we have no additional information about this update. (See Update below.)
ActivIcons has been updated to version 3.22.
The author advises that changes since version 2.x include: ability to browse/change icons set in the Windows Registry (new "Default System Icons" screen); option to use animated icons on the desktop; more options for fixing icon cache problems; added options to use your own icons for individual folder icons; new options for changing Favorites icons; new options for saving and restoring desktop icon positions; new option for hiding all desktop icons; new option for changing themes; and other improvements.
ActivIcons has been updated to version 3.24.
The author advises that changes in this version include minor compatibility enhancements for XP systems.
ActivIcons has been updated to version 3.26.
The author advises that changes in this version includes a fix to small icon display on some system, and various minor enhancements.
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Desktop Utils