Comments
NOTE : I have edited some comments for reasons of brevity or to (partially) correct spelling or flow. I have not otherwise adjusted any of the comments made and will post 'this sucks' comments, should I ever actually get any.
'As Uncle Ben said in Spiderman "With great power comes great responsibility". If you want LDE(X) to work to your specification you're in for a long period of time to fully customize it. It helps alot to go to LiteStep, be comfortable with its design and customization, THEN go to LDE(X). If you're looking for a first timer's shell get SharpE. If you want the biggest power rush in your life, give LDE(X) a try, however I will tell any first timer that you will hate it after you try to customize it. But for all (those) who feel constrained by LiteStep's power this is definitely for you. Give it a try - if you give up with in a week don't you dare draw any negative conclusions. If you stick it out you will love it.
Be Responsible, Use Your Computer's New Power With Care.' - TheSenator@shell-shocked.org, 28th August 2004.
'LDE(X) is the 'FreeBSD' of the LiteStep world. It's superior in almost every way and yet almost universally ignored. It's such a waste.' - anonymous, 10th March 2004.
'BTW, to Phil+other contributing devs--#### good job on LDE(X). Was using BB4win, but this litestep version (my first use of this shell) is just #### cool (and fast). Just a great job.' - konich, 10th January 2004.
'A total powerhouse. It's hard to comprehend of something more useful and intuitive under any operating system, past or present. If it was available under linux, it would have the same impact on people as OS X did on Apple Mac. It's a shame Microsoft don't have the same interface ideals in place for their future creations.' - Sid, 23rd July 2003.
'LDE(X)6 simply the best litestep programme around (hate to use the word theme as its far more than that, credit to Phil for creating something really unique and useful.
Shame some here (Chavo, Lolo irie etc) can not get involved in LS I have seen it degenerate into almost nothing over the past couple of years, promises, little delivered, and egotistical children running it. Pretty themes, little else.
Litestep, you had a chance for mainstream pick up and as I said you would (Steve will remember the shit I took) blew it...hate to say I told you so, but thank you to Phil for at least keeping something functional and useful alive.
So a plea, support Phil and LDE they deserve it as much as steve does here.' - RJN, 10th July 2003 @ e107.org.
'Just downloaded 6, a bloody triumph, much faster, easier to configure (my main worry when switching builds, as I have little time to "play" these days), up, running, and efficient in under an hour...excellent!' - RJN, 4th July 2003.
'6.1 could be a while :).' - me, 24th June 2003.
'Hey Phil :) LDE looks better than ever. Needless to say, if we ever felt like using Windows again, we'd be adopting LDE as soon as possible. Linux has nothing like it (yet).' - Bob@leaf, 9th June 2003.
'Currently back on the previous build now, but as soon as i get some time i'll spend a little more time configuring/installing. Still loving it by the way, I had to go back to explorer during my little problem and well.. let's say I'm not missing it :P' - Matt Hatton (nully), 3rd June 2003.
'Wow, what a create scheme (nully's silvershadow)!!!
But I canīt download it at http://www.charliehamster.co.uk/softwar....es.html there is no link. Have you forgot it or am I too stupid to find it?
I appreciate your work very much! And thank you that you coded LDE(x). I love it! It shows really what litestep can do. It is the perfect system/desktop I dream of. Better than Linux/KDE.
Can you include the Rainmeter? It is a useful tool. I have config it so, that it is halftransparency and only contains text statistiks.
Tip: here are very cool icons: http://www.deskmod.com/core.mod?show=showskin&skin_id=577 , http://www.deskmod.com/core.mod?show=showskin&skin_id=11857 and http://www.deskmod.com/core.mod?show=showskin&skin_id=6059 But I donīt know how to put it on. Can someone tell me?
P.S.: do anyone speak german? I have sometimes problem to understand the manuals/howtos' - create scheme, LDE(X) forums, 15th May 2003.'Not really a new user LOL; been using LDE(X) since it was first developed. Can almost rebuild the old ones just from the old files I still have :P but ya like the feeling of 6.0. Don't know why more people don't dl it, pretty much the most organized and complete theme for litestep ever made. Actually personally I feel it goes beyond that. Most litestep themes are just for show which is fine; that's how it first started, but it's good to see people going for that for that lil extra. Wish more people dared to be a lil different with their themes, not that I don't understand myself how hard it is to make one in the first place LOL. OK enough of the ranting :P Point is 6.0 feels good to me. Haven't had any real probs I couldn't handle. I'll start configuring it lil bit more when I have time but so far no probs.' - xanderx51, LDE(X) forums, May 2003.
'LDE(X) is in a class of its own in just about every respect....it should almost be considered its own shell.' - pika, IRC, May 2003.
'LDE is finally reaching v.6.1 It is an extrmely nice LiteStep environment. It features a panel launcher and icons on the desktop. Everything is configurable and easily turned on or off. Also are available many color schemes to suit your needs. You can find more information and screen shots at LDE(X)' - z0phi3l.us, 9th May 2003.
'Although I only tried v6 for 2 days I realised it was going to be a much improved version of LDE(X).....I installed your wonderful package 2 weeks ago.' - nully, LDE(X) forums, 17th April 2003.
' The latest beta is working wonderfully' - z0phi3l, 15th April 2003.
'Well, so far the beta of LDE(X)6 is working wonderfully. I haven't found a bug YET. I'm going to start messing with some of the config files to customize it better. BTW LDE6 has become my daily use shell now! ' - z0phi3l, LDE(X) forums, 23rd March 2003. : Looks like R6 is shaping up very nicely indeed.
'I have D/L hundreds of themes over the years and I'd just like to thank you for relighting my interest in litestep. LDE gives me all I need it's what I always hoped litestep would become fast, functional and not bad looking to boot. ' - mickbrix , 9th February 2003. : I love comments like this, naturally.
'LDE(X)....most complex (in a positive sense) and best-scripted theme there is.....it's beautiful....the backend scripting and everything. ' - ilmcuts , 22nd January 2003. : Nice to see happy users :).
'LDE(X)5.3 has been running great on my PC....All I have left is to setup a couple more shortcuts and I'm done. Great job on LDE! I appreciate your hard work. ' - z0phi3l, 20th January 2003.
'Thanks Phil, 5.3 is working without issue, now to learn to configure all of it.' - TheX, 19th January 2003.
'Ermintrude is a marvellous update to the LDE system. As a beta system, it had some rough edges, but these were remarkably few and far between. The release candidate progress is going to result in a fantastic release for the start of 2003. There are so many improvements that really demonstrate the careful, natural evolution - the brand new taskbar (complete with definable mouse actions); network browsing with the popup menu; and the new popup browsing options are just some of the changes. A new comprehensive semi-automated update system for the various user support files makes upgrading easier than ever before.' - beta tester, 11th January 2003.
'fish is fantastic - we've been using a slightly modified version for some of our internal layout and document creation processes, direct from LDE(X) as well. Well done guys.' - external company, 11th December 2002.
'I've only been using LS for about a month if you don't count the hell I went through with it 2.5 years ago, but this experience has been really really good. I use LDE (X) 5.1.2 available at charliehamster and it is amazing. It is LS on steroids. The documentation there makes it easy to use and it even has ShellOn in the install.
If you haven't seen LDE yet then do yourself a favor and spent 10 or 15 minutes surfing through that site. Phil has done a great job with it.' - TheX@jalist forums, 12th November 2002.'The first run screen is one of the things that made me dig further into it. I like the way 5.1.2 starts with the little puzzle pieces too. All in all I have to say that I would not be using litestep right now if I hadn't come across your site. I was linked there in the forums at www.jalist.com' - X@netwerkin forums, 11th November 2002.
'This is based on litestep but it goes light years beyond what litestep does. The documentation is very mature and it is an amazingly stable product.' - X@netwerkin forums, 9th November 2002.
'I'm using the LDE 5.1.2 beta...all I can say is AMAZING. When I fire up the normal litestep shell is seems crippled now. don't get me wrong, there are some solid LS distros but LDE is secksi.' - TheX@jalist.com, 6th November 2002.
'I think for LDE to continue it will need support. Phil and team have done a great job, but have become dissatisfied with the number of people prepared to use it.
Litestep became (IMHO) a place where the quality of the wallpaper was more important than the quality of the code. LDE has never followed that trend, and really it probably should not have to be dependent on a shell which has torn itself apart over the last few years.
Tried to help LS a couple of years ago got badly flamed for speaking the truth! Now I will support LDE but not LS.
All I will say is give LDE a try, its all LS should/could be but isn't.' - RJN@jalist.com, 4th November 2002.
'Well, I'll be using it when it comes out. That's one nice interface.' - Kaiser@jalist.com, 2nd November 2002.
'I'm using the 5.1.2 beta release now and it is amazing.' - TheX@jalist.com, 2nd November 2002.
'This is really nice, you are right jalist.' - Geronimo@jalist.com, 2nd November 2002.
'Just wanted to mention that Leaf have released some new screenshots of the upcoming LDE(X) 5.1.2 on their website. If you're looking for a fully featured and great looking windows interface you can't really beat this.' - jalist.com, 1st November 2002.
'This shell even has a beautiful built in help system and links to edit all of the files neccesary to make it unique on your computer.' - X@netwerkin forums, 28th October 2002.
'Often overlooked by the LS community, probably the most technically advanced LS theme out there. I have been using it since V9 (over 2 years) beautifully put together but dying through lack of feedback.' - Richard Noakes, 27th October 2002. : 'Tis a shame, but linux beckons for the workplace.
'Click me and visit the home of LDE. I understand that the site is in danger of closing because no one visits it but people I have to tell you that this is a very special "theme". Have a look around, download the software and give it a run. I was blown away by it when I first fired it up. I give this piece of software a serious two thumbs up. It has a built shell changer (ShellOn v2.0) so it is very safe to use.' - X, 26th October 2002. : That's why we worked so hard on it :).
'Yes! The alarm system is back in LDE(X) # 3032 (5.1.2). Very cool and easier to use.' - leaf user, 26th August 2002. : As a plugin as well!
'Build 3032 really is something special. Well done, Phil!' - external tester, 25th August 2002.
'5.1.2 has become stunning. The environment has what you need just when you need it. It has never let me down with its performance or stability - good work guys!' - external tester, 25th August 2002.
'Who needs anything else? Windows XP's Explorer takes some 64 MB of RAM at times - LDE(X) has never needed more than 20 MB and does everything better.' - leaf user, 25th August 2002.
'That's the god-darn best LS I've used.....not sure I'd ever use LS 24/7, but this is nice.....don't think I can write a review on it tonight...there's too much of it :)' - Kez, 26th June 2002.
Theme(r) Spotlight - LDE \ Leaf r&d - http://www.leechprint.com/phil, 19th May 2002.
'Every now and then I will spotlight a theme and or themer that deserves attention within the community. In this instances I'm highlighting a theme that is known by quite a few, but I suspect a lot of users (especially newer ones) may be hearing about it for the first time.
The "LDE" theme has been under continual development now since at least the fall of 1999. The term theme isn't even really applicable now as it is really a complete distro in itself. I hesitate to even describe the theme for fear of not properly doing it justice. LDE has been the work of Leaf CG Productions (formerly), and later Leaf r&d. In both cases Phil Stopford is the man primarily behind the development of LDE.
In a nutshell LDE is a theme (distro) that puts the emphasis on productivity in the work environment. This could definitely be described as "industrial grade" Litestep, not in appearance but power and flexibility. LDE is undeniably the most complex Litestep theme ever created. The genius in this is an interface that is intuitive and easy to use. One example in the form of a screenshot can be found here. Many more shots are at the LDE website.
As far as I can tell, the project is still in development, at least in a limited beta form. This theme is as good as it gets when demonstrating the power and flexibility of Litestep. If you haven't seen it, you should take a minute (likely longer, there's lots of stuff to look at) and check it out. The LDE website can be found here. Enjoy!'
'Beta 2 is done = Pub time.' - Phil@leaf, 6th May 2002.
'From what I've heard, LDE(X) is the new light in the LS scene .. still to try it out though.' - psynapse, 21st April 2002.
'...I love the whole LDE(X) :).' - Tkar, 21st April 2002.
'With beta 1.9, you really do see LDE(X)5.1 coming into its own.... Superb, faster and easier than ever.' - leaf user, 5th April 2002.Still some stability tweaks at this point, ahead of public beta.
'I guess it will have to do... :b' - leaf user, 5th March 2002. Err, thanks .... you're fired :)
LDE(X)5.1 beta : 'Easy to configure ( a lot faster to set up and less recycles) and seems pretty stable' - Richard Noakes, 18th February 2002.
'The speed of LDE (5.1 beta) is amazing. It seems to be a lot quicker than the version 5 release....It's a shame you can't market it!' - Jonathan Lakin, 17th January 2002.
'A big thank you to all of you there. LDE has revolutionised the way I work, I totally rely on it for my business PC, even upgrading the RAM when the spec for LDE changed.' - Richard Noakes, 27th October 2001.
'Here's looking forward to alfred - 2002 should be very interesting indeed.....'
'Thought I'd fire up the new beta 1.1 of leaf r & d's LS theme and installer, LDE(X)4. Well installation goes without a hitch and even installs version 2 of the wonderful ShellOn shell manager for easy shell swapping - all you have to do is configure it. The theme fires up effortlessly but I have to warn you, you need a meaty computer to get the most out of it, I've never seen a theme with so much going on, hehe. So all in all a worthy update here from Phil and the boys, if you like err ... whatever the opposite of minimilism is then head over there and get your beta copy today. Here's a screenshot' - http://kr.litestep.com/, 29th July 2001.
'With LDE-X | LSI Release 3.5 you have completely blown me away - fantastic stuff!'
'I just love your system LDE-X. I was wondering when you are going to publish version 4 and if that has win98 support. Anyway great job. I love turning on my computer now because of LDE-X. Perfect.'
'Probably the most fully featured LiteStep theme ever made....through constant development one of the best adverts for LiteStep....LiteStep theme that looks like a mega-high powered workstation.' - LS2K.org, 29th January 2001.
'You end up with a desktop boasting more options than you can shake a Swiss army knife at.' - Graham Barlow, PC Format, Jan 2001 (118), p. 118
'Parting from your Windows desktop is such sweet sorrow - until you realise how good LDE-X is.' - Graham Barlow, PC Format, Jan 2001 (118), p. 128
'Windows 2005 SE before Microsoft has even thought about inventing it.' - Graham Barlow, PC Format, Jan 2001 (118), p. 118
'It looks fantastic...much easier to configure...obviously took a lot of time and effort. Great job guys.' - Dennis Cottrell
'Utopian, ground-breaking; revolutionary.'
'Simply astonishing! The flexibility, power and style is unprecedented. You should sell it!'
'Possibly the best desktop we've ever seen.' - PC Answers, Xmas 2000, pp56-57
'Your ultimate desktop starts here....' - PC Answers, Xmas 2000, pp56-57
'I can't wait to fire this baby up and see what's under the hood (I'm not afraid to look anymore ;) I'm not sure all users really understand / appreciate the complexity of the scripting and interface, but this is by far the most complex LiteStep theme available. YET for the end user, fire it up and away you go. A perfect marriage of complex and simple. I am in awe guys...stellar work.' - Phil Varcoe
'You know in life, every once in a while something comes along that's just "right". The Spitfire of WWII, the Coca-Cola bottle of the 1950s, the Ferrarri Dino 248 of the 1960s. This theme is just another of those that is just "right". Sure I took a look at it a while back and thought that it would be slow, bloated, heavy, BUT I am absolutely amazed to find that it's quicker than Explorer. It sits on this box like a Panther, sleek and full of power ... This theme is excellent I feel that there are no more words to describe its beauty.' - Skitzie
'Good lord, I don't think I've ever seen so much scripting in a theme. This is totally amazing and I really have to hand it to you. Talk about taking LS to the next level, good job!' - Demigod
'Awestruck am I' - TNL
'I am at a loss for words.' - Thomas Crown
'Looks good enough to get Lottery Funding.' - Wattsed
'Sweet.. Anyone else for a nomination to the LS hall of fame?' - Valhalla1
'Yummy' - nurb
'This thing is slicker than snot on a door knob!' - Chris Spera : Ugh. How colourful(!)
'I for one think the Config Panel is jammin' ...... A killer theme. Great job guys!' - Chris Spera
'This config panel owns!' - Brendel
'Kick ass theme.....enjoy the beauty that is LDE-X.' - Kanga
This is something I would love to see, and have, and am drooling over' - Chris Spera
'Good LORD what a theme. You shame me.' - Maur
'DAMN this is a cool looking theme' - FrozenAura
'Ahhh...verry nice update =) if this works out this will easily hit #1 on the charts' - AznRomeo : It did work out after a 2 month development for LDE-X R1.0!
'This looks really great...You guys should be proud of your work, it looks great!' - Chris Spera : Indeed we are!
'It's a lot of work, but it's good work :). Very well done indeed' - Dreamer
'Beautiful work guys. I love the complexity....functionality high on the list' - Phil Varcoe
'Amazing theme. A serious amount of time must have gone into making this theme. Every aspect....well thought out....user friendly. Likely the most polished theme I've ever seen.' - Noodge : 10 months and counting!
'As I have said in my previous review LDE-9 is a superb example of what can be achieved with LS, expect to spend quite a time fiddling to set it up, I would recommend using Litespawn and switching between your current theme and LDE-9 until it is configured, but the result is well worth the effort.
This is now my default theme, and I cannot imagine changing. LDE-X is currently in testing within Leaf, and should be out to selected testers (me,me,me!) within a couple of weeks. Congratulations Phil, on in my opinion the best LS theme currently out there!' - Richard Noakes
