Rainmeter 4.5.17

Rainmeter Desktop Customization Tool Technical Documentation

System Requirements

Rainmeter is designed to run on Windows operating systems with the following requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11 (64-bit)
• CPU: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
• RAM: 8 GB DDR4 RAM or more
• Storage: 20 GB available disk space or more
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580 (optional, for graphics-intensive skins)
• Network Connectivity: Internet connection required for online updates and licensing

Additionally, Rainmeter supports the following browsers:

• Microsoft Edge
• Google Chrome (version 90 or later)
• Mozilla Firefox (version 89 or later)

Installation Guide

Step 1: Download and Extract Rainmeter

1. Visit the official Rainmeter website and download the latest version of Rainmeter from the release page.
2. Choose the correct architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) for your operating system.
3. Run the installer, selecting "Custom" installation options to install only the essential components.

Step 2: Configure Initial Settings

1. Launch Rainmeter from the Start menu or installed folder.
2. In the initial setup wizard, select your preferred language and click "Next".
3. Set up your user account information (username, email address) and click "Finish".

Common installation issues:

• Permission errors: Ensure you have administrative privileges to complete the installation process.

Post-install steps:

• Run Rainmeter as an administrator to ensure it has necessary permissions.
• Create a new skin by using the "New Skin" button in the Rainmeter interface, or import an existing skin from a file.

Technical Architecture

Rainmeter is built using the following core technologies and frameworks:

• Core Engine: A custom-built C++ engine written specifically for Rainmeter.
• UI Framework: A modified version of the Qt framework (version 5.15) for Windows desktop applications.
• Skinning Language: A custom language (based on Lua) used to define skin elements, behaviors, and interactions.

Rainmeter connects to various databases, APIs, and services:

• Database Integration: Rainmeter supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite databases through the use of external libraries.
• API Integration: For web-based APIs, Rainmeter uses HTTP requests (using libcurl) to retrieve data.

Performance considerations:

• Resource-intensive skins: High-performance skins may require more RAM or processor resources.
• Background tasks: Long-running background tasks can impact system performance and battery life on mobile devices.

Dependencies

Rainmeter relies on the following libraries, frameworks, and tools:

• Qt Framework (version 5.15): For UI rendering and event handling
• Lua Interpreter (version 5.3.0): For skin scripting and logic
• libcurl: For HTTP requests and API interactions
• MySQL Connector/ODBC (version 8.0.21): For MySQL database integration

Prerequisite software:

• Windows 10 or later operating system
• Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (for C++ compilation)

Compatibility concerns:

• Rainmeter may not be compatible with all skin formats, such as PNG images.
• The use of certain libraries or frameworks can result in compatibility issues with other desktop applications.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

• Skin crashes: Insufficient RAM or hardware resources.
• Rainmeter freezes: Resource-intensive skins or background tasks.
• Network connectivity issues: Internet connection problems or API errors.

Solutions:

• Reduce RAM usage: Close unnecessary programs, reduce skin complexity, or upgrade hardware.
• Optimize skin performance: Reduce resource consumption by using lightweight elements or optimizing animations.
• Check network connections: Verify internet connectivity and API responses for error messages.