15 September, 2012

Windows 7 and the active window

Maybe it's a problem with Windows 7, maybe I only noticed it because I started using dual monitors, but I'm having trouble telling (at a glance) which is the active window. I'm not the only one: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-desktop/how-to-make-active-window-border-color-and-taskbar/45ae4d86-b64d-4cf5-bd94-d15bd56c800f This problem is made worse by the fact that you can't choose the colours for active and inactive windows separately, the inactive window is always just a faded/desaturated version of the active. Removing transparency helps a bit, as does changing the default blue wallpaper + blue title bar.

Someone in the link above says, "Did you not see this picture?  It's far more contrast than Windows XP had, ever:" There must be something wrong with my monitor or eyes, because the only difference in Win 7 is a bit of saturation:

But in XP one is in black and white, while the other is in colour. You judge for yourself which has more contrast.

You CAN set the Title bar to custom colours. But, although it says "Colors and sizes selected here apply only if you have selected the Windows 7 Basic theme or an Ease of Access theme.", that is blatantly NOT TRUE and it only works in the Classic theme. http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/176167-title-bar-active-window-colors.html

Update 5 Oct 12
Unfortunately your custom colours won't work for some programs, most notably Microsoft's Office suite. Quick, which of the 3 windows is the active one?

No comments:

Post a Comment