DOSBox MSKB Win32 - sgml/signature GitHub Wiki

Performant Alternatives to Default Applications

system_utilities:
  windows_defender:
    replaces: "Built-in antivirus and firewall"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Bitdefender Free"
        url: "https://www.bitdefender.com/"
      - name: "Kaspersky Free"
        url: "https://www.kaspersky.com/free-antivirus"
      - name: "Malwarebytes"
        url: "https://www.malwarebytes.com/"
    notes: "Third-party antivirus may offer more advanced features or lighter resource usage"

  file_explorer:
    replaces: "Windows File Explorer"
    alternatives:
      - name: "One Commander"
        url: "https://onecommander.com"
      - name: "Files"
        url: "https://files.community"
    notes: "Tab support, dual-pane UI, and theme customization"

  taskbar:
    replaces: "Windows Taskbar"
    alternatives:
      - name: "TaskbarX"
        url: "https://chrisandriessen.nl/taskbarx"
      - name: "RoundedTB"
        url: "https://github.com/torchgm/RoundedTB"
    notes: "Custom alignment, animations, and transparency"

  start_menu:
    replaces: "Default Start menu"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Start11"
        url: "https://www.stardock.com/products/start11/"
      - name: "Open-Shell"
        url: "https://open-shell.github.io/Open-Shell-Menu/"
    notes: "Classic Start menu layouts and full customization"

  clipboard_manager:
    replaces: "Windows Clipboard history"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Ditto"
        url: "https://ditto-cp.sourceforge.io/"
      - name: "ClipboardFusion"
        url: "https://www.clipboardfusion.com/"
    notes: "Advanced clipboard tracking, formatting, and syncing"

  volume_mixer:
    replaces: "System sound mixer"
    alternatives:
      - name: "EarTrumpet"
        url: "https://github.com/File-New-Project/EarTrumpet"
    notes: "Per-app volume control with fluent UI"

ui_customization:
  file_preview:
    replaces: "Preview pane"
    alternatives:
      - name: "QuickLook"
        url: "https://github.com/QL-Win/QuickLook"
    notes: "macOS-style spacebar previews for files"

  system_clock:
    replaces: "Taskbar date/time widget"
    alternatives:
      - name: "T-Clock"
        url: "https://github.com/White-Tiger/T-Clock"
    notes: "Custom fonts, formats, and tooltips"

  desktop_organization:
    replaces: "Icon grouping"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Fences"
        url: "https://www.stardock.com/products/fences/"
    notes: "Organize desktop shortcuts into movable zones"

  widgets_and_skins:
    replaces: "None (extra feature)"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Rainmeter"
        url: "https://www.rainmeter.net/"
    notes: "Custom desktop HUDs and visualizations"

power_tools:
  screenshot_tool:
    replaces: "Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch"
    alternatives:
      - name: "ShareX"
        url: "https://getsharex.com/"
      - name: "Snipaste"
        url: "https://www.snipaste.com/"
    notes: "Advanced annotations, automation, and uploads"

  file_search:
    replaces: "Windows Search"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Everything"
        url: "https://www.voidtools.com/"
    notes: "Lightning-fast indexed file searching"

  automation:
    replaces: "Windows Shortcuts and scripting"
    alternatives:
      - name: "AutoHotkey"
        url: "https://www.autohotkey.com/"
    notes: "Powerful scripting language for automation"

  system_tweaker:
    replaces: "Group Policy / Registry manual editing"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Winaero Tweaker"
        url: "https://winaero.com/winaero-tweaker/"
    notes: "Unified UI for advanced system settings"

web_network:
  web_browser:
    replaces: "Microsoft Edge"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Firefox"
        url: "https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/"
      - name: "Vivaldi"
        url: "https://vivaldi.com/"
      - name: "Brave"
        url: "https://brave.com/"
    notes: "Privacy-friendly and feature-rich alternatives"

  network_monitor:
    replaces: "Basic Task Manager networking tab"
    alternatives:
      - name: "GlassWire"
        url: "https://www.glasswire.com/"
      - name: "NetLimiter"
        url: "https://www.netlimiter.com/"
    notes: "Track bandwidth, block traffic per app"

footer:
  default_behavior_changes: |
    Installing a third-party alternative may change Windows default behavior in one of the following ways:

    1. **Manual reassignment**:
       - You often need to manually set the new application as the default in Settings → Apps → Default Apps.
       - For system-level tools (e.g. Explorer, Taskbar), some changes may require registry edits or shell overrides.

    2. **Automatic replacement**:
       - Some utilities (like antivirus software or web browsers) prompt users to make them default during installation.
       - Advanced tools (e.g. Start11 or EarTrumpet) may hook into system APIs or override shell behaviors without modifying core system files.

    3. **Fallback behavior**:
       - Windows may restore defaults after updates or security scans (notably with Defender or Start Menu mods).
       - It's recommended to recheck and reapply defaults after major system updates.

    These changes are generally reversible and isolated, but administrative access is often required. Always back up registry or system configurations when applying deep customizations.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/snap-your-windows-885a9b1e-a983-a3b1-16cd-c531795e6241

https://www.irfanview.com/

https://www.wikihow.com/Turn-Off-Windows-Defender-in-Windows-10