Interface basics

Aston Desktop is very similar to the Desktop of Windows Explorer, which you can see right after you install Windows. Nevertheless, some Aston elements differ from the ones of Explorer. Being aware of this difference you can easily get familar with Aston and reap the benefit of its numerous advantages.

Desktop

Aston Desktop is used for placing links to files and folders (they're otherwise called icons, buttons or objects) and can also have other interface elements, created by plug-ins. Here's the list of the most vivid differences between Aston and Explorer Desktop:

• Aston Desktop can only have links to files and folders, not files themselves. At first this might look unusual but soon you'll understand that there're better places to store the documents you need without being afraid that they can be lost on reinstalling the system. Alternatively, you can use the Panel plug-in, which helps you to organize your Desktop icons easier than ever.
• Aston Desktop can have additional elements, created by plug-ins. For example, it can display Weather forecast, the state of system resources or have a pretty clock.
• Destktop icons can have any shape, any size and even be animated. Actually you can even use XP-like icons with transparent areas while working with Windows 98 which could not be possible without using Aston.

Toolbars

Toolbars or three-level side panels give user ability to get immediate access to needful files, folders and Internet sites. Besides, Toolbars can contain some plug-ins (like notepad or CPU usage monitor) which further extend their abilities. Just like Aston Desktop, side panels can only have links to certain elements, not files themselves.

Toolbars are especially useful because when minimized, they do not use any screen space and they can be easily called out by placing your cursor near the screen edge. You can also make them always visible and even uncovered by other windows when it's necessary.

Taskbar

Aston Taskbar works just like the one of Explorer you've used before. Nevertheless there's some difference between them:

• Aston Taskbar buttons have the maximum possible width which makes their usage even more intuitive.
• Task buttons can have three different states, clearly demonstrating window's state: active, minimized or inactive.
• System Tray area can be configured to display only currently needed icons. Such a function has appeared in Windows XP but with Aston you can use it even while working with the previous versions of Windows.
• Quick laucn menu can be as small as a single button which does notably save space on the Taskbar.
• Aston Taskbar cannot display additional modules, used by Explorer (like Google Deskbar), but it can have elements, created by plug-ins.
• Instead of the boring welcome message Aston displays for you a random "Tip of the day", which can be replaced by your own text.

Start Menu

There're is not much difference between Aston Start Menu and the Main Menu you've used in Windows Explorer. The most sharp distinction of Aston menu is the possibility of its complete reconfiguration, which makes it easier for you to access the elements you need. By default Aston Main menu contains these items:

• Programs folder contains the list of installed application.
• My Recent Docs folder - the list of recently accessed documents.
• Desktop folder gives you a quick access to Explorer Desktop folder.
• Settings folder lets you access Control Panel items and some service folders.
• Aston Options - Aston configuration master.
• Theme Wizard - an application, which lets you apply and compile themes.
• Shell swapper, which is used to switch between Aston and Explorer.
• Run menu.
• Logoff logs off the current user.
• Shutdown - switching computer off menu.

Other interface elements

Depending on the theme applied and the program preferences, Aston can use additional interface elements, created by plug-ins. Let's list some of them:

• Analog clock with a wide range of available appearances and options.
• Panel is usually used to organize Desktop icons. Such an approach lets you use available Desktop space more efficiently..
• Recycle bin. Just like the one of Windows Explorer, the Recycle bin is used for restoration of the accidentally removed files and folders. Aston Recycle bin can have any number of intermediate states, (not just "empty/full") which lets you easily estimate the state of its infill by just looking at its icon.
• Disks. Icons of logical disks visually indicate the state of their infill and let you access the corresponding volumes.