Multifunctional widget for screenshotting, monitoring CPU and RAM usage, and cleaning RAM
Posted: 15 Apr 2024, 01:13
I've decided to split some ideas from the contributing post into their own topic, so I can better explain them in a single contained post. This is the widget. I would really appreciate it if a program like this was made. It would improve the usability of older/newer Windows versions alike.
I currently use the Advanced SystemCare performance monitor widget that I ripped out of Advanced SystemCare. It does the job, but it has some pitfalls. It's not themeable at all and is just always flat blue. After a few days it just randomly closes and needs to be reopened. The screenshot tool doesn't work too well on multi monitor setups where one monitor is smaller than the other. (The save bar can be off screen) It's also from an application regarded as suspicious at best or malicious at worst.
What I want is a replacement widget styled after the ABP 1.2 Rainmeter widgets. Light and dark like ABP 1.2, and I guess flat versions of those too for those who like it. I want it to have the same features of the performance monitor widget with a screenshot tool, RAM cleaner, CPU, RAM, Disk, Network, temperature, and fan monitoring. Here is a basic mockup to give you an idea.
A lot of these tools already exist in separate forms, so I assume they could be combined into one relatively easily. Normally I would say make it in C(++), however a lot of these are C#/.NET, so maybe make it for .NET 2.0 or 3.5 instead. With the recent backport it could theoretically run on even Windows 95. I would like for there to be a UNIX port or version, which I don't think would work for this since .NET, but idk.
The already existing tools are:
Win+Shift+S:
This is meant to recreate the modern Windows 10 screenshot shortcut tool. I'm not entirely sure what exactly it is, but I think it would be a good starting point for this portion. The performance monitor widget has Ctrl+Shift+X, which is what my muscle memory is for, however maybe this is fine too since I have programs that also use Ctrl+Shift+X which kinda sucks. If they're unused maybe Ctrl+Win+X or Win+Alt+X would work too.
The screenshot tool in the performance monitor widget has a bar that allows for basic editing. The main options I want are the go back, cancel, copy, and save options. However the shapes (with fill), paintbrush, and text options would be appreciated too. Also make sure it doesn't fall under this pitfall that some other image editing applications do.
Windows Memory Cleaner:
A basic memory cleaner tool. I assume it could be downgraded to .NET 2.0 or 3.5, set to default, and made to clean RAM on button press. I assume the options could still be tweaked in a settings menu in the application, but not necessary.
LibreHardwareMonitor:
Just a framework for the temperature and fan usage. Not sure if this would be the best option since it's .NET 4.7.2 and monitors a lot more. Maybe a smaller tool exists that is better for the job.
I don't have anything else for the other functions, but i assume they should be relatively easy to do.
I currently use the Advanced SystemCare performance monitor widget that I ripped out of Advanced SystemCare. It does the job, but it has some pitfalls. It's not themeable at all and is just always flat blue. After a few days it just randomly closes and needs to be reopened. The screenshot tool doesn't work too well on multi monitor setups where one monitor is smaller than the other. (The save bar can be off screen) It's also from an application regarded as suspicious at best or malicious at worst.
What I want is a replacement widget styled after the ABP 1.2 Rainmeter widgets. Light and dark like ABP 1.2, and I guess flat versions of those too for those who like it. I want it to have the same features of the performance monitor widget with a screenshot tool, RAM cleaner, CPU, RAM, Disk, Network, temperature, and fan monitoring. Here is a basic mockup to give you an idea.
A lot of these tools already exist in separate forms, so I assume they could be combined into one relatively easily. Normally I would say make it in C(++), however a lot of these are C#/.NET, so maybe make it for .NET 2.0 or 3.5 instead. With the recent backport it could theoretically run on even Windows 95. I would like for there to be a UNIX port or version, which I don't think would work for this since .NET, but idk.
The already existing tools are:
Win+Shift+S:
This is meant to recreate the modern Windows 10 screenshot shortcut tool. I'm not entirely sure what exactly it is, but I think it would be a good starting point for this portion. The performance monitor widget has Ctrl+Shift+X, which is what my muscle memory is for, however maybe this is fine too since I have programs that also use Ctrl+Shift+X which kinda sucks. If they're unused maybe Ctrl+Win+X or Win+Alt+X would work too.
The screenshot tool in the performance monitor widget has a bar that allows for basic editing. The main options I want are the go back, cancel, copy, and save options. However the shapes (with fill), paintbrush, and text options would be appreciated too. Also make sure it doesn't fall under this pitfall that some other image editing applications do.
Windows Memory Cleaner:
A basic memory cleaner tool. I assume it could be downgraded to .NET 2.0 or 3.5, set to default, and made to clean RAM on button press. I assume the options could still be tweaked in a settings menu in the application, but not necessary.
LibreHardwareMonitor:
Just a framework for the temperature and fan usage. Not sure if this would be the best option since it's .NET 4.7.2 and monitors a lot more. Maybe a smaller tool exists that is better for the job.
I don't have anything else for the other functions, but i assume they should be relatively easy to do.