@#51: Your idea was cool enough to try. I edited chameleon desktop.exe with a hex editor and I zeroed the entire link, except the first four characters where I used spaces. Program starts like a charm now. When I let all the link zeroed the program opened an Explorer window with its directory. All these happened on a Windows XP SP2 system.

#52 Thanks for the hex suggestion. The program IS useful to me as described, but VERY annoying by opening a website (not to mention useless when offline). So, I downloaded the trial program
"febooti"hex editor from http://www.febooti.com/products/filetweak/members/hex-editor/. It works fine if you change http to httq ONLY on the http://www.watermarkfactory.com entry.

This on a Windows XP Pro installation with up-to-date service packs.

Tnx,
JJ

>#20 you’ve just proven my point, and I thank you. By reading others opinions and suggestions about other programs, YOU DIDN’T DOWNLOAD and TRY THIS ONE.<

Excuse me, but not only did I read the suggestions about the other programs (one of which, IrfanView, I have been using literally for years and have made it one of the first programs that I've installed on the last three computers that I've owned), but I also read the reviews from people who have actually tried the programs offered here. AND when it sounded too similar based on their reviews (however, I disregarded anything you had to say about it once you started resorting to calling the other programs names. :-P ) to what I've already got installed here, went to the company's website and checked it out a little further.

And came to the conclusion that yes, it's just a prettied up version of what I already have installed on my PC. And for THAT reason, I didn't download it.

I can understand a developer wanting to get feedback on how much his program is being used. However, this isn't an acceptable way to go about it. Therefore, as a service to those of you who are annoyed by this activity (like I am), I'll tell you how I resolve it.

The simplest thing to do is to just hit the "Esc" key soon as the browser starts to load it. Or, you could set your firewall to block that site.

A permanent solution, however, is better if you feel comfortable using a hex editor. (Always work on a copy of the file, not the actual file, in case you make a mistake. And rename the original file so you won't overwrite it.) What I do is search for the url in the file, or just search for "http". You can change this anyway you wish, just so long as you don't add or delete any space in the file (keep it the same size, in other words). I change "http" to "httq" and save the file. Thus, when the program calls on the url to take you to the website, it won't find it and will just skip over it.

Hope this is helpful. It worked on this program for me, and has worked on a few other programs I've tried before too.

#46 Nancy
Did you eventually find a solution?

It's nothing special at all.
I have better and easier programs on facebook.
It could be ok if it didn't only let you edit your desktop. What if I want to edit pictures? This is useless then.
It's a good program for people don't know much about computers. Definately not for me.

Well, I read all the comments after first checking the ratings. I wasn't going to worry with this particular giveaway software, but decided to give it a whirl anyway. I found that just as you all said, it opens to the Watermark Factory website. I thought it was doing that because I had accepted the offered WF2 software, but after uninstalling that software, and then reopening Chameleon Desktop, I see that's not the case. Either way, I will check it out and see if it is something we can use. If it's not, I will remove it from my computer.

Great little program that is easy to use but the opening of my web browser every time I launch Chameleon Desktop is aggrevating and I wish there was away to stop it from opening my webbrowser and going to Chameleon Watermark Factory web site but its just a slight inconveince so Thanks GAOTD your web site has give me something to look forword to every day, I had almost given up on life but GAOTD has give mr something to live for and to look forward to every day and I hope we will see lots of interesting software programs through out the new year, THank you very much GAOTD.

Hey. I have an idea! If you don't download the product, do not review it. Simple as that. No arguing on the board, and no silly product comparisons. If you want to learn about other products, use google.

I have photoshop, but downloaded this, and I like it! Not alot of space taken, and my computer-illiterate hubby can use it! Woot!

As for the website opening at start-up, i'm sure there's a solution. I'll find that solution, but I do agree with others on that. It should not be an issue, but it is, and i'm not going to complain.

Free is free. If I have a problem, i'll just uninstall it, and pretend I never had it to begin with. It's not like I paid for it.

Thanks again, GAOTD!

I appreciate all the comments, pro and con, which help me make up my mind about INSTALLING an unknown program on my computer. Sometimes I want to get a program and pay less attention to the negatives or vice versa, but others the negatives actually win (SECURITY PROGRAM FROM RED CHINA IS AN OXYMORON--and, no I am not belittling anyone, look it up in dictionary).

I found this program interesting and very easy to use. I liked the range of effects that can be used and the fact that they can be finely tuned and stacked together to create an interesting composition. On the other hand the presets looked kinda weird for my taste.

A negative thing about the program is the fact it's almost neglected by its creators. It is not listed in the Products page on the site http://www.watermarkfactory.com/products.htm, but there is actually a page on the site about the program http://www.watermarkfactory.com/products.htm. On the other hand the links from the program go to http://www.vladstudio.com, that in turn have links to http://softshape.com who have a product line called Chameleon having the same logo as this giveaway, but there is not today's giveaway too. Also Sibental have a different site, but there is not a trace about today's giveaway in the Projects page at http://www.sibental.com/projects.htm This gives a feeling of abandonware, if you ask me.

Another thing that's not quite right is the fact the program opens the site http://www.watermarkfactory.com in the default browser when it starts, without asking any permision. This "feature" seem a left over from the registration process, because if a firewall like Zone Alarm Free block this operation, the program fails to start (actually is waiting for the browser to load the page). In my case I have to close IE7 before the program starts. Whats completely strange is that if you enter an invalid registration code, the programs thanks you anyway, but after restart it is unregistered. A complete image of left over of some code it's made when it is chosen the Try button and then the question mark button and the program crash under Windows XP SP2.

Anyway, the fact that the program opens a page it's a defect, not a bad intention, and I still trust the producer of the software, because my previous experience with their Watermark Factory program (also a giveaway on this site some time ago) was a good one. But for more security fanatics this defect and the extensions like EXN, EXB, PXB of some of the program components is a big no-no.

Why would anyone pay $19.95 for something just to make desktop wallpaper when any decent graphic program will do the same thing? I used one paid program, Ulead's Photo Impact which is fantastic and I defy someone to tell me something PSP can do that this can't. (Cost is less than $100.) Very easy to use, unlike PSP--drag and drop effects. The free graphic's program is the Gimp which also comes in a handy, portable version which I find useful--I work contract jobs and the company I'm working for has strict limitations on software and doesn't have an included graphics program. No problem, I can just plug in my USB (I do have the boss' permission) and use The Gimp.

What is it with the computer experts (i am talking about the tossers)who come on here with great regularity and talk up there own lack of understanding.
When will the get a life and learn a real skill.What do you come here for if you know it all and have it all on your computer.
What could you ever hope to find here for you computer. Remember you have it all dont forget.
This site is for comments on THIS SOFTWARE which is great for what it is intended to do. If you read the descrioption at the top it will say what it does. Many comments here today do not even understand the softwares function..LOL at you experts. You will be back tommorrow I am sure.
Kind regards to the publishers

@ 37 Suzanne
There is no code.
After activating the prog is registered.

@ 26 Vlad Gerasimov
Thanks for your Christmas gifts - your art is really nice.
I like to do my wallpapers by myself - they will be much better with your tutorials. They are great.I hope I can transfer them to GIMP.
Thank You !
graylox

I downloaded the program because I had a couple of pictures I wanted to try to improve. I must be doing something incorrectly because when I click sharpen the image, the picture doesn't appear to improve as far as I can see.

I also agree with the other comments with regard to an explorer page opening up without my consent. Most programs you buy and/or download ask you if you want to connect to their website and give you the option of saying NO. I looked at my processes on An Vir Task Manager (it sometimes allows me to disable functions). Nothing shows up for me to disable in this program so this function is running "silently" like a virus or a trojan or worm would do. Because of this unwanted invasion I think I will treat this like an unwanted virus and uninstall the program if it will allow me to do so.

It would also have been nice to let us know that the watermark program was not a part of this download but an add-on (and a trial add-on at that!).

Further, it's very tiresome reading disparaging comments from people who are "full of themselves" and take a "temper tantrum like my kids did when they were under twelve by referring to other people in belittling terms" especially when you didn't even try the software. If you don't want to try the software that's fine but refrain from making ignorant comments to and about people who do try the software which is what the "giveaway" is all about.

These companies offer their programs for free for people like me to try them and give CONSTRUCTIVE critism on why I like them or dislike them and how they can make changes that would make me buy their product. They also give away this merchandise so we can get to know their products and to allow them a bigger market share in the future.

# 11 I was thinking the same thing....LOL

Ok I love this program ! My question is though where do I get
the code I've looked in license txt but cannot find the code in there anywhere.
Thanks for all those programs it's a lot of fun & something
I look forward to everyday.

Suzanne

Here's what this is for:

You have those nice vacation photos you took or that darling photo of your pet that you love so much. You'd like to set one of them as your desktop wallpaper. But when you do, it is too dark or light, the colors too glaring, or it clashes with your icons, taskbar, etc.. Too bad. No. Open "Chameleon Desktop" and load that difficult photo. Make it darker. Mute the bright colors. Change it to look like a drawing. Whatever. See the changes as you make them, so you can determine when you have it just like you want it. Click a button. BOOM! Nice wallpaper. It looks good. You have something to show your friends and family that you can be proud of. And you did it yourself. Isn't that worth something? Oh, you're an expert. Sorry. Just go back to your $500.00 program, then.

This just goes beyond belief...there are those out there that do not even try the software before they submit comments...there are those purported 'computer geeks' that think they know everything and pass judgement based on hearsay or some kind of 'intellect'...PEOPLE, THESE PROGRAMS ARE FREE...TRY THEM...IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THEM...OK...but stop the slamming BS comments...I am not pushing or slamming any of the products offered...if they work on your machine, great...if you find bugs...report them...If you like it, report that...If you do not like it, report that...JUST PLEASE STOP SLAMMING SOMETHING THAT SOME PEOPLE DO TO TRY AND HELP THE REST...These programs are free...Understand???

nice program really cool effects.

Hello GAOTD

Thanks for this one. Can you please try to bring their Chameleon Clock application? It's a grate replacement for Windows system tray clock.

Thanks,

G.

#10, You missed the whole point.

"but comparing this to PSP is like saying I prefer Word to NotePad, of course I do but I can’t afford the price of Word"

#9, is not really saying that he can not afford "Microsoft Word" or that he is looking for a free program that he could use in place of "Word. In his comment quoted above,he is giving an example of his statements referring to comparing the features of a large commercial program to those of a small less expensive program. Doing so is similar to "comparing apples with oranges". Don't do it. It does not make any sense.

I concur with his statements - #9 is exactly right.

#20 you've just proven my point, and I thank you. By reading others opinions and suggestions about other programs, YOU DIDN'T DOWNLOAD and TRY THIS ONE. It may actually have something you like about its operation, but now you'll never kmow because you chose to believe in others (Who possibly don't have a clue)instead of giving it a try. Thanks for denying a programs sponser a chance to reveal their operation and talents.

Agree with #23. It is annoying.

Thanks for all the great downloads you have given to us this year. Hope all of you had a great holiday and will have a fantastic NEW YEAR!

I, too, like comparisons to other programs. And I appreciate the live links to them for those interested. I don't know if there is much market for this one, but the price (FREE) is reasonable and the footprint is light.

I also prefer Paint Shop Pro, although I've not used it to make wallpaper for Windoze. With so many other folks creating them and offering their efforts freely on the Internet, why would I?

I'm just saying...

Hi - I am Vlad Gerasimov from vladstudio.com - my website was down for several minutes today, and is working fine now. So you are welcome to check out my wallpapers! Thanks.

I agree with most users here that it is most unfortunate that this program forces you to open your browser to their web page every time you start this program. To me that is just wrong. If you want to give away a program give it away with no strings attached. Why should we be hijacked to your website to tempt us to purchase more programs? That being said I like what I have seen of this program. I think it can improve your wallpaper. I will keep it but I can do wothout the strong arm hijack tactics. Thank You so much GAOTD for another great offering. Thank you to the publisher, Sibental, Inc for your contribution.

Installed and registered easily and properly, and uninstalled just as easily. What a totally waste of time. I guess it would be ok if I had a 3 year old that wanted to play around with it but I am sure a 3 year old would bore of this one quickly as well.

Rather anoying when upon every start, it opens yer web
browser and connects to watermark factory page!

This is the best download ever! I love it and will spend many hours using it!!!!

I like it. It is easy to use. Not to many buttons.

> Those of you who use “Gimp” or “Infanview” WHO CARES? No ones asking you to compare this program to any other cheap or free program, just give a comment on this one. <

Unlike #12, I actually LIKE when people compare the current offering to other programs (free or not). Whether I download the current offering or not, it allows me to try other programs that I might not have heard of otherwise. AND lets me know that a program is similar enough to what I've already got installed on my PC to save me the trouble of downloading something unnecessary. Sounds like this is essentially just another photo editor, something of which I already have enough installed on my PC to know that I probably won't need to bother downloading this one. Thanks for the giveaway anyway! :)

nice app. good job GAOTD!

I downloaded and installed. Tried to download wallpapers and received the following error on the webpage. Not much good if it doesn't function...


Fatal error: main() [function.require]: Failed opening required '../includes/universalinclude.php' (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /home/vladstud/domains/vladstudio.com/public_html/home/index.php on line 3

The overall look of this application is eeriely similar to ImageBadger Image Converter. Does that mean anything? No, but I just thought I'd give it a mention anyway.

Downloaded and installed. Works fine, but I am wondering one thing-why (since I chose not to download trial version of the watermark program)it opens Watermark website every time I start it? I don't like things opening without my "permission".

Installed on Windows XP sp2. No problems except they snuck in a trial version of watermark. I would love watermark, but can't afford it. Maybe watermark will make it to GAOTD soon.

As for the Chameleon Desktop, it is very simple and easy to use. Select any graphic file on your computer and click on the thumbnail you want it to look like. You can stack the selections, also. You can save the end product to a profile so you can do the same manipulation in the future with only one click.

Problem I saw in first 10 min. is that you can deselect an attribute, but when saving the profile, it saves all the deselected items, too. Just messy for the obsessive person. I loved that I could sharpen all my downloaded wallpapers and give them my favorite hue. That way the themes that I use (purple) and the wallpaper will all flow nicely together. If this is accomplished in other programs, awesome. I haven't had that kind of luck with that. If I tried to do this manipulation with a photo program, I would probably take an hour to get it this good.

Thanks GAOTD

Thanks GAOTD
I don't need it, but thanks anyway

According to their website this product gives you access to Vladtudio wallpapers.......but requires a registration to download anything but the low quality papers.

Does anyone know if you have to buy their wallpapers or does it come with the GAOTD registration?

#5 1.76 MB's is a "Space Taker"? How big is your hard drive, 2000MB's? Those of you who use "Gimp" or "Infanview" WHO CARES? No ones asking you to compare this program to any other cheap or free program, just give a comment on this one.I've used both "Gimp" which is "Gimpy" at best, and "Infant View" (Pun intended) and find both are limited as well. Though I have PSP and other high end image editors, it's nice to have this alternative for faster image enhancements. If you're having the same problems (Speed) downloading this freebie, then you couldn't have possibly tested it, or all of its abilities. Thanks GAOTD and Watermarkfactory for offering this today.

#9.... you PAY for software? lol

QUOTE
comparing this to PSP is like saying I prefer Word to NotePad, of course I do but I can’t afford the price of Word - same with PSP.
Unquote

OpenOffice is free, and you might really prefer OO to Word.

Why do idiots continually compare expensive similar types of software to a piece of software that is free (if only for one day). I like to see comparisons with other similar free software (e.g. Gimp) but comparing this to PSP is like saying I prefer Word to NotePad, of course I do but I can't afford the price of Word - same with PSP.

Personally I have no need for this as I have better things to do than sit creating screen-savers (how many do you need?), but for those that are into that type of activity it seems to do what it says it does so good luck to the authors.

On the other side of the coin I don't really understand why software creators continually spend time creating this type of "paid" software when they must know that virtually everyone uses Irfanview for free.

Come on you guys - come up with something a bit more original.

I kinda agree with the peeps above, but a big thank you! I also usually just make my own wallpapers, BUT..I do think this would be extremely useful to a person more new at computer use, or young kids, or even older people who don't like to mess with learning things they can do by themselves or a PC. I'll use it awhile & see if maybe I like it more than expected, to be fair.Ya never know for sure til ya really give it a hearty try.
I sure wish we could get the watermark program here though! I missed the last 1 we had & wanted it really bad! I began the download & my pc started having crashing problems. Good ole MSN ISP for ya. ha.

Works as advertised... I would not pay for it, as there is the GIMP available to use free, but a nice application all the same. Thanks, GAOTD and Watermark Factory. I will use this app :)

#4: Me too, I also prefer to create wallpapers with progs like GIMP. Chameleon Desktop 1.3 may be more easy to use but it just hasn't the needed capabilities for wallpaper-creation except the easy to use alpha-blending.

Think I'll stick with Paint Shop Pro too. It does everything and more this lil space taker will do. But thanks for your many offers.

"an easy to use graphical utility that will allow you to apply different artistic effects to your desktop wallpaper. Creating incredible professional looking desktop wallpapers has never been easier!"




So...how is this different from just editing your photos with progs like Paint shop pro, or the freeware Gimp etc which you can then just use Control Panel/Display to configure on your Desktop??

Its difficult to tell exactly what else it can do (other than fairly common effects editing) from the sitepage:

http://www.watermarkfactory.com/chameleon-desktop.html


Apparently 456 wallpapers to choose from but I must admit i prefer to create my own.



may well be useful for someone tho.