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Short Answer

Shell extensions are system utilities which allow you to customize the way Windows works for you. Most SHELL EXTENSIONS are tiny little tweaks to the system or else small programs, 100kb or less, very easy to download and install, and they'll generally make your computer experience easier by more conveniently configuring your system, allowing you to perform some system function more easily. So now you know the abstract principles, go and browse the shell extensions to learn more.

I hope you enjoy and make use of what is offered on these pages, and if you have any comments about what you think might make this a better site, click here to tell me about it.

One last thing: if you're a beginner, make sure you KNOW YOUR SOFTWARE



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Long Answer

First, you have to understand the term, "SHELL." The Windows "SHELL" is that part of the operating system which allows you to access and manipulate the components of your computer's hardware and software. More specifically, in Windows 95/98, the SHELL consists of the WINDOWS EXPLORER (no, not Internet Explorer).

The WINDOWS EXPLORER is composed of several items, most importantly MY COMPUTER, the TASKBAR, and the START MENU.

Notice that MY COMPUTER allows you to access your hard drives, the Control Panel, Dial Up Networking, the Recycle Bin, and so on. The TASKBAR and START MENU allow you to access your programs and various other items. In essence, the SHELL is what connects you to the inner workings of your computer.

Ok, so now you can guess what a SHELL EXTENSION is.

It's a gizmo that extends the SHELL. That is, it increases the functionality of the SHELL, making your computer easier to use.

As indicated in the Short Answer above, many SHELL EXTENSIONS work by expanding the choices on the CONTEXT MENU. That's the little menu which pops up when you right click on an object.

You should become very familiar with that little right click menu--it opens a world of opportunities. Learn about it by trying it out. Right click on everything---the choices change with the object being clicked on, i.e., with the context.

Some other SHELL EXTENSIONS do not work from the CONTEXT MENU. TweakUI, from the Microsoft Power Toys, for example, works from the Control Panel, allowing you to manipulate system settings on a global scale, such as the speed with which your menus appear, your mouse sensitivity, the appearance and presence of desktop icons, etc. Other SHELL EXTENSIONS work from the SYSTEM TRAY (that little square box on the TASKBAR directly opposite the Start Button).

Wherever they work from, changes in settings are the essence of SHELL EXTENSIONS. In almost every case, a SHELL EXTENSION is only a tweak to the system, usually a little addition or subtraction to or from the Windows Registry to modify or create a feature, though in a few cases a little more is involved, and a small program will also be invoked to empower the extension.

So now you know the abstract principles, go and browse the shell extensions to learn more.

I hope you enjoy and make use of what is offered on my pages, and if you have any comments about what you think might make this a better site, click here to tell me about it.

One last thing: if you're a beginner, make sure you KNOW YOUR SOFTWARE

Now, go on into the City, and find something useful. Good luck to you!