Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Static Site Boilerplate VS Classic Shell

Compare Static Site Boilerplate VS Classic Shell and see what are their differences

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Static Site Boilerplate logo Static Site Boilerplate

A better workflow for building modern static websites.

Classic Shell logo Classic Shell

Classic Shell was developed for Windows 8 since that was the first version of the popular operating system to forgo the iconic Start menu.
  • Static Site Boilerplate Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-10
  • Classic Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-30

Static Site Boilerplate features and specs

  • Performance
    Static Site Boilerplate is known for its fast loading times since it serves static files, which can be delivered quickly from a CDN.
  • Security
    Static sites have fewer attack vectors compared to dynamic sites, reducing vulnerabilities like SQL injection and server-side attacks.
  • Scalability
    Static Site Boilerplate inherently supports high scalability because static files can be easily replicated on multiple servers.
  • Simplicity
    The framework is straightforward and simple to use, making it accessible to developers who want to create fast and efficient websites with minimal configuration.
  • No Server-Side Dependency
    Since the output is purely static files, there's no need for any backend infrastructure or server management.

Possible disadvantages of Static Site Boilerplate

  • Limited Dynamic Functionality
    Static Site Boilerplate is not ideal for websites that require server-side processing or real-time dynamic content as it does not support traditional backend server logic.
  • Content Management
    Managing and updating content can be more cumbersome without a content management system (CMS) integrated into the workflow.
  • Build Time
    With large sites, the build process can become time-consuming, as regenerating static files for every change takes time.
  • Initial Setup Complexity
    For beginners, the initial setup and understanding of static site generation tools might seem complex compared to using a CMS.
  • Limited Interactivity
    While possible to enhance with JavaScript, static sites inherently don't support highly interactive elements natively without additional scripting.

Classic Shell features and specs

  • 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 of Classic Shell

  • 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.

Analysis of Classic Shell

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Classic Shell is considered a good tool for those who want to enhance their Windows experience with more customization and a nod to classic Windows aesthetics. It's reliable, widely used, and addresses some of the usability concerns people have with newer Windows versions.

Why this product is good

  • Classic Shell is popular among users who prefer the familiar interface and user experience of older versions of Windows, particularly Windows 7 or even XP. It offers customization options for the Start Menu, Explorer, and other UI elements, allowing a more personalized and comfortable experience for those who are not fond of newer Windows UI changes.

Recommended for

    Classic Shell is recommended for users who miss the classic Windows Start menu and layout, those who find the new Windows designs less intuitive, and individuals who want more control over their interface customization. It's particularly suitable for people transitioning from older Windows versions to newer ones who wish to maintain a certain level of familiarity.

Static Site Boilerplate videos

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Classic Shell videos

Classic Shell with Windows 10!

More videos:

  • Review - Classic Shell Review | Make Windows 8 Like Windows 7 with Classic Shell
  • Review - Classic Shell 4.0.2 Review

Category Popularity

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Developer Tools
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Note Taking
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100% 100
Design Tools
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LMS
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User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Classic Shell seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 18 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Static Site Boilerplate mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Static Site Boilerplate yet. Tracking of Static Site Boilerplate recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Classic Shell mentions (18)

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Static Site Boilerplate and Classic Shell, you can also consider the following products

React Boilerplate - Offline-first, highly scalable foundation for your next app

Fences - Keep your desktop organized with Fences. This is a simple software program that allows you to sort the tabs on your desktop and create files that are easily recognizable to you.

GatsbyJS - Blazing-fast static site generator for React

Open Shell - Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start...

React Milkshake - React boilerplate to kickstart your next projects.

Start Menu X - Start Menu X with Start Button. Power users know how inconvenient and time-consuming it is to launch programs from the system menu.