desktopPet : Modern interpretation for the oldschool eSheep (or Stray Sheep) from 1995 that brings lots of funny sheep on your computer's desktop
If you're either an early millennial or a representative of the so-called Generation X, here's a bit of blast from the past for you: remember eSheep or the so-called Stray Sheep app?The oldschool project from way-back 1995 was created by Tatsutoshi Nomura, and it used to add various pet sheep on your computer's desktop.
desktopPet is the new eSheep
Well, that was actually a 16-bit application, which meant that users with computers running everything above Windows XP had no way of benefiting from, you know, the virtual flock of sheep.Well, whether you're running Windows 7 or the latest version of Windows 10, you can now host large numbers of funny/annoying sheep on your computer's desktop thanks to an open-source replica of the original app called desktopPet.
A few words on how to get this app up and running
Right off the bat, we have to point out that the app does not have any special requirements and it can be either installed or run directly via its designated executable file (just like a portable app).The first thing you will probably notice is the fact that desktopPet integrates with the taskbar. By right-clicking its icon, you can add sheep, access the Options menu, as well as install the application.If you're familiar with the application of old, then you should know everything there is to know. However, if this is your first time trying out this app, here are a few facts.
Operating the app: as easy as counting sheep
You can host a total number of 16 cute sheep on your desktop which can be moved around (and can be made to walk on any Explorer window) or dropped from any height using the cursor The sheep behavior is "randomly generated", so don't be surprised if some sheep decide to either eat a flower or take a flaming dive in a bathtub.From the app's Options section, you can add new pets, enable or disable the sounds, as well as choose the total number of sheep in your virtual flock.
Cast a sheep's eye on your flock while being distracted from important work
To conclude, let's just put it this way - if your computer's desktop seems a bit too dull and you also adore the idea of having up to 16 tiny sheep that do various funny stuff and are occasionally abducted by aliens, then, of course, desktopPet is a must try.
Windows 10 64 bit / Windows 10 / Windows 8 64 bit / Windows 8 / Windows 7 64 bit / Windows 7
desktopPet runs on
Windows 10/11
and is available under the
OpenSource under LGPL
license
— the installer is 726 KB.
We’ve catalogued it under
Desktop Tools.
Help fellow users decide. Share your experience with desktopPet.