GeekTool
GeekTool is a free, open source application for macOS that allows users to display various types of information on their desktop using plugins. Information like system stats, weather data, stock quotes, and more can be shown and automatically updated.
system
monitoring
desktop
plugins
macos
GeekTool: Free, Open Source macOS Desktop Info Display
GeekTool is a free, open source application for macOS that allows users to display various types of information on their desktop using plugins. Information like system stats, weather data, stock quotes, and more can be shown and automatically updated.
What is GeekTool?
GeekTool is a free, open source application developed for macOS that enables users to customize their desktop with various types of information. It works by allowing users to add shell scripts, images, websites, and other content on the desktop as sprites that automatically update.
Some of the information that can be displayed using GeekTool includes:
- System statistics like CPU usage, disk space, memory usage, etc.
- Weather information for any location
- Stock quotes and graphs
- Calendar and reminders
- Social media feeds from Twitter, Facebook, etc.
- News headlines and RSS feeds
- Current playing song from iTunes or Spotify
- Date, time, battery percentage, wifi signal, and more
The content displayed by GeekTool sprites update automatically in user-defined intervals. This allows users to create fully customized desktops with real-time information.
GeekTool requires no technical knowledge to use. Configuring a sprite is as simple as filling out a few settings in a GUI window. There is also a large library of user-created scripts and sprites available to add more advanced functionality.
With its flexible and customizable nature, GeekTool is popular with developers, designers, system administrators, and those who want more visually appealing system monitoring.
GeekTool Features
Features
- Display system stats like CPU usage, memory usage, disk space, etc
- Display weather information for any location
- Display stock quotes and charts
- Display website content like RSS/Atom feeds
- Display images, videos, or gifs
- Run shell scripts and display output
- Customize fonts, colors, positions, transparency, etc
- Plugin architecture allows creating new plugin types
- Automatically update displayed information
Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Very customizable and flexible
Large library of plugins
Can display almost any information
Lightweight and low resource usage
Cons
Steep learning curve
Setting up displays takes time
Not very user friendly
Plugins can be buggy or stop working
Limited to macOS only
Official Links
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