It's time for the 4th installment of my Desktop Customizing Essentials series.  This time we'll be looking over Logon Studio a freeware program by stardock.  But before we get started be sure to check out the previous three articles.

Desktop Customizing Essentials, IconX

Desktop Customizing Essentials Part II, IconPackager

Desktop Customizing Essentials Part III, WindowBlinds

Now on to Logon Studio, This Cool little program allows you to change the graphics of the logon screen in WindowsXP.  Stardock has this to say about it, "Stardock LogonStudio allows Windows XP users to edit, change, and apply new logon screens. LogonStudio comes built with a visual editor to make it easy to create your own logons which can then be uploaded to websites to be used by others users.  LogonStudio uses .logonxp files rather than requiring users to replace their actual logonui.exe."   That's it in a nutshell.

Changing Logon screens is easy enough with Logon Studio simply start the program and select the logon from the list of available logons and click apply.

From the main user interface (above) you can:

• Load a logon file that you have downloaded.

• Delete a logon

• Create a new logon.

• Import a LgonUI.exe file and convert it to the *.logon format.

• Export your creations to *.logon files so you can share them on the internet.

• Restore your system to use the Default Windows XP logon screen.

Next we have the options screen:

The most interesting thing here is the ability to create a random logon list that will display a different logon each time you reboot ( turn of and back on) your computer.

Here's a sample of the Logon's that are available:

Top: GT3 By Tiggs

Middle: My Halloween By: Xav73

Bottom: A_67 Blue By: Apocalypse_67

From the users perspective that's really all there is to Logon Studio, it is a simple and effective program that allows you to change your logon screens without messing with your system files.

Problems:

Logon Studio files are resolution specific and from what I can tell there is no way to let the user know what resolutions a file will work with unless the author puts it in the file name.   

For the User:  BE SURE to check to see if a logon you are about to download is the right size for your screen or is resolution Independent.  Your system Resolution which, can be found setting tab of the display properties window. ( Right click on the desktop and choose properties)

Links:

Logon Studio Website

Stardock's Website

Desktop Customizing Essentials, IconX

Desktop Customizing Essentials Part II, IconPackager

Desktop Customizing Essentials Part III, WindowBlinds

A little about me:  I have been in the desktop customization community for 5+ years (My Wincustomize Site).  In that time I have beta tested and skinned many of Stardocks products along with some others.  I do not claim to be unbiased in my review of Stardocks products, they are what I have learned to skin with and will continue to use.  I will not, however intentionally lie to you about the features or anything else related to the products.  If something irritates me with a product  I will write it in my articles. ( how else would I get it fixed )