WindowBlinds skins windows (created with SkinStudio)

MyColors basically only applies MyColors themes (MyColors is for the 'click and go crowd) - There are some free MyColors and more paid MyColors - MyColors generally comes with OEM versions of the apps needed to run the various 'parts'

Theme Manager will apply 'parts' or themes - either those created as .suite or those you design and 'save as'




It skins windows.

Without WB installed, MyColors will only skin windows using MyColors themes
Without WB installed, ThemeManager won't apply that aspect of a 'theme/suite'



Nope
Neither is ObjectDock unless they changed it since the last time I read it.



If I recall correctly - and I'm wrong often -

1st there were the parts (Windowblinds, Iconpackager, etc)
then came full suites which could be applied using ThemeManager
then came MyColors (which if you buy a MyColors theme it will work without having to purchase those separate apps included in OD2k8U - sort of like a gadget will run on it's own engine but a widget need desktopx installed {and an object needs desktopx installed and running}



I may be wrong, but I bet I'm close

Whhaaaaaattt, no ObjectDock?

That's a freaking cop-out. $70 for 'Ultimate' OBJECT Desktop couldn't include OBJECT dock?

i agree they should include object dokc in ultimate object desktop product, how can it be ultimate without it, if they would like they could do something like $30 for standard, $50 for professional and $70 for ultimate, and ultimate should have it all and professional should have everything except object dock.

I disagree. Dump the different suites alltogether! There should be an automated discount system for people buying multiple software from the suite instead. If I buy windowblinds and then decide to buy the full suite I'm just screwed on my money as this works.

 

you do get a discount

I believe no it cant, If memory serves me OD as well as CurXP were both created outside SD and bought under agreement, the creator gets royalties for each sold. So they can not bundle them together with ultimate or any other package deal.  It's been a long time since I had to try to remember the full story. (was like 6 years ago or better since I asked this very question) Just like why they dont offer master skins with bundles.

SD does generously offer a Discount on the items tho, coming off of thier side of the purchase price.

 

As for the OP:

Windowblinds is the application that changes the way Windows look's. (Mostly Explorer).

Iconpackager is the application that applies custom icons.

DesktopX is the application that runs the widgets/gadgets. (clocks,weather displays,calendars,etc)

These combined with other Stardock skinning programs, make up the MyColors desktop theming application. Basically MyColors is WB,IP,DX and other popular SD applications all rolled up in to one.

MyColors is the new one click way to customize your desktop with pre built suites. Many folks did not want to have to get to involved working with different applications to achieve a custom desktop look. So SD decided to make an easy to use desktop customization application, to apply the various skins needed for that fully customized Desktop look. Hence MyColors was born.

Theme manager is sort of the base for Mycolors, (It was built before Mycolors was concieved.) While My colors allows you to apply MyColors Suites * typically purchased* tho they do offer some free ones. Theme manager allows you to build your own Themes from the various skins at WC and or apply the free themes already assembled at Wincustomize's suites library.

I hope this clears up any questions you have.

 

HG