I have been receiving a lot of messages lately asking me about the advantages of the full Object Desktop suite from Stardock, and what exactly is included when you purchase an Object Desktop subscription. I thought it was time to give people a brief overview of Object Desktop, and what applications are included with it.

Let me start off by saying when you purchase a subscription to Object Desktop, that subscription will remain active for one year. During that time period you will receive all updates and any new additions to OD (Object Desktop). If you choose not to renew (but why would you) you can archive the current applications and use them for as long as you wish. Some people believe that when your subscription ends, you can no longer use the software, and that is just not true.

Renewing your subscription is the way to keep your applications updated, and a discount is available when renewing your subscription. An upgrade discount is also available to people who have already purchased a product such as WindowBlinds or IconPackager.

So what exactly is Object Desktop anyway? Well it's basically a suite of desktop applications designed to enhance and elevate your Windows experience.

Let's start with an essential part of OD, which is the Stardock Central application. Stardock Central is an enhanced download manager that lets users install and manage software and games from Stardock. It also allows users to communicate with other members through IRC, forums, and you have the ability to download skins and themes from it.

Some of the essential components of Object Desktop are:

WindowBlinds: WindowBlinds is probably the most notable application in Object Desktop. It will allow you to completely change the visual style of Windows Vista and XP. Using WindowBlinds skins you can easily change the look of the taskbar, start menu, windows borders, and more, without modifying or hacking your system files.

IconPackager: IconPackager allows you to change nearly all the Windows icons with a single icon package. You don't have to worry about changing individual file icons (although you can with IconPackager), you can change them all in just a few clicks. IconPackager also supports Windows Vista Live folders.

DesktopX: DesktopX lets users create and use widgets/gadgets (mini-applications), and complete desktop environments. DesktopX 3.5 will also let users create widgets that are exportable as Windows Vista sidebar gadgets.

SkinStudio: SkinStudio is an application that lets you create visual styles, or "skins" for Windows that you can use with WindowBlinds to change the look of Windows.

ObjectBar: This application will allow you to create your own Windows interface. You can create custom start menus, docks, program launchers, etc., and it's compatible with DesktopX widgets for more flexibility.

RightClick: With RightClick you can design and apply your own right-click menu. With this you can add your own custom shortcuts, system commands, and it also supports DesktopX widgets too.

TweakVista: For the Vista users out there, TweakVista is the ultimate tool for "tweaking" Windows Vista in areas such as resource management , memory optimization, security handling, and much more. It's designed for both casual and advanced users.

SoundPackager: SoundPackager (currently in beta) allows you to change Windows system sounds with "packages" of sounds. Users can also easily create their own sounds and package them to share with the community.

This is just an example of some of the applications that come with your subscription. There are several other including Keyboard LaunchPad, IconDeveloper, IconX, ObjectEdit, WindowsFX, and more. The full list of applications included can be found here.

Another benefit of subscribing is having early access to betas. Currently, Object Desktop subscribers have access to the WindowBlinds 6 and SkinStudio 6 betas before they are officially released. Many of these applications are available as stand-alone products as well, but the best value is to purchase the subscription so you can receive all the applications mentioned above.

For more information visit the Object Desktop home page.