Customize Windows
Make Windows Look the Way You Want
There are so many ways to customize Windows! You can do the customizing yourself or you can get some 'Themes' for your version of windows and customize with your favorite theme.
If you are using any version of Windows 9x (Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98SE or Windows ME), you can go to anyone of the hundreds of sites for themes, download and install and customize to your heart's content. If you are using Windows XP, you will have to get a new installer for themes. There are several sites that have custom themes for XP, but the last time I looked they weren't free.
There are just as many wallpaper sites for Windows as there are for themes and most of the wallpaper sites are free. A few, like Webshots, have started charging for unlimited downloads of wall paper, but still offer minimal free downloads.
You can also use your favorite photos for desktop wall paper. Nearly every photo editing or graphics program (including Paint that comes with Windows) will allow you to set a photo as background or wallpaper. The only criteria is the photo must be in a bmp format.
There are also programs that can customize Windows. Programs that customize Windows usually aren't free and you should exercise caution in downloading any program for customizing Windows as many downloadable programs may contain spyware.
Want to find out how to make Windows XP look fabulous? Make it look just like you want it to look? For free? Just check out these great articles by Dian Chapman! She is one smart lady and an MVP (Microsoft Most Valued Professional) which means she really knows Windows!
Customizing Windows XP 01 by Dian Chapman
Customizing the Look
Customizing Windows XP 02 by Dian Chapman
Messing with the Display
Customizing Windows XP 03 by Dian Chapman
The Control Panel
Customizing Windows XP 04 by Dian Chapman
Favorite Features
To make sure you get new tips on customizing Windows XP, go to Dian's and Greg's site and sign up for their great ezine, TechTrax. Something for everybody here and great prizes for their drawings!
How do I make the background of desktop icon text transparent?
Want to Change Desktop Icon Text Color or Make the Text Transparent?
How to Change the Font, Size, and Colors of Desktop Items in Windows XP (Microsoft)
Free Screensavers with no spyware
Second Nature
If you are using Windows XP, Microsoft has some cool free stuff for your Desktop. Check it out!
Cloudeight
You have to sign up for a free membership, but they have lots of free stuff!
Webshots
(But be sure to read everything on the install process, in the past Webshots has been known to sneak stuff in)
Travel Texas
When I get the chance I will put more links here for screensavers with no spyware
Download the National Geographic Channel's "Dare to Explore" screen saver and watch your monitor go from mild to wild.
IconDigger 2000 Want to change the icon for a favorite folder or program? Icon Digger will find the icon in the hidden places on your computer! You can also find the elusive Transparent (hide those ugly color blocks beneath the icons on your Desktop)here as well!
Change the Sounds in Windows