Rainmeter
Rainmeter 4.1 settings panel | |
| Initial release | February 22, 2001; 19 years ago |
|---|---|
| Stable release | |
| Preview release | 4.4 - r3350 / May 13, 2020; 3 months ago |
| Repository | github.com/rainmeter/rainmeter |
| Written in | C++; C++ and C# used for addons |
| Operating system | Windows 7 SP1 and later[1] |
| Platform | IA-32 and x64 |
| Available in | 32 languages |
| License | GNU GPL v2 |
| Website | www.rainmeter.net |
Rainmeter is a free and open-source desktop customization utility for Windows, released under the GNU GPL v2 license. It allows users to create and display user-generated customizable desktop widgets or applets called 'skins' that display information.[2][3] Ready to use collections of skins can be downloaded and installed in packages known as 'suites'.[4]
Common functionalities of Rainmeter skins include desktop clocks, RSS readers, system monitors, weather widgets, application launchers, and audio players.[5][6]
- Rainmeter is a desktop customization tool for Windows that allows you to modify the look and feel of your Windows desktop. Using Rainmeter you can modify the desktop so that it uses various themes.
- Rainmeter displays customizable skins, like memory and battery power, RSS feeds and weather forecasts, right on your desktop. Many skins are even functional: they can record your notes and to-do lists, launch your favorite applications, and control your media player - all in a clean, unobtrusive interface that you can rearrange and customize to your liking.
Jan 02, 2020 What is Rainmeter? Rainmeter is a desktop customization software for Windows operating system. It allows users to display customizable skins on the Windows desktop, from fully functional audio visualizer to hardware usage meters. It comes with a few simple and best Rainmeter skins to get started.
Development[edit]
The Rainmeter project was originally founded by Kimmo 'Rainy' Pekkola, the developer of Rainlendar, in 2001.[7]
Usage[edit]
Rainmeter skins are written in Rainmeter code using a text editor and stored as INI configuration files.[8] System resource values and other information such as weather or time are stored through 'meter' values within a skin, which can then be customized.[3]
Reception[edit]
CNET gave Rainmeter a 4 out of 5 star rating. It praised the software's flexibility, wide variety of themes and 'enthusiastic community', while noting the program 'isn't as intuitive as it could be.'[9]
Softpedia gave Rainmeter a 4 out of 5 star rating, citing its comprehensive tutorials and low system resource usage, while criticizing its lack of cross-platform support.[10]
References[edit]
- ^'Setting Up - Rainmeter Docs'. Rainmeter. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
- ^Patrizio, Andy. 'Why you need Rainmeter even in a business setting'. Computerworld. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
- ^ ab'Rainmeter 3.1 review: Customize your desktop with'. PCWorld. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
- ^Ravenscraft, Eric (2017-01-04). 'How to Create an Attractive, Customized Desktop HUD with Rainmeter'. Lifehacker. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
- ^Lavish, T (2017-05-25). 'Rainmeter lets you customize your Windows desktop with widgets & skins'. The Windows Club. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
- ^'Create your own Windows themes with Rainmeter 4.0'. TechRadar. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
- ^'Rainmeter: An Open Community'. DeviantArt. 2013-11-15. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
- ^'Creating Skins - Rainmeter Docs'. Rainmeter. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
- ^'Rainmeter'. Download.com. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
- ^Opris, Elena (2014-01-30). 'Rainmeter 3 Review'. Softpedia. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
External links[edit]
- Rainmeter on GitHub