Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Automatic wallpaper changer

Today, I will review 5 different types of free wallpaper changers. Because having the same desktop wallpaper again and again is simply too boring...


Power Toys Wallpaper Changer
Download size: 183 Kb
Process size: 4372 Kb
Link

Pros
  • Switching rate can be as long as 1 week
  • Simple program
Cons
  • Can only scan one directory without any subdirectories
  • Does not support PNG format
  • Minimum switching rate is only 15 minutes
  • Too simple

Wallpaper Master 2.16
Download size: 760 Kb
Process size: 2532 Kb
Link

Pros
  • You can rate and decide wallpaper position for each picture
  • Options to physically rename and delete pictures
  • Complete Auto-sizing options
Cons
  • Does not support GIF, PNG format

Wallpaper Changer 1.90
Download size: 813 Kb
Process size: 14112 Kb
Link

Pros
  • Supports GIF, JPG, BMP and PNG
  • Useful Auto-sizing options
Cons
  • Big process size

WallMaster 2.4e
Download size: 1142 Kb
Process size: 11060 Kb
Link

Pros
  • Supports GIF, JPG, BMP and PNG

Cons

  • Big process size
  • Not many options
  • Clunky interface

AllWallpapers Lite 2.0
Download size: 1377 Kb
Process size: 3568 Kb
Link

Pros
  • Supports over 40 picture formats
  • Fancy and customizable interface

Cons

  • No GIF support
  • Not many options

Belzilep's verdict

Well, there is not really a clear winner here. There are two programs I actually like in that lot, the first one being Wallpaper Master. Even if its interface is not really appealing, its wealth of options will likely please everyone. However, it only supports JPG and BMP formats, and that's the small "but" in an extremely good package. The ratings concept is particularly impressive, I should say.

But for those with GIF or PNG pictures and are not good at converting them (such as myself), you can still turn yourself to Wallpaper Changer. While its options are not as wide as Wallpaper Master, this program is still robust and easy to use. The only real downside is its huge process size: 14Mb is a lot of memory for a background application.

Software and Add-Ons reviews for you!

This blog will be dedicated with Windows XP software and add-ons that are useful/clever/etc. and that I recommend. I will often test more than 1 type of similar program and publish the results, as well as my personal pick. And since I especially value computer efficiency, I will give for each program the amout of resources the processes use up.

Enjoy some great programs!