Classic Shell VS dmenu

• Customizable Start Menu
  Classic Shell allows users to customize the Start Menu to a significant extent, including changing the style and appearance to resemble earlier versions of Windows (XP, Vista, and 7).
• Performance Enhancements
  The software is lightweight and generally does not consume significant system resources, making it a performance-efficient alternative to the default Start Menu.
• Enhanced Usability
  It brings back certain features and functionalities that are familiar and preferred by users, enhancing overall user experience, particularly for those transitioning from older Windows versions.
• Frequent Updates
  Classic Shell is regularly updated to ensure compatibility with new Windows updates, providing a reliable solution over time.
• Free of Cost
  Classic Shell is available for free, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to improve their Start Menu without financial investment.

Possible disadvantages

• Limited Official Support
  As Classic Shell is developed primarily by volunteers, official support may be limited compared to commercial software.
• Complexity
  The extensive customization options might be overwhelming for less tech-savvy users, leading to a steeper learning curve.
• Potential Compatibility Issues
  Although updated frequently, there can be temporary compatibility issues with the latest Windows updates, requiring users to wait for the next release.
• Lack of Modern Features
  Classic Shell aims to replicate older versions of Windows Start Menus, which might lack some of the modern features available in the default Windows Start Menu.
• Discontinued Development
  Official development of Classic Shell was discontinued in December 2017. While community forks like Open-Shell continue the project, the lack of official development could be seen as a disadvantage.

• Lightweight
  dmenu is known for its minimal use of system resources, ensuring fast performance even on older hardware.
• Flexibility
  dmenu can be easily integrated into scripts and customized to fit specific workflows, making it adaptable to various user needs.
• Minimalism
  Its minimalist design aligns with the philosophy of simplicity and efficiency, allowing for a straightforward user experience.
• Keyboard Driven
  dmenu is designed for efficiency with keyboard input, enabling quick navigation and selection without the need for a mouse.
• Scriptability
  Due to its simplicity and flexibility, it can be easily scripted and paired with other command-line tools for extended functionality.

Possible disadvantages

• Limited Features
  Compared to more comprehensive launchers, dmenu lacks advanced features such as fuzzy searching or GUI configuration options.
• Steep Learning Curve
  For users unfamiliar with command-line tools or scripting, setting up and customizing dmenu can be challenging.
• Aesthetic Limitations
  The minimalist interface may not appeal to users who prefer more visually rich interactions or customization options.
• Dependence on External Scripts
  To extend its functionality, users often need to rely on additional scripts, which might require extra maintenance and setup.
• No Built-in Menu Structure
  dmenu does not support a predefined hierarchical menu structure out of the box, which might be a drawback for users looking for an organized menu system.

No analysis of dmenu yet.

Classic Shell with Windows 10!

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dmenu: Your own Custom Script Menus!

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• Scrollbars Are Becoming a Problem

  There's a great add-on called... ClassicShell http://classicshell.net/. - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago

• What software would be used to remove the red elements and change the layout of the tray icon?

  Windows Classic Shell is what I have used for over a decade. It brings back the old start menu and can be customized. Source: over 3 years ago

• Microsoft is turning Windows 11's Start Menu into an advertisement delivery system

  ClassicShell is no longer being developed. OpenShell succeeded it. (c.f., http://classicshell.net/). Source: almost 4 years ago

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• Bspwm + Sxhkd + Polybar

  For dmenu modifications go to http://tools.suckless.org/dmenu/ and read about patching, or use some patched versions from github, like Luke Smiths https://github.com/LukeSmithxyz/dmenu. Source: almost 3 years ago

• Textual Web: TUIs for the Web

  Some features are nice to have. Give dmenu [0] a try, pipe it into other CLI utils and see how useful it can be to have drop-downs sometimes. [0] https://tools.suckless.org/dmenu/. - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago

• Kera Desktop: open-source, cross-platform, web-based desktop environment

  This is a wonderful project! I've been thinking a lot about making such a unified desktop stack for a while now; web technology has matured to the point where I think it's feasible to build a complete environment a la Smalltalk/Symbolics... - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago

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