Freedom251 › Start Menu Customization Software
Aston
What Aston is
Aston replaces the standard Windows desktop with a customizable shell. Users can change the menu, desktop, panels, themes, and skins, with extensive taskbar controls and Start button controls. Fixed and floating widgets can display clocks, weather, RSS, power management, and system resource monitors. Integrated search finds items on local disks and information on the Internet, while support for several monitors helps multi-display systems. Aston is paid Windows software with a trial version and no free plan. The Aston 2.0.3 plan costs $29.95, paid once and is listed for Windows XP/2003, Vista, 7, and 2008 in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The product page lists a 15.5 MB file size and says it was last updated 12 August 2010. The maker identifies Gladiators Software in its copyright notice. A separate Aston Secure Desktop version is described for restricting settings changes, application access, and computer-use time. Support includes FAQs, forums, and technical or sales contact forms. The downloads page also lists Aston Menu, Aston Secure Desktop, AltDesk, and Star Blaze.
Who it suits
Aston suits Windows users who want to replace and customize the standard desktop, including people using several monitors. Aston Secure Desktop is intended for restricting settings, application access, and computer-use time.
What it does well
- Customizable desktop shell
- Fixed and floating widgets
- Integrated local and Internet search
- Several-monitor support
- 32-bit and 64-bit listings
What to know first
- No free plan
- Last updated 12 August 2010
- Supports older listed Windows versions
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Aston 2.0.3 | Windows XP/2003, Vista, 7, 2008; 32-bit and 64-bit versions | $29.95, paid once |
As astonshell.ru lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Aston offers extensive desktop customization, widgets, search, and multi-monitor support as a Windows shell replacement. Its listed release is old, and the trial period is unspecified, so compatibility with the stated Windows versions should be checked.
Facts from Aston's own pages
- Compatibility
- The Aston 2.0.3 product page lists Windows XP/2003, Vista, 7, and 2008, including 64-bit versions. · astonshell.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Users can customize the menu, desktop, panels, themes, and skins. · astonshell.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The downloads page lists Aston, Aston Menu, Aston Secure Desktop, AltDesk, and Star Blaze. · astonshell.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The site identifies Gladiators Software as the maker in its copyright notice. · astonshell.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Multi-monitor
- The listed features include support for systems with several monitors. · astonshell.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Aston replaces the standard Windows desktop with a customizable shell. · astonshell.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Release details
- The product page lists version 2.0.3, last updated 12 August 2010, with a 15.5 MB file size. · astonshell.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Search
- Integrated search finds items on local disks and information on the Internet. · astonshell.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- The maker describes Aston Secure Desktop as a separate version for restricting settings changes, application access, and computer-use time. · astonshell.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The support center directs users to product FAQs, forums, and technical or sales contact forms. · astonshell.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Trial
- Aston is labeled shareware, and its FAQ refers to a trial version; the pages opened do not state the trial duration. · astonshell.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Widgets
- It supports fixed and floating widgets, including clocks, weather, RSS, power management, and system resource monitors. · astonshell.com, 4 Oct 2026
Where Aston stands on Freedom251
- Start Menu Customization Software#27 of 39