VA_GREYBEARD  MacUpdate should revise the requirements for Unsanity products like WindowShade X to state that their products are NOT compatible with Snow Leopard. "10.4.x and above" is incorrect!  
(Version 4.3)

DRDAD  Windowshade is so good at what it does that I remain disappointed that I didn't know ahead of time that it wouldn't work with Snow Leopard.  
(Version 4.3)

DOC.  wow... this is what makes you not want pay for shareware. This kind of attitude is going to bite unsanity in the @@s  
(Version 4.3)

DONEBYLEE  For the fun of it I just checked Unsanity's website and what to my wondering eyes appeared?

"Unsanity is still hard at work on Snow Leopard compatibility for the rest of our stuff and will be announcing availability as things become ready. Look for posts from Slava and Rosyna about WindowShade…"

Wow.  
(Version 4.3)

BBB  Don't buy WindowShadeX if you intend to use Snow Leopard. It doesn't work.

Besides, I'd like to warn everybody for the lousy support offered by the manufacturer: none at all. I've been trying to contact them to report bugs, no reply. Report anything as often you want, to any of their e-mails published on their website (support, feedback or sales): one thing is guaranteed: you will never get a reply, whatsoever. I decided to ask my money back (they offer a 90 day money back guarantee, but... you guessed right: no response). I think this is a one person company and the developer either doesn't care at all about customers after they paid or he is suffering from the mexican flew and rotting away behind his overflowing mailbox.... (maybe we are even better off that way, no need for such rip-offs in this world).   
(Version 4.3)

EASER  Out of curiosity, and I'm probably out of my league here, could the PowerPC only version of Windowshade (from days of yore) possibly work via Rosetta? I don't have that anymore, but maybe someone who does would be willing to try?  
(Version 4.3)

EASER  I have a proposal. Given how long Unsanity took to get this program to even start to work in Leopard, and given their current (apparent) indifference to Snow Leopard, I hold very low hopes of seeing any development in at least several months. (That's not unrealistic; look back on how long it took to get a Leopard version.) And even after several months, I don't expect a fully working version. Even their last Leopard version still had bugs despite their claims to the contrary.

And it seems we are all tired of this. So, there must be a slew of competent developers out there who could also come up with some means of window shading. I don't know if we could have all of the bells and whistles. For myself, I just need the ability to collapse the window with either a hot key or double-clicking the title bar; but I do recognize that others like minimize-in-place and so on.

Anyway, I doubt that any one of us has the money to pay a developer, but perhaps if we could arrange some kind of PayPal (or something) donation, then collectively we could entice someone to take on the project. Honestly, I don't know if this is even a plausible or good idea, but if you think it has any merits, let me know which developer(s) you think would be trustworthy and up to the task, and I would be willing to contact them with the proposal. I can't see that we'd have much to lose by asking.  
(Version 4.3)

RUSSELL GLEASON  Running 10.6 Snow Leopard and windowshade doesn't work. I was hoping for a smooth transition (concerning the move from Leopard to Snow Leopard) concerning WindowShade but of course that wasn't the case. Why Apple never carried the windowshade feature from O/S 9.X to OS 10.X to begin with is beyond me.  
(Version 4.3)

YOXI  Well, APE works in Snow Leopard, but WindowShade et al all say this has not been tested in 10.6 and has therefore been disabled. Let's hope the wait isn't very long - I'm on autopilot using the amber blob for Hide.  
(Version 4.3)

EASER  Get ready for the next round of endless waiting. Last I read, this does not currently work in Snow Leopard. (http://snowleopard.wikidot.com/) Given that it took them literally years to get a version that sort of almost kind of worked with Leopard, I'm not optimistic. Wish Apple would just put this back into the OS. From what I've heard, if your machine has APE installed, Apple does not want to mess with your machine if it has problems. So, Apple abandons a great feature and then punishes anyone who so much as even tries to get that feature back. Pretty rude.  
(Version 4.3)

ALBABE  Wasn't this just released a week ago? What's the deal?  
(Version 4.3)

ZO219  Awright! Yippie! Way to go Unsanity! Haxies-R-Us. Why this never made it into X is beyond imagining ... unless you know Apple's one-track-mind.

Five Stars! Joe Bob says Check it out.  
(Version 4.3b1)

KILLER KLOWN KAR  Count me as another that has never had an issue with any A.P.E. add on. Of course, the fan boi's already knew that. I'd be really interested one day to see your Transmission running, Clip Menu, 1000 Safari plug in Mac's. I'm always up for a good running joke.   
(Version 4.3b1)

JETFIREDX  This along with FruitMenu and PathFinder have finally allowed me to realize my dream of killing off the Dock and Finder. I'll be registering tonight! Awesome.

(Wings3D is the only app I have had misbehave so far.)  
(Version 4.3b1)

EASER  This is clearly the 5th sign of the apocalypse. For the first time since Leopard's release, I can finally get windows to minimize in place at the edges of the screen without the windows disappearing. It looks to me like the Unsanity people actually got this fixed. Whereas the updates have been exceptionally slow, I do have to say thanks to them for addressing and fixing the problem. Hope they're ready for Snow Leopard.  
(Version 4.3b1)

NOBODY07  I've been using both WindowShade (X) and FruitMenu (X) forever. There were some issues early on in the OSX versions, and the Leopard version suffered a long birth, but I have been happy with the increased functionality that the programs provide since Apple itself strayed from earlier UI standards - I've accepted and have learned to use / live with the Dock, Spaces, Stacks, and Exposé, but its just more efficient for me to roll up a window the old way (or currently, like Linux). And FruitMenu, to me, is the best Contextual Menu tool I have - plus I just prefer the old style, highly customizable Apple Menu. And I kinda like the Developer's dry but truthful approach - although I agree this can be frustrating to many. Thanks for a useful tool for my OS X Macs - G4s, G5s, and Intels - all work well.  
(Version 4.3b1)

KNOWHOWE  Wow, 153 reviews. This is obviously a popular piece of kit- or used to be, judging by some of the comments..

I must have been one of the lucky ones as I've never had a moment's problem with WindowShade- or with Unsanity's FruitMenu, two programmes I absolutely adore and couldn't be without.

As has frequently been observed, why windowshading was ever removed from the OS remains a mystery so I, for one, am very grateful for this excellent piece of software.   
(Version 4.3b1)

GRYPHONENT  Does not align windows properly along the left edge of my screen. Unsanity apps used to be great, but the developer has left the users in the cold for too long now. Years without proper updates and support have forced me to deinstall APE and all Unsanity apps. Buyer beware!!  
(Version 4.2)

MACAZUR  Years back, this used to be a GREAT program.

Now for several years, the developper has stopped providing any support, or even any simple answer to emails.

I spent several hours installing and uninstalling the program and ape under Mac OS X 10.5.6, but am still unable to make it "windowshade" at all.

Dont spend your money for nothing!  
(Version 4.2)

AIKOUSHA  I've tried at least 4 versions of this under two versions of Tiger. For about an hour or so it worked perfectly each time, and then even though loaded and active, it just stopped working... even across reboots.

It's behavior is consistent on my computer regardless of the system and many other situations. Don't know why, but sadly I cannot recommend or use a program which stops working very quickly, and then never operates again. And cleaning up after it to remove it is a pain.

Such a great idea and implementation... too bad it doesn't work on my computer.  
(Version 4.2)

ALBABE  I have had lots of small problems with WindowShade... but nothing too terrible.

My biggest problem is their newfound non-involvement with their own client and it's subscribers. I've written them twice in the last two weeks with no response at all from them.  
(Version 4.2)

MIGUEL  Where are the spring-loaded MIP windows? That would take this shareware to another dimension ;)  
(Version 4.2)

HERBERT KROEMER  Running OS 10.5.5 on an Intel iMac, I find that Version 4.2 of Windowshade X still has Apple's TextEdit on its "Exclude List". Which is a great pity, because this is one of the applications where I used WS most often. Surprisingly, I do not find this problem on a PPC iMac running OS 10.5.5.  
(Version 4.2)

MARK_CAIRNS  Thanks Unsanity.

Glad the annoying Firefox 3 bug was sorted. Now if you'd just address Adobe Acrobat Pro 8 that would be awesome.  
(Version 4.2)

EASER  Maybe, but certainly not a god I want to worship. Minimize in place is still very problematic. Considering that I tell it to force windows to the bottom, starting at the left, and it immediately puts them at the top left of my screen, I'd say that's a pretty deficient deity. Especially since it's taken them this long just to get it to this point.  
(Version 4.2)

ZO219  There is a god, after all.  
(Version 4.2)

JAZZYGUY  Works Great! No Problems. Great to have it back in Leopard.  
(Version 4.2)

SHOTGUNWEDDINGS  I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. Had no problems with any of the beta stages or this final release of my all time favourite OSX add-on. Wish Apple never took it out, but glad Unsanity brought it back!

As for the people complaining about crashes with programs most of us never heard of or used, use the exceptions options to turn it off for them, simple and easy.

Thanks for the best OSX software line-up Unsanity!  
(Version 4.2)

DB  thank you for this. I've never had a significant issue with any of your sw (and I have used/owned most) and for some, like WindowShade, I find them indispensable. It seems that so many negative comments get thrown your way and I just wanted to cast my vote amongst the howlers. again, thanks.  
(Version 4.2)

DRG  BEWARE OF THIS UPGRADE!!!!!!!!!!

It causes MoneyDance to totally crash and not open!! Although I have backup, IT SCARED THE BLOODY S--T OUT OF ME! All my financial data evaporating in front of my eyes, and the thought of reconstructing this started pains in my chest.

Stay with the previous beta version (b1). It worked fine.  
(Version 4.2b2)

EASER  The main problem for all of us is that Apple is not likely to re-implement this, and I know of no developer that is working on an alternative version of what this program does. There is an outfit called Slight Pretentious that's working on what looks to be a good Shapeshifter replacement:

http://www.slightlypretentious.com/

Maybe we can convince them to try their hand at windowshading as well.   
(Version 4.2b2)

PROGRAMHAPPY  Thoroughly disgusted with Unsanity, I just tried to disable WindowShade. Well, guess what? The program now IGNORES me when I uncheck the "WindowShade X Enabled" box. I can't disable WindowShade X at all. I keeps reverting back to "enabled" status.

Unsanity, you really need to get out of the software business.  
(Version 4.2b2)

HELMO HASS  lol funny comments about the developer's note on improving the application..

Strange just the fact none has noticed the menubar items totally disappear :D made exception for spotlight & stuffit

Nice Update!!!

hopefully i never gave a cent to them.. and i think never will since i'm not too fan of those "enahancements"

funny to try for a little while, now even less...  
(Version 4.2b2)

EASER  It's kind of improved but not there yet. Minimize in place does seem more stable. But I set mine to automatically go to the bottom of the screen, starting at the left. And although it did that once, it quickly started forcing everything to the left side of my screen, starting at the top. Sheesh.  
(Version 4.2b2)

PROGRAMHAPPY  STILL GARBAGE:

I'm on Leopard (10.5.5). MIP windows still stack on top of each other in the upper, left-hand corner of the screen (regardless of my settings that direct MIP windows to line-up from left to right at the bottom of the screen). Clicking on the top window in the stack brings that window to the front, but all other MIP windows behind it disappear.

I regret ever having paid for ANY products from Unsanity.  
(Version 4.2b2)

MARE  WindowShade X works fine for me in Leopard 10.5.4, but now in iTunes 8 it doesn't. Of course that Apple appliaction is against all Apple HIG guidelines with it's custom scrollbars and custom everything (propably so it ports easier to Windows).

Anyway, when I doubleclick on the 'titlebar' (at least the region that used to be the titlebar) the window minimizes into the Dock, and doesn't minimize in place. Pressing the yellow 'minimize' button does work.

This is new behavior, iTunes 7.7 still works as expected.  
(Version 4.2b1)

EASER  I had hoped that the new APE would fix some problems with WS, but no. I have two significant problems. 1. I cannot seem to add a new event/action in the "Settings" tab. I double-click, but I cannot enter hot key. I have to quit System Preferences just to delete the new entry. 2. Minimize-in-place competes with Apple's double-click title bar to minimize. Doesn't matter if I turn off Apple's feature under "Appearance." It eventually turns itself back on. And even when I can get windows to minimize in place, they eventually disappear from my screen completely. Even if I try to reactivate them from within an application (where they do still appear in the Window menu), they do not reappear. And trying to pin them to the side or bottom of the screen is a joke. So I agree with other posters. This software is crap, and Unsanity seems utterly indifferent to it all. I really hope some other developer(s) come along and give us a product that works (and put Unsanity out of business).  
(Version 4.2b1)

ALBABE  It seems that Unsanity has completely abandoned all of it's loyal users.

As for PROFINITE's comments... I'm not sure what he/she means... Unsanity posted that comment on Feb 24, 2008, 6 months ago... and they haven't posted anything since... except a new Ape that seems to mess up Windowshade. As this poster says, these are all BETAS... I think it's unconscionable business practices to leave their users with only betas rather than fully functioning apps. 7 months is too long a wait.

I have problems with a few clients: Windowshade or APE seems to affect Preview... every time Preview crashes it asks to report to Apple and Unsanity... I assume this means Unsanity is the problem.  
(Version 4.2b1)

ROBERT COOGAN  Doesn't work at all under 10.5.4 on my MBP. Tried reinstalling, and nothing seems to work.  
(Version 4.2b1)

PROFINITE  For those who believe that Unsanity does not respond to inquiries, I suggest that you read the announcement in the yellow box at the top of their blog page that has existed for months now:

http://www.unsanity.org/archives/betas/enthusiastic_trepidation.php

I own FontCard, FruitMenu, Menu Master, and WindowShade. All of their betas have worked well with Leopard on multiple Mac's.  
(Version 4.2b1)

ELEGRAPHY  Now I have to correct somethings that I have said on the previous comments.

Just out of curiosity, I reinstalled APE and WindowShade X on my Titanium PowerBook G4, OS X 10.5.4. But this time, I logged in to a new user account instead. Guess what, all of the sudden WindowShade X works like old time, no kidding! What a great feeling to see it alive again! Also this experience taught me that it must be some preferences on my old account that prevents WindowsShade X to work properly.

So for anyone who claimed it doesn't work for them, I suggest to try this method too, maybe you'll surprise yourself as well :)  
(Version 4.2b1)

ELEGRAPHY  In their blog they claimed that this update will work on OS X 10.5, so I download the dmg and installed both APE and WindowShade X.

I have installed/uninstalled this beta several times, still, each time after I restart the system, I open the finder and try to click the title bar on open window, the window won't "unshade" but it sucked itself into the dock (It's the behavior specified by "Appearance" in system preference), nothing has changed!

I used to be a fan of their Cleardock, ShadowKiller, SmartCrash Report, Silk, ShapeShifter, and WindowShade, but now none of them work on my PB.  
(Version 4.2b1)

RONFEZ007  I think it's safe to say that Unsanity is no-more. Kiss such great products as Windowshade, FontCard and ShapeShifter Goodbye.

Hopefully some other software developer will come in and run with Unsanity's product ideas. Only this time hopefully, it will be a company that appreciates its customers in a way that Unsanity did not.

If anyone could list some alternatives to WindowShade and Fontcard, MightyMouse I think all former Unsanity users would appreciate it.

R.I.P. Unsanity.  
(Version 4.2b1)

ZO219  MIP isn't working for me (MBP) in 10.5.3, nor did it in 10.5.2. Minimized windows simply .... disappear.

Yet I've read it's working for others. So I wait. If you've got a solution, post it!

There's absolutely nothing like MIP--for shame, Apple, for not including this feature in X from the get go. The hell with Spaces ... I want my MIP.  
(Version 4.2b1)

FLORIOSITY  Windowshade is an absolute requirement for my daily computer use. Stupidly, I had someone upgrade me to 10.5 without checking on the viability of Windowshade with Leopard. Nothing but problems. Threw my whole system out of whack...running a G4 867 PPC. Had to pull out Windowshade and now I'm lost...Quel drag!!  
(Version 4.2b1)

RONFEZ007  I'm smelling TOAST again...

One crummy beta release (that doesn't work) after, what, ten months of Leopard being in the public's hands? What a bummer. I've pretty much given up on Unsanity. Which is unfortunate, because, I really did like WindowShade and FontCard.   
(Version 4.2b1)

EASER  I find that the windowshade feature works okay. But I have lots of trouble with minimize in place. I had a number of apps that would crash upon launch, although I could relaunch them and they'd then work okay. The only way to even get some semblance of performance out of the minimize feature was to set the preferences for "Show Animation" and set it to "Scale." Even then, if I wanted it to arrange to a particular screen edge, it would end up forcing my windows to whatever edge it darn well chose.

I'd say the program is showing signs of progress, but this is not quite ready for prime time. Still, I have faith in the developers. Nearly everyone had given up on them when Leopard was released, but they did keep working on the program. I have to believe they know there are reviews out there describing problems and that they don't want those reviews floating around any longer than necessary.   
(Version 4.2b1)

ZO219  Damn! I was so happy to see this release, and now have strong reason to believe it took my system down. (MBPro 10.5.2) ... and I'd excluded everything possitble.

The other APE's are doing okay - well, FruitMenu ... but these need more work.

Experienced user, and have run APEs for years.

Unsanity, are you listening? It's Leopard now. You really need to work on these babies.  
(Version 4.2b1)

RUN HOME SLOW  Was so please to saw the beta available finally for Leopard... iMac PPC G5/2.1 on 10.5.2 works fine on everything for me, even on illustrator ans Azuerus that didn't worked in Tiger... don't work with Acrobat 8.1.2 now. INDISPENSABLE!

Got trouble with Fontcard tough in QuarXPress... had to remove it :-(

Windowshade Rocks!!  
(Version 4.2b1)

RPAEGE  The new version is completely non-operational on my G5 with 10.5.2 installed.

After installing, log out (or resart) and log back in again, I get the "Application Enhancers have been disabled...." error. Sure enough, Windowshade won't work.

A complete uninstall using Unsanity uninstaller didn't fix the above error — I had to manually remove the /Library/Frameworks/ApplicationEnhancer.framework.

I'm not complaining because this is a beta version so I expect issues with it. I'm just happy to see some progress being made. Hopefully, they'll get the bugs ironed out before too long.  
(Version 4.2b1)

IGREG  Been using this new beta since released yesterday on iMac Intel and Powerbook G4 running Leopard. No problems at all.

Best window manager on OS X. Better than Spaces too.  
(Version 4.2b1)

RON HAMELIN  I saw all the other positive reviews and decided to give it one more try. I reinstalled, restarted, and "VOILA!" It now works like a charm on my mac pro.   
(Version 4.2b1)

UNCONVINCED  Windowshade seems fine on 10.5.2 on a MacBook. Glad to have it back.  
(Version 4.2b1)

FFASS  Stable and no weirdness using this beta version on my Mac Pro (OS 10.5.2). I also have FruitMenu, Silk, and FontCard installed...so far nothing to report except possibly a bit longer start up time for apps in general, but I think that's to be expected.  
(Version 4.2b1)

GRYPHONENT  Nice to see Unsanity return to life... but is there any app that doesn't crash under Leopard with the new haxies installed?  
(Version 4.2b1)

RPAEGE  WOOT! I'm happy to admit I was partly wrong in my earlier comment; Apple appears to have come up with some kind of fix in 10.5.2 which has enabled Unsanity to get Windowshade working again. I can't wait to get home to try it — won't be using Leopard at the office for quite some time yet.  
(Version 4.2b1)

EINGEBILDET  Well, I installed both Silk and WindowShade. Both appear to work in 10.5.2, but I get a blank space under the WindowShade Advanced tab where the options for adjusting shading should be.  
(Version 4.2b1)

WHOBE  Required a restart, but works great on MacBook Pro running 10.5.2. It's baaaaaaaaaaaaaack! Thank you, I'm out of Spaces purgatory.   
(Version 4.2b1)

HELMO HASS  @ RON HAMELIN

Strange i've installed it on my two machines: 1 ppc the other intel and on both works just fine..  
(Version 4.2b1)

RON HAMELIN  Does not work on 10.5.2. Installed, rebooted, and nothing. No features work.   
(Version 4.2b1)

ZO219  Hell-o Haxies! Leopard has been hell without you.

Spaces sucks, I want my Windowshade! And damn if you didn't show up!  
(Version 4.2b1)

SE  my favorite haxie is back. thanks unsanity  
(Version 4.2b1)

COOLAPIC  Hurrah !

I will no move to Leopard !

Thanks' Insanity, just can't live without WindowShade

  
(Version 4.2b1)

IGREG  It's alive! ;)   
(Version 4.2b1)

LARRY R  Really impressed, thought this application was dead. Guess Unsanity is in the business for the long term. Way to go.  
(Version 4.2b1)

SOLEFALD  as much as i have been a hater, i have to give credit where credit is due.

thanks, Unsanity, for bringing WindowShadeX back. You totally made my day. Thank you!  
(Version 4.2b1)

RONFEZ007  I do ager with you in larger part with your comments about Apple. They don't care about the needs of their customers any more. They haven't cared about us since they did away with wysiwyg font menus with OSX. I would personally tell people considering Apple computers to think long and hard, very long and hard, about the Windows option.

Apple is no longer "cool". They have become the tiered old behemoth of a company that initially made it's customers move away from MicroSoft. Their systems are, for the most part, un-customizable these days. Which is what we early Apple users loved about their computers and operating systems.

However, likewise, Unsanity should have seen this coming. They got soft. For a while there they were the big bad boys on the block and they should have know that Apple would have, sooner or later, taken a swipe at them. At the end of the day - as goes Unsanity - so goes Apple. Both relegated to the scrap-heap of nice ideas that, for one reason or another, have run their course - like New Coke and glass Shampoo bottles.

Ps. as of 10.5.2 WindowShade is still not compatible with Leopard.  
(Version 4.1.2)

RPAEGE  I don't blame Unsanity for this fiasco, I blame Apple. It's really very arrogant to remove the enabling part of the OS because you think you know more about how people work on the desktop that the people who actually work on the desktop. It's shameful.

Apparently Unsanity has nothing more to say about it and who can blame them? Apple has cut them off at the knees. Until the Mother Ship gets off it's high horse and acknowledges that it has needlessly tinkered with the way people work simply so it can force us to use their lame "solution" in the form of Exposé/Spaces, Unsanity won't be able to really do anything with their existing products, short of completely re-engineering them.

Someday Leopard might actually be useful without Windowshade — but something tells me it will be a long time coming and with little or no help from Apple.  
(Version 4.1.2)

RONFEZ007  Unfortunately, Unsanity is toast. Stick a fork in them they are done. Let's see, it's been close to 5 months with no updates for any of their software. Not a one. What a joke. Way to show respect for your customers. If they cared, or were working on new releases, they'd be keeping us up-to-date on their blog page... which of course, they are not doing. So, my only conclusion is that they have thrown in the towel. Sorry folks, it's time to face reality.  
(Version 4.1.2)

EASER  Hope? They actually wrote me back a few days ago, saying they're working on it. It did appear to be a form letter, but they did write me back. Another developer friend of mine also said he thinks 10.5.2 will address the Unsanity issues and perhaps resolve some of the problems for them. That would be nice; I certainly think Apple owes them (and us) that much.  
(Version 4.1.2)

SOLEFALD  Why did apple remove the ability to "roll-up" windows when you double click on title bar, absolutely beats me.

As for Unsanity? Bleh. From day one they cried and moaned about every single thing apple does or does not do. On top of that, we do not need developers who do not appreciate their customers and completely ignore us, no matter how useful their software is... erm... scratch that... was!

Unsanity, you won't be missed.  
(Version 4.1.2)

MOOG MODULAR  Unfortunately Unsanity is, for all practical and honorable purposes, out of business.

All of their software is incompatible with Leopard, they haven't updated their blogs in months and it's obvious to many that they don't care.

For every person that writes a post like mine or yours, there's a hundred others who are equally disappointed, but remain silent.

I think this is a good opportunity for other programmers to seize upon though and wish the next person to program a Windowshade app much success.

Unsanity has already polarized many of their past clients into buying *anything* but another app from them.  
(Version 4.1.2)

EASER  Okay, I'm starting to lose hope here. The last blog their website had related to any of this was Oct. 27. There have been a few irrelevant blogs since that time, but I'm wondering if we've lost this product for good. (No news is bad news?) Of course, I blame Apple as much as anyone else. It was Apple that got us hooked on Windowshade prior to OS X and then simply took it away for no good reason.  
(Version 4.1.2)

RASMUSRG  has anyone checked windowshade with 10.5.1? pls tell me if it works!

:(  
(Version 4.1.2)

DONMONTALVO  I really wish the makers of APE would come to grips with the fact that their code causes problems. Please take a moment...

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306857

Don Montalvo, NYC  
(Version 4.1.2)

SCWJUNK  read this page, and the comments below the announcement.

http://www.tuaw.com/2007/10/28/unsanity-urges-customers-to-make-sure-ape-is-current-before-upgr/

to quote the comments:

"APE works by intercepting system calls and working with what it thinks are statically assigned libraries and memory allocations. The very security feature of Leopard, randomly assigned memory allocations for libraries, and sandboxing was meant to keep (illicit) applications from doing this. And now APE doesn't work, because the security holes it was exploiting to function aren't there anymore. Of course, since it is a 'legitimately' installed application (it is already in the kext folder, along with proper permissions) not code being executed from a buffer overflow, it is hanging the system.

(And btw, how did they not have a build of 10.5 running and working on their systems, they should have known this wouldn't have worked atleast by september's build, as I doubt apple turned on these security features last minute)"

I've been using WindowShade forever, and I hate when stuff minimizes to the dock as much as the next nerd, but this makes me doubt if it will ever come to Leopard. Sure, Unsanity gets low marks from many people, and they may or may not be right, but it seems that the underlying technology that makes WS work has been eliminated in the new Cat. we'll see...  
(Version 4.1.2)

RASMUSRG  I love WindowShade.

It's essential for me, Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze fix it for leopard, i cant stand the flipping down in dock crap for one more day... :((((((  
(Version 4.1.2)

SOLEFALD  So i take it this thing would never work with Leopard, eh?

Considering how long it took to port it to Intel, porting it to Leopard will take forever.

Way to develop your aps...  
(Version 4.1.2)

IGREG  Working just fine for me. Frequent updates keep it compatible with the OS. Apple should never have dropped windowshade feature it had in the classic OS. Apple should buy this from Unsanity and incorporate it into the system.  
(Version 4.1.1)

RANDYBISIG  Just installed v4.1.1 and did log out. WS would not work. Opened APE and it said something about WS not working with this processor.

Went back to 4.1, works fine.

[17" flat panel iMac (PPC) running 10.4.8]  
(Version 4.1.1)

HIHIHOHO  why we have to wait for updates soooo long, mighty mouse and shapeshifter are still not aviable or a big buggy beta?

what they are doing month by month?

hihihoho  
(Version 4.1)

SIDETRACKED  I'm on a G5 iMac, so I've been happily running the current program. It's simple, it's fun, and it help keeps my desktop sane and organized.

It has quirks. Sometimes (rarely) it takes hitting the hot key twice, for example. And in some apps the hot key always works, but the double mouse click doesn't always take.

But it never gets to the point of real frustration, and I'm never sorry I have it.

I do wish their support was a bit more... helpful.

But I'd hate to work without the program.  
(Version 4.0.2)

MARK T  I just received this email from Unsanity to the location of the latest Universal Binary (intel compatible) is currently in Beta version at the following URL.

http://www.unsanity.org/archives/000460.php

Hope this is helpful for others and saves the Unsanity folks some time -- from having to FAQ and they can polish off a final flavor soon.  
(Version 4.0.2)

TU11YM0N  Since Unsanity is taking their sweet time in developing a Univeral Binary, can anyone recommend an intel-compatible alternative?

My workflow is way off without WindowShade so if I have to switch to a different utility (even if it's not as full-featured) I will.

any help would be appreciated.  
(Version 4.0.2)

ALBABE  I have some problems with Unsanity.

I purchased WindowShade from them and it had all sorts of problems starting up (basically it wouldn't) in OS X 10.4.4. Their support was snitty and not any help at all. I finally figured out what their problem was, and when I told them how I got around their bad programming, I never got a "thanx" or...

So... this is why, as much as I'd like to get ShapeShifter, I'm very reticent.

albabe  
(Version 4.0.2)

RON HAMELIN  Great on my PowerBook G4. But now I'm still waiting for the Universal Binary release. Doesn't work at all on Intel systems. HURRY, please!  
(Version 4.0.2)

ARES  Updated smoothly to version 4.0.2. It's cool Updates are still free for old registred users (I've bougth it two years ago, it was a 3.x). I won't change my mind from my old review (Aug 18 2005, anonymous): I hate the APE system, it weakens OS X security. I still use Windowshade because I miss the OS 9 minimize in place and I like transparents windows. Windowshade works fine on my system (Powerbook 1.5 - OS 10.4.6). It is the only haxie I use and it is a great one (maybe the best one).  
(Version 4.0.2)

SOLEFALD  purchased WindowShade X 3 days ago through developer's website. Still waiting for my registration number. Emailed them twice but did not get a response. Lookup Lost Registration form does not return any results either...

I am not too happy about this and wonder if i will ever hear back from them.  
(Version 4.0.2)

ANONYMOUS  what is this new --and undocumented "smart crash reporter" that comes with this new version 4.02?

I didn't accept to enter my admin password again, and the finder windows wtill don't shade... is it related?  
(Version 4.0.2)

ANONYMOUS  I hate the APE system, it weakens OS X security. I still use Windowshade because I miss the OS 9 minimize in place and I like transparents windows. Windowshade works fine on my system (Powerbook 1.5). It is the only haxie I use (reg user), without problems.  
(Version 4.0.1)

IAMDORIAN  I've had great results with WS up until now. On a new install (updated to current) of Tiger on a G4 1GHz PowerBook 4.0.1 ALWAYS crashes the application (even finder) upon double-clicking the top window bar (minimization). What a dissapointment.

Waiting for a big fat fix. :::tap:::tap::::tap:::tap:::  
(Version 4.0.1)

NCIANCA  I've been using Windowshade since it's first release. I haven't had any problems with the 4.x series. And this release gets rid of my only complaint -- the annoying "Welcome to the WSX:Carbon" which appeared all over my log files.  
(Version 4.0.1)

ANONYMOUS  Loved WindowShade until this version (4.0).

This version, with default settings, doesn't minimize to dock when the yellow button is clicked. There's a bit of ugliness in the dropshadow of a windowshaded window (a horizontal line... might have been there before, but I never noticed it).

iTunes windowshades up and back down rapidly when I click the yellow button if the window is inactive.

Seems to work ok if I fiddle with the prefs then set them back to defaults.

Never had a single issue prior to this (been using since the first release). Subpar release IMO for the otherwise brilliant Unsanity crew and this indispensable utility.

iBook G4, Tiger 10.4.2.  
(Version 4.0)

FVDG  After installing version 4 I get an empty preference pane! I reinstalled 3.6, all is fine. Installed 4 again: no prefrence pane window!  
(Version 4.0)

JAKE4891  In 10.4.2 WindowShade doesn't show up in the System Prefs panel. Also it doesn't seem to do anything, really. At least not anything useful. The low rating is vor WindowShade 4. Previous versions were pretty decent.  
(Version 4.0)

TU11YM0N  unfortunately 4.0 breaks Butler causing it to crash whenever you try to type in the menubar search field.

anyone know where I can find version 3.6?  
(Version 4.0)

ANONYMOUS  Where can I find a list of unsupported applications to add in the exclude list? I don't have time to test and experience crashes, but I need some WSX functions. Thanks.  
(Version 4.0)

OPEN THE WINDOW...WOULD YA?  Permanently on my list of must-have's for my Mac. This version far surpasses previous versions.  
(Version 4.0)

ANONYMOUS  I'm sing WindowShade X since 10.2 and never had a problem with it. Couldn't live without it. Thanks.  
(Version 4.0)

MATTHEW7  Does exactly what it claims. It was making crazy not having my double clickable title bars, but now I'm happy again. Works great in Tiger on a G5.  
(Version 3.6)

ANONYMOUS  I'm still running 3.1 on Tiger and it's working fine. The "don't upgrade if not broke" dilemma strikes!  
(Version 3.6)

ANONYMOUS  Definitely no shade on my Tiger window  
(Version 3.6)

ANONYMOUS  Version 3.6 does NOT work entirely with Tiger. (I've updated APE as well as WindowShade.) Mostly, it does not windowshade anything in the Finder. And while it does collapse other application windows (e.g.., Mozilla, iTunes) when I double-click, it will NOT collapse them when I press the Command key twice. Still, the product has always worked flawlessly for me in the past, so I'm hoping Unsanity fixes this quickly. I'm willing to give them a chance; I've never had any problems prior to this.  
(Version 3.6)

ANONYMOUS  Tried installing WindowShade X3.5.1 on TIGER and its a "no" go. Bummer.  
(Version 3.5.2)

ANONYMOUS  Any word on Tiger compatibility?  
(Version 3.5.2)

ANONYMOUS  The finder stopped refreshing files. Uninstalling Windowshade and Ape fixed the problem. Do you have the same bug?  
(Version 3.5.2)

ANONYMOUS  I bought this back when it came out...but...since Panther and Exposé I seldom use it. Actually, it's more of an annoyance now--with WindowShade activating whever I errantly double strike the command key.

I may remove it...but...it is a wonderful haxie. I just don't need it anymore.  
(Version 3.5.2)

ANONYMOUS  I don't use minimize-in-place but the OS 9 rollup is priceless. It works very well and it is stable (I use the last APE, Windowshade is the only haxie I use and I am a registred user).

Apple must add this function to OS X!!!  
(Version 3.5.1)

MY FAVORITE HAXIE  Still my favorite haxie! Always a crowd pleaser when my Windoze friends see it in action.  
(Version 3.5.1)

BCWINTERS  I've noticed this problem, too, but only sporadically. I think whatever way WindowShade tries to "intercept" the key/mouse commands sometimes fails for some reason. It's kind of a bummer.

But I can't break myself of the instinct to "roll up" windows from my OS 9 days, so I'm sticking with this program as they work out the kinks.  
(Version 3.5.1)

AQTINC  DON'T GET THIS!!! DON'T INSTALL IT!!!

It will invalidate your existing license. They say that if you contact sales@unsanity.com, they will reissue a new license. DONT BELIEVE IT!! I have been trying for a week, and they don't respond.  
(Version 3.5)

S_KALB  when you choose "Double click the window title bar: Windowshade", and choose "Press CMD-M: Minimize to Dock", and you actually press CMD-M, it *windowshades* and DOESN'T minimizes.

looks like there's a link between CMD-M and double click on title, making the CMD-M option in WS uneless, as it is 'force-chosen' by the title bar double click.

is this fixable, or Mac OS X won't let it?  
(Version 3.5)

ANONYMOUS  Terrific idea, terrible execution. APE still crashs my computer. Without APE the system is stable again.  
(Version 3.5)

ANONYMOUS  Cool application icon. The utility seems more responsive to user. The update is a welcome enhancement, thank you.  
(Version 3.5)

RUDY  I've been using WS for a long time now and without it OSX doesn't doesn't feel the same. I use all it's features extensively and totally love it. Even with the beta's I have experienced no problems whatsoever - totally stable!! Great product, great company.   
(Version 3.5)

MO BETTER  Much sweeeeeter!  
(Version 3.5)

PETE  Roy is very right! But stiil WS is not that bad!  
(Version 3.1)

ROY  It's interesting and fun to see what it does, but there are just too many negatives for me to recommend to anyone with good conscience.

WindowShade was acceptable back in the OS 9 days when there was no Dock to minimize windows, but it's never been a clean way to put away open windows. A combination of "Hide Others" command under Application menu, Window menu in the menu bar and window listing under Dock menu has always worked much cleaner and better. And now with Exposé in place, I don't see why I need to have WindowShade besides the reason of tinkering fun and bragging rights.

Minimize-In-Place is an interesting feature as well, but I fail to see how that is so significantly different from minimizing to the Dock. It's either one or the other: It clutters up the desktop with hard-to-see minimized transparent icons, or it clutters up the Dock with minimized icons. At least I can magnify the ones in the Dock, and they aren't unnecessarily transparent so I can see better.

The worst part of this "Haxie," though, is that it affects the system negatively. Yes, Unsanity people claim that it "can't damage the system," but their point is utterly mute when I see numerous reports indicating Haxies conflicting other apps, making some Macs unusable, and my own experiments with a few Haxies made all my apps unstable and requiring notably more time to launch. Granted, I can keep adding apps to its exclusion list, but why should I have to in the first place when what I want is to make my computer work for me and not the other way around?

Back in the OS 9 days people were constantly having problems with third-party Extensions and Control Panels that patch the system, and it has been repeatedly emphasized how users should avoid such "hacks" if they want a stable system. Now, as if that whole experience wasn't fun enough, here comes Haxies, inserting a piece of non-standard code to other applications and adding just one more thing to deal with while there is no practicality or usefulness added to it. Again, I fail to see the point.

Overall, I recommend that you avoid it at all cost unless you like tinkering with the system and you have all the time on the earth to play with system "enhancements."  
(Version 3.1)

ANONYMOUS  with Windowshade 3.1 and nestopia, using minimize in place on a nestopia window will cause a system crash.(mouse will be able to move, but nothing works) solution: turn off windowshade for nestopia.  
(Version 3.1)

ANONYMOUS  5 months, 0 update, lots of bugs. Conclusion, $0 for your next haxies >:-(  
(Version 3.1)

EDRUSH  Windowshade is completely necessary. Why Apple omitted it from OS X is beyond me, but having this add-on vastly improves my Mac experience.  
(Version 3.1)

ANONYMOUS  Bugs and no support at all. Sad I've paid 10 bucks for this useless shareware. Thanks Apple, computers with OS 10.3 have this function and it works.  
(Version 3.1)

ANONYMOUS  Hate to say it, but windowshade X is now much less relevant now that we have Expose. IMHO the real use for windowshade X is in switching between windows, and Expose is infinately better then minimize is place because you get bigger windows (= bigger target). The only real reason for minimizing is so that you can see and select other windows, which is what expose accomplishes.

Windowshade X DOES have one advantage over expose: just getting a single window out of the way to use a full window that happens to be behind it (via transparency or normal windowshade operation). In this case, windowshade X might a bit faster then invoking expose, since you don't have to waste time looking for the correct window (simply because expose minimizes windows somewhat, making it harder to immediately tell which window is which.) This problem would go away if expose provided a bit more feedback, such as showing app icons along with windows, or grouping app windows together when you fire off expose so it's more predictable.

At the very worst, without windowshade X you always have command-H and then Alt-tab to get back the app you just had opened, if you need to just get a single app's windows out of the way. It's a lot better then using windowshade, where you have to keep double-clicking windows to get back the ones you've minimized. (That got very exhausting in OS 9.) But to each their own.  
(Version 3.1)

A MARTIN  Please, please, please!

Make it as an option to have a double-click in a window bar (which usually minimizes the window) make the window cover the etire screen (except menu bar and Dock of course...)

This would make many Windows user more happy when they use a Mac and they might even buy one! :-)  
(Version 3.1)

JB  But, where is fruitmenu?  
(Version 3.1)

YEP  Unsanity rules the MAC world. WindowShadeX lives, I say, it lives...

And it works very well.  
(Version 3.1)

ANONYMOUS  Bless You All over at Unsanity! Panther just a big dead black cat without Windowshade!

If you don't already own this BUY IT NOW!  
(Version 3.1)

3.1 PANTHER  BINGO! Works like a charm. Those Unsanity folks are quick on their feet.  
(Version 3.1)

ANONYMOUS  works somewhat with panther....

safari doesnt work with it, but the finder does.... odd  
(Version 3.0.1)

ANONYMOUS  Great program, but it does not seem to work with Panther even after re-installing after Panther install.  
(Version 3.0.1)

ETEARL  v3.0.1 - Its BROKEN, but worse, the company will not respond to licensed users.  
(Version 3.0.1)

ANONYMOUS  This minimize in place function is realy cool and helpful! I use this now more often than the clasic window shade effect.  
(Version 3.0.1)

ANONYMOUS  too bad they dont offer a package price for all their apps.... they sell 9 apps... so.....

i would be willing to pay $50 for all 9 apps....

windowshade is great.. it just too bad apple doenst include it by default  
(Version 3.0.1)

THINK5577  Just add my good comment to the rest of them. I always like finding little apps that make using a mac even easier.  
(Version 3.0.1)

ITJUSTWORKS  once again, Unsanity has produced a solid update to their haxie(s).

absolutely trouble-free.  
(Version 3.0.1)

MACMANSC  Major problems for me when I installed 3.0.1 update. Could not log back in Finder and/or Dock would cause machine to lock. I installed for all users on machine. Only way out was to boot into OS 9 and remove windowshade prefpane and window shade ape files. Beware.  
(Version 3.0.1)

BCWINTERS  I'm mostly posting this to rebut a previous poster's comments about kernel panics: I have been running WindowShade 24/7 with no such issues for months now. If you have kernel panics that you can trace to an Unsanity "haxie," send your log report to them and I bet they'll fix the issue. They are very responsive and communicate regularly with their users through their weblog. I am extremely happy with WindowShade and can't imagine working without it.  
(Version 3.0.1)

CHINGADO  I have and use all of Unsanity's haxies and not once have I come to grief due to these haxies. Indeed, they do nothing but enhance my OS X user experience. Highly recommended. (iBook 900MHz, OS 10.2.6)  
(Version 3.0.1)

ANDY  I love the idea but there are a lot of minor annoying bugs and the Finder seems slower than before. Already had a couple of kernel panics since I've installed Unsanity's haxies.  
(Version 3.0)

ANDREW LOYD  been using it for five days, at LEAST ten hours per day, it works like a charm and speeds up my job, this haxie is amazing, they own my ten bucks  
(Version 3.0)

PAULO LOPES  The minimize-in-place feature is what finally made me buy WindowShade X. I don't regret it at all! It is more that the normal minimize to dock feature, because any change that happens on the window is reproduced in the icon almost immediatetly.

I noticed a few things that could be fixed or improved:

1) After adjusting the Magnification setting and closing System Preferences, when getting back to the settings window this Magnification setting is usually much higher than originally set.

2) The Arrange Minimized Windows Along feature needs to take into account the original placement of the icons, it also needs to move existing icons so that there aren't empty spaces.

3) When using Space or Desktop Manager, the minimized windows should either appear on all desktops, or their auto arrangement should be aware of them.

4) Finally, when the Single Click Maximizes (shouldn't it be "Restores"?) feature is turned off, single clicking on an icon should give that window user interface focus.

I'm sure that these are Revision 0 quirks that the excelent Slava programmer will fix in no time.   
(Version 3.0)

DANA SUTTON  NOTE: This not-so-nice review is of this version only (I think the app. itself is super). I have a major problem with the minimize-in-place feature: it creates a miniature icon (not always lined up on the right side of my screen, although I've selected that option) but it often fails to dismiss the original full-sized window. This happens often enough that I can't help thinking it's a major bug. I hope Haxies will fix it in a subsequent release.  
(Version 3.0)

ANONYMOUS  Great. I've bought it, I don't regret.  
(Version 3.0)

ANONYMOUS  can it minimize ALL apps and ALL windows in place ????

with just one comand like Expose  
(Version 3.0)

ANONYMOUS  This is huge!!! Doesn't take so much CPU / RAM. I don't plan to buy Panther, thi haxie is perfect. If it is stable after a few days, with my softwares, I will buy it. MIP is great.  
(Version 3.0)

ANONYMOUS  Awesome! Cannot do without MIP any more!  
(Version 3.0)

ANONYMOUS  Wow - the minimize in place thing is really cool!  
(Version 3.0)

ANONYMOUS  sweet... 10.2.6 killed my MIP install but now unsanity finds a way around that... keep it coming!  
(Version 3.0)

CRAZY DIAMOND  Rock on you crazy diamond. Just like petrol is to a vehicle, WindowShade X is to OS X. Unsanity - again - rocks the house!  
(Version 3.0)

FRANKS  Great Haxie! Minimize-in-place is worth the price alone. What an addition!  
(Version 3.0)

ANONYMOUS  Been using the public preview for a while now. 3.0 seems stable as a rock and the MiP functionality is great. Even with Exposé coming, I plan on using Unsanity products every single day. Between FruitMenu 3 and WSX 3, I can make my GUI much more flexible (a compliment to Apple's technology, not an alternative necessarily). Great Product.  
(Version 3.0)

ACRAPPA  Can you make a Minimize-In-Placed window play QuickTime videos like in the Dock? Right now, they pause at one frame.  
(Version 3.0 Preview)

GORDYMAC  The Minimize in Place is a great addition. I have been using apple's incarnation since Jaguar's release, but this works better because you can make larger thumbnails. When making several, it's easier to distiguish which window you need to access. Great job.  
(Version 3.0 Preview)

CULT HERO  I don't know what all of you, (you know who you are), are complaining about. First off, it is WindowShade 3.0 "Preview", and states very clealy that it is not completed yet and may have bugs. Why not download the prior version, which in my uses has been completely bug free, and wait for the completed version of 3.0. I DID have bugs with 3.0 that made me decide to switch back to the prior version and use the MIP stand alone hack. On this partition I try out beta programs. Of all I've tested, I've found all of Unsanity's hacks safe to put on the partitions I have more important data on.   
(Version 3.0 Preview)

DAMNDJ  I've been using this program from the day it was released and probably within 1 hour of using it, I paid for it.

I haven't had any stability problems using it and it runs very nicely on my machine. There are a lot of good options to choose from and is very customizable.

The new feature Minimize in place is very cool and I've started using that rather than the regular windowshades.... at least for now. ;)

Sure, this is something that Apple should have kept and it was a sorely missed feature by me in OS X. However, after this program came out, I no longer cared.  
(Version 3.0 Preview)

BIGCITY141  Some programs do exactly what they claim. Set it and forget it. Windowshade is beautiful.  
(Version 3.0 Preview)

N8  For just Minimize In Place, the MIP hack works just fine, and is free..

http://www.loopware.com/mac/mip/

That said, the dropshadow options in this are awesome. But still.. $10 :\  
(Version 3.0 Preview)

PIANODRUMMER  Lets Pay how much more for this function?...Apple does need to include this on the new updates..looks like unsanity is really insanity...  
(Version 3.0 Preview)

ANONYMOUS  Beware: it is beat (stop working in a few weeks) and it is a paying upgrade. Worst, it bugs (a couple of panics). Not reliable. Bad greedy update :-( 2 stars minus one because I don't like their haxies manager: I don't know what it is doing on my system (spywares, security holes, panics, ???). Great idea, bad shareware. Apple must add the function in OS X.  
(Version 3.0 Preview)

ANONYMOUS  This is a great update to WS. I've been using it for a year and have NEVER had any problems with it on either my powerbook or tower. it's the ONLY way i can manage OSX finder windows without having a mess on my hands or 10 tiny minimized windows in my dock (that look the same). THANK YOU UNINSANITY!  
(Version 3.0 Preview)

MILK  Minimize in place is just plain amazing. I am so happy that I can have it on my system now. Thank you Unsanity!!!  
(Version 3.0 Preview)

DANSKINNYMAN  Abash thee foul demon! Dost thou thinketh i am ignorant to place thee on myest computer!? Back, BACK I SAY, before thee infects my heart with a kernel panic.

*this program has brought me to the brink of insanity, or unsanity*  
(Version 2.1.2)

AJATASATRU  As an iBook user, I welcomed any way to clear up some screen space. It seemed well worth the $10 -- until a week or so later. That's how long it took me to figure out what was causing a string of daily (or more) freezes and erratic cursor behavior.

Healing occurred only after removing WindowShade. Having downloaded some other useful "haxies" from the program's creator(s), I sought their advice and support rather than a refund. They were, apparently, to busy to bother with a (yawn) customer.

This inspired me to immediately remove their other products -- and it's been smooth sailing since. My advice is to avoid WindowShade and its family and hope the developers wise up and respond to those whom provideth their bread n' butter.

Until then, caveat emptor.  
(Version 2.1.2)

ANONYMOUS  Enjoy the lame pop-up everytime you use it. Works fine but I wouldnt pay $10 for it.   
(Version 2.1.2)

BLEE  I've used it for almost a year now, upgraded from previous versions. It works great for speeding up window draw time by removing the shadows that OS X uses to define window borders. The shade ability is also very useful. I have yet to see it crash any of my apps or the OS  
(Version 2.1.1)

MOONDOG  I would have liked to try this for a bit longer than say, oh, ten minutes before the most annoying nag in the history of shareware pops it's ugly head up. I uninstalled this and intend to NEVER buy ANY product from the author of this. If I could have run it for a normal day or so I'd probably would have been glad to pay, but not after that.  
(Version 2.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  version 2.1 for Jaguar seems great so far aside from one thing - it crashes Toast. Now let me see, would I rather have Toast or WindowShade? not a tough decision - wait for a windowshade update to fix this if you have Toast. if you don't have Toast, download away. the older version worked great in 10.1.5.  
(Version 2.1)

ME  yeah, it has a good features. I have tried it but it make my ibook freeze several times and also slow down my computer speed. I get rid of it by now.  
(Version 2.1)

ANONYMOUS  Excellent. I was upset Apple hadn't gotten around to building windowshade in... cruddy useless minimize junk! I was so wanting someone to come out with a hack. Thank you! I will be sending in my money when this starts working for all apps (cocoa included).  
(Version 1.0)

JAVELL PANKIN  I love this program! This functionality really should have been built into OS X, but inexplicably wasn't. Only complaint: you can't turn windows transparent without making the title bar transparent too.  
(Version 1.0)