Topic: Separate the Start menu and task bar?

In Windows, I'm wondering if it's even possible to do this. I'm interested in this to make my Windows machine a little more like Linux. I'd like the Start menu on the top along with the system tray and maybe the quick launch too, and the task bar on the bottom. Is this possible? If it is, how dangerous would it be to do?

I doubt it would really be possible without something like Window Blinds or the such. Could use Linux and run Gnome

Later,

C:\

Just drag the toolbar to the top of the screen. I prefer it in that position


Those who look for monsters should look to it that
they do not become monsters. For when you gaze
long into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.

Ah sorry I've jut re-read your question

quote:

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zavaboy said:

I'd like the Start menu on the top along with the system tray and maybe the quick launch too, and the task bar on the bottom.

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I thought you meant this sorry, time I had some Zzzzzzzzzzzzleep

I prefer my task bar to be at the bottom more than I prefer the Start menu on the top.

just to say, I would love it if the layout of windows was like you were talking about zavaboy. Much like Gnome or Apple or Fluxbox (sort of )

I did see somewhere where someone had gnome or some gnome style desktop running on XP. I am sure it required some hack that could screw up your system though.

Have your toolbar on the bottom and everything else on the top would be nice though.

Later,

C:\

You can always give litestep a try.
If I remember it should basically be able to do this - might need some configuring though.

Wow, TP, that's looking like a good solution to my predicament. According to the Litestep website, there are others. Thanks, TP, I'll try one of them out.

I know it's not quite what you're looking for, but on my XP installation, I use RocketDock at the bottom of the screen, the Start Menu (etc) at the top, and have my applications minimise to the dock (just as with OSX). I then add my Links folder to the taskbar, and create 'menu' item folders inside the links folder. Not a lot of people know this, but the links folder, when added as a toolbar to the taskbar, retains its properties in that folders open in a menu style rather than just linking to the folder in an explorer window.

Of course, it means I don't use the Links folder in IE, but I use FF anyway, so it makes no odds to me.

To do this, right-click on the taskbar, Toolbars>Links. Right-click on the new Links toolbar and un-tick Show Title - you may want to un-tick Show Text too, but you can retain the labels in order to emulate a menu bar. Right-click on the Links toolbar again and Open Folder. Delete any junk you don't want on your customised menu bar, then add folders with the names of the menu items you want available. Shortcuts and folders placed inside these folders will serve as your menu items and sub-menus.

Adding a freebie like Rocket Dock to the desktop and setting the 'minimise to dock' function takes some of the clutter away from the taskbar. RKLauncher has even more functionality suited to eradicating the Taskbar, but it's no longer supported, and I like the fact that Rocket Dock gives me live thumbnails under Vista.

It means my XP desktop is, cosmetically and functionally, very similar to the OSX interface, but with the running (un-minimised) applications still shown on the taskbar. Rocket Dock has a very small memory footprint and is easy on resources. The Links toolbar makes no difference to performance, and I find it easier and more responsive than the Start Menu, as I can make it any way I like, and it's not graphically intensive in the least. Also, every menu and menu iten automatically includes its own customisable mini icon, so it's not dog-ugly either.

That's probably not what you're looking for at all, but perhaps it'll help.

I've used Geoshell, and it should do exactly what you need. It's also simple to set up.