x-desktop

If you don't wanna read all about x-desktop's background go straight to the demonstration (if you have one of the browsers currently supported). In this version a lot of skins & desktops themes are loaded - if you have a slow internet connection be patient ....

show me x-Desktop in action
The idea 

Having one interface to applications supplied by the operating system is a never ending story. At least it finally seems that there is some common base finally reached in terms of one interface. The browser. This project comprises a library for developing thin client application frontends using a browser. It helps developers creating (neat) application interfaces (GUI) for inter/intra- and extranet applications. It helps users to feel comfortable with any application using the interface they are used to. It helps companies to unify their intranet applications into one desktop interface - built on existing interfaces or one which incorporates their own CI. It helps to design the same interface for all types of devices using browsers like PDA and other mobile devices, Notebooks, Desktops, Tablett Computers and any other future devices which may come up.
Basics 

The design goals are as following:
  • Open Source
  • 100% Browser based
  • Supporting of all operating systems providing a DOM2 / Javascript Support Browser
  • No Plugins required
  • Simple Object Interface
  • Customizable desktop & window skins
  • Extensible by user defined functions
Browser 

Following Browsers are currently supported:
A note to Konqueror / Safari users: We do respect the work of the Open Source community, especially the K-Teams. However we did not have the time to dig too much into why Konqueror does not work as the others. But because Mozilla 1.x does work and comes with most Linux boxes, we focused on development of the supported browsers, rather than finding the key issues of this problem.

A note to Opera fans: Unfortunately the css and javascript support of all current versions does not allow many operations we do need (like dynamic clipping etc.) We did hope that the upcoming Opera 7.x version can be included as well. But so far it is not the case.

Despite the success of NS 4.x it is clearly in excess of age. Therefore we are sorry to inform that NS 4.x or any prior versions of above mentioned browser cannot be used. In addition, the javascript engine of NS7.x seems to be very slow when moving or resizing desktop windows.
Object model 

After loading the appropriate libraries, you define a new desktop, a start function, and start using it.... 

var xDT = new xDesktop();
function start() {
  xDT.desktop.init();
  win = xDT.addWindow('windowname','window title',360,190,'center');
  xDT.url(win,'anyfile.html');
  xDT.show(win);
}

Data and object properties can only be changed through methods, with no exception.
Methods 

There are many methods, like following - see documentation - once finished ;-) for further details.

 
xDT.lastError()
xDT.window.find()
xDT.desktop.init()
xDT.resPath()
xDT.taskbar() 
xDT.addWindow()
xDT.deleteWindow()
xDT.moveWindow()
xDT.refreshWindow()
xDT.positionWindow()
xDT.popupWindow()
xDT.maximizeWindow()
xDT.positionAllWindows()
xDT.minimizeAllWindows()
xDT.closeAllWindows()
xDT.restoreAllWindows()
xDT.arrangeAllWindows()
xDT.frameName()
xDT.show()
xDT.hide()
xDT.prop()
xDT.url()
xDT.html()
xDT.taskbarColor()
xDT.taskbarStatus()
xDT.addSkin()
xDT.setSkin()
xDT.dSkin()
.
.
.

.. and more. Just by reading the method names, you can see/guess how easy development can be.
Licence 

x-Desktop is distributed under the terms of the GNU GPL. By your use of x-Desktop you consent to the terms therein. Please read the license before using x-Desktop. A copy of the license is also distributed with the source-code distribution. For more details about the GNU GPL, visit gnu.org.

Technical support
Technical support at the forum is free - for all other support pls. mail us your request.

Do I have to give you credit?
There is a copyright and license statement at the top of the respective source-code file. Please leave that intact. A link back to www.x-desktop.org would be very nice but is not required.

Help::Developer 

If you are interested in core development or application development we will support this process via our forum. However, you can send your comment/request as well to webmaster@x-desktop.org. But be patient in expecting any quick responses - maybe, maybe not, because this is a "free" time project, and we have our daily business as well
Help::User 

If you are interested in testing, documentation etc. you are welcome to mail your details to webmaster@x-desktop.org.

Help::Applications 

If you write or know about x-Desktop applications, projects or experiments - publicly available - and would like to share those sites with other users, you are welcome to mail any link to webmaster@x-desktop.org. We are proud to post a link to your site.