Build A Gadget » System Control

System Control 1.4.1 Update

The Staff — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:54:37 +0000

The latest and greatest System Control update contains an overhaul of the backend code to work with our new utility file and a couple quick adjustments to make the gadget Win 7 compliant as well as hopefully making some of our more international fans happy with a couple new date formats.

Let us know if you run into any issues.

Update: If you downloaded the gadget and confirmations aren’t working, re-download it again, Thanks.

Download: BuildAGadget.com – Widgipedia.com – Live.com Gallery

System Control 1.4 Update

The Staff — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:44:56 +0000

It came to our attention that this gadget needed a major overhaul. We’ve had lots of requests for new buttons, functionality, fix some of the existing buttons, etc. It was about time.

Yesterday we unveiled System Control 1.4, a fully updated, partially rewritten, and seriously upgraded version of our popular command launchpad. Here’s all the fun stuff:

Fixed Sleep and split out Hibernate into it’s own button.
Fixed Switch User.
Added international date format to the bottom text.
Added buttons for: Screensaver and Control Panel.
Added a timer for commands, configurable from gadget flyout.
Added new button styles to better fit themes.
Added a medium size (finally!)
Made the interface more adaptive, it will get rid of the arrows if you don’t need them (ie. small size with 4 buttons displays all 4 buttons with no second page).

We hope everyone enjoys the new update and as usual, please let us know if you run into any issues or want to pass along any suggestions and things you’d like to see. We read and try to respond to everything we can.

Download: BuildAGadget.com – Widgipedia.com – Live.com Gallery

System Control 1.3 Update

The Staff — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:51:32 +0000

This update cleans up a few things with the gadget, mostly optimization and code. So while there isn’t anything new, we have eliminated the auto-update checker (because no one was using it anyways and it’s pinging our server like nobody’s business), spruced up the code and redesigned the settings panel. We’ve also moved the data file to a different directory, so you’ll have to reconfigure the gadget when you upgrade, but it shouldn’t take more than a minute to do.

This update sets the gadget up for future update where we can actually begin adding in more buttons and controls. Just had to do some house cleaning first.

If you haven’t checked out System Control yet, please do, it’s extremely useful.

Download

BuildAGadget.com

Widgipedia.com

Live.com Gallery

System Control 1.2 Update

The Staff — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 16:44:17 +0000

This is just a quick update to patch over some stuff from the last update. I know, everyone is waiting for more buttons and commands and what-not.

Don’t worry, we are still planning and working on various things, including the next version of the Ultimate Explorer gadget (which is going to have some really cool stuff, BTW). In any case, here’s the update:

Update Checker has been fixed so that you no longer need to have an internet connection to use the gadget. I know, this was a pain, not too many people probably noticed it, but I put the update patch in kind of quick and missed a couple things. But don’t worry, it’s all fixed now.

Download:

Download @ Windows Live Gallery

Download @ BuildAGadget.com

Download @ Widgipedia.com

System Control 1.1 Update

The Staff — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:34:15 +0000

Seems like only yesterday we launched this little gadget and so far the response has been absolutely stunning. Over 30,000 downloads in 8 days. We’re happy, you’re happy, life’s good. So here’s an update to help out some people who requested a couple features and some clarification on the StandBy button.

Added The Ability For The Gadget To Check For Updates Automatically.
Added The Ability To Turn Confirmations Off And On At Will From Settings.
Renamed StandBy To Sleep / Hibernate.

Why did we rename that button? Cause Window’s Vista Power settings are a little schizophrenic. For most people, the button will use Hybrid Sleep, which saves your current documents and profile and goes into a low power mode for 3 hours before shutting off. If you have a laptop however, go into your Advanced Power Settings and switch off Hybrid Sleep and viola! The Button will now work as a Hibernate only. Sadly, Sleep only is a different command and if you’re going to use it, I would suggest Hybrid Sleep instead as it’s better functionality and better power saving.

So we hope you all enjoy the new update, let us know if you run into any problems or have any questions.

Download:

Download @ Windows Live Gallery

Download @ BuildAGadget.com

Download @ Widgipedia.com

Windows Vista Power Settings

The Staff — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:02:39 +0000

Since the initial release of System Control, we’ve gotten quite a few requests for either a “Sleep” or a “Hibernate” button as opposed to StandBy, which is supposed to be similar to “Sleep” (But only if you use Windows XP, evidently). So, here’s what I’ve learned about the mess that is Windows Vista power options:

- Most systems will start with Hybrid Sleep, which saves your information like Hibernate, but goes into low power mode for 3 hours before shutting off.

- If disabled, you then have separate Sleep and Hibernate options, but the only real difference here is power, they essentially do very similar things.

- The command I use for StandBy is different depending on the power setting of the computer. And you have to go into the advanced power options to even check out what it will do when you hit it.

Suffice it to say, I’m not exactly sure how to proceed from here. I’ve requests from both sides, but since Hybrid Sleep fulfills both requests, people should probably be using that instead of generic Sleep anyways. If you have a laptop and are concerned with power, just disable Hybrid Sleep and the StandBy button automatically does Hibernate instead. I know it’s a little confusing, but that’s the weird way it seems to work.

I like the idea of Hybrid Sleep, but Microsoft probably should have been more forthcoming with the details of the power options and made them more customizable for people. This being the case, I really don’t see the absolute need right now to add in a duplicate button, because all a user has to do is look at their advanced power settings to tell the button what it should do.

I will still be adding in an option to turn the in-gadget confirm on or off, but the power button issue might take a bit longer to have everything set up. I was hoping to have a more definitive solution in place today, but it looks like there kind of already is.

System Control 1.0 Gadget

The Staff — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 22:22:37 +0000

Seems like it’s been a while since anything went on around here, but trust me, we’ve been cranking on some stuff you’re really going to like.

First up on that list is this little gem, the System Control gadget. Basically, with so many shutdown gadgets floating around on the gallery, we figured we’d take a shot at it and see what we could come up with.

Features:

9 Different Function Buttons (Shutdown, Restart, Lock, Switch User, Task Manager, StandBy, Run, LogOff, and Command Prompt)
10 Different Skins (Might Seem Like A Small Number Until You See…)
2 Different Sizes (Small Holds 3 Buttons Per Screen, Large Holds All 9)
Buttons Can Be Re-Organized, Disabled / Enabled
In-Gadget Confirmation for Shutdown, Restart, StandBy, and LogOff
Lock Button To Disable The Panel
Bottom Text (Can Be Set To: 3 Different Time Formats, Date, Overall CPU Usage, Overall RAM Usage, Nothing)
Pretty Sweet Settings Panel
Persistent Settings (Via XML!)

Yeah, we like it. We hope you’ll like it too. There may be upgrades in the future, we’ll have to see.