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Classic Shell

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Classic Shell
Developer(s)Ivo Beltchev and team [1]
Initial releaseNovember 2009
Stable release
3.6.8 / 30 June 2013; 11 years ago (2013-06-30)[2]
Preview release
3.9.0 / 21 July 2013; 11 years ago (2013-07-21)[2]
Repository
Written inC++
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows (Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8)
TypeApplication launcher and desktop enhancement (Utility software)
LicenseVersions 3.6.8 and prior: MIT License except for skins, logo and artwork[3], Versions after 3.6.8: Proprietary Freeware[4]
Websitehttp://www.classicshell.net/

Classic Shell is a free, formerly open source software [5][6] for Microsoft Windows that restores several Windows user interface (Shell) features and Explorer features which have been removed by Microsoft. The project began in 2009 and has been downloaded 8 million times,.[7] The distinguishing feature of Classic Shell is that it is customizable and restores the familiarity of past Microsoft Windows versions.[8]

Classic Shell includes three components:

  • A Start Menu for Windows Vista and later (combining search and browse programs). (Classic Shell versions after 3.6.8 no longer support Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.[9]) On newer versions of Windows lacking a Start button, it also adds its own Start button. A distinguishing feature conceptualized by Classic Start Menu is that it separates desktop programs from Windows Store apps.
  • Classic Explorer (addon for Windows Explorer that restores a customizable toolbar, and removed features for folder pane, file pane, title bar and status bar features)
  • Classic IE9 (addon for Internet Explorer 9 and later that restores the web page title, Protected Mode status, zone information, and page loading progress bar).

Classic Shell was programmed in C++ and is localized into more than 30 languages, including right-to-left support for Arabic and Hebrew. Major items are localized in the Classic Start Menu and after installing the MUI Language Pack from Windows Update and the translation DLL for a particular language, all items are translated.

Classic Shell was a fairly popular interface enhancement in the Windows 7 lifecycle but became more widely used after the release of Windows 8.[10]

History

The Classic Shell project saw its first public release in 2009 [11] as Windows 7 removed the flyout cascading style Classic Start Menu and the Up button in Windows Explorer.[12] The project began as a tool for personal use but grew popular as the community involvement increased.[13] Over time, the Start Menu component evolved to be a customizable launcher that also integrates a search box and other features of the Windows 7 Start Menu. The Explorer and IE components also gained several features later over time that had been removed by Microsoft.

Classic Shell has been reviewed favorably in the tech media by many publications such as Forbes,[14] The Register,[15] Lifehacker,[16] Neowin,[17] Ghacks,[18] ZDNet,[19] PC World,[20] TechRepublic,[21] MakeUseOf,[22] Betanews[23] and many others.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Our Team". Retrieved 2013-04-17.
  2. ^ a b http://www.classicshell.net Classic Shell's official website Retrieved on 2013-08-03.
  3. ^ Classic Shell SourceForge Project
  4. ^ Classic Shell FAQ, Is Classic Shell open-source?
  5. ^ Want a Windows 8 Start Button? Open source to the rescue!
  6. ^ Classic Shell FAQ, Is Classic Shell open-source?
  7. ^ Official Download stats maintained by Sourceforge.net
  8. ^ Classic Shell brings Classic Start Menu to Windows 8
  9. ^ Ckassic Shell: History
  10. ^ Classic Shell sees 4.3 million downloads since Windows 8 launch
  11. ^ Classic Shell FAQ
  12. ^ Restore Windows' One-Folder-Up Arrow with Classic Shell
  13. ^ Interview: We chat with the creator of Classic Shell
  14. ^ Don't Wait For Windows 8.1 -- Get Its Two Best 'Features' Right Now
  15. ^ Classic Shell can banish Interface Formerly Known As Metro
  16. ^ How to bring back the Start menu in Windows 8
  17. ^ Classic Shell brings classic Start menu to Windows 8
  18. ^ Classic Shell adds a Start menu to Windows 8
  19. ^ Two must-have downloads that make Windows 8 more bearable
  20. ^ Review: Classic Shell brings the Start menu to Windows 8 for free
  21. ^ Put the classic Start menu in Windows 7 with Classic Shell
  22. ^ Make Windows 8 suck less
  23. ^ Give Windows 7 the XP makeover
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