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Sun 07 Oct 07 @ 7:33 am

Extra Cell Padding Hack
When I leave my "booth", I like to lock my computer so that no one can access it. Sure some skins come with a locking feature (Multi Functions 2.0), but people could still access my computer.

I decided to use the Windows shortcut Windows+L to do a "Quick User" switch. I wanted more control over the default options that show on the default Windows screen. For example, I did not want the "Shutdown" button to appear so that people can shut off or restart my computer. I know people can still press the physical button, but it gives them less options. In addition, I wanted to have nice customized graphics as well.

My solution? I used Stardock's LogonStudio (www.logonstudio.net) to edit the default Windows logon for a nice logon screen for me. Note that I erased my real name and added "DJ GargantulaKon" in Photoshop. I am not a popular DJ and do not go by that name seriously enough to register my computer with my DJ name :-).



Sure I could give you a step-by-step of how to get this point, but I thought it would be much easier if I give you the file with my ~4 hours of tedious work. Microsoft had a graphic that was stretched out and when I replaced the image with my EQ LEDs, it looked horrible when stretched. I had to tweak the "Panel Width" value by .01%. I kept saving and applying until I got it perfect with not even one pixel stretched out. I checked it out in Photoshop with the orignal graphic overlayed and it should be dead on. Whew! In addition, I had to "hack" my way to getting the lower panel to disappear since setting it to hide did not work.

One only have to replace the background picture! That is it! The logon is set for my 1024x768 monitor so it might look different on your monitor's resolution.

DJ GargantulaKon's Logon Screen
How To Change The Background Image

1. Open up LogonStudio.
   
2. Click on "Load" and browse to my Logon file.
   
3. Click on"Edit".
   
4. On the right side of the window, you will see a tree view under the word "Elements".
   
5. Click on "Center Panel".
   
6. Click on the ".." button next to the word "(Bitmap)" in the bottom right "Properties" section.
   
7. Click on "Browse" on the new window and make sure the image you select is a BMP file.
   
8. Click "Open" and then "OK".
   
9. Click on the top left icon that looks like an artist's palette to preview and test it.
   
10. That's it! Close the "LogonStudio Editor" and click "OK" on the bottom right on the main "LogonStudio" application to finish!
    

Note: You can play with the other settings in LogonStudio to further customize it.
Extra Cell Padding Hack