Windows Customization: History of Windows Shell Replacements

Windows users constantly see their desktop: either with the PC's start up or when every window has been closed. And people are not that interested in the design of their system, by changing the design or the shell... But have you ever wondered if there are any third‑party shells for this system? If so, what were they like and what are they like now? In this video we will try to find out what desktop shells were like and what they offer us. 0:00 - Intro 0:05 - Brief Introduction 1:15 - Why were custom Windows desktop environments created in the first place? 2:38 - What file contains the standard shell? The evolution of the Windows desktop 3:52 - What is modern Windows Explorer written in? 4:11 - What happens if explorer.exe is terminated? 4:52 - Microsoft Bob 7:47 - Calmira 10:12 - Friendly remind 10:30 - IBM Workplace 12:38 - Talisman Desktop 16:08 - Aston Shell 17:06 - Blackbox, xoblite, bbLean and other Linux shells on Windows 19:24 - Cairo Shell 21:50 - WinStep Xtreme 24:37 - Channel news 26:04 - Conclusion 26:55 - End