See our favorite themes, skins, and editors for Windows Vista and XP.
(Credit: CNET)If you're glued to your computer, you should make it as inspiring as you can.
That was our goal back in September 2006 when we first put together a collection of top desktop enhancement apps.
Since then, Microsoft's spiced-up graphics have added a charm to Vista that XP out-and-out lacked, but is the blue look you, or can you still do better? We've picked out the best free and free-to-try downloads to give you a brightly colored taskbar, animated wallpaper, and dynamic cursor options for your XP or Vista box. Check out the desktop eye candy in this round-up.
This Wall-e-themed desktop looks at my system resources with flirtatious eyes.
(Credit: The Skins Factory)I used to be a huge fan of Windows desktop themes. Granted, this was over 10 years ago, when I knew little about computers and was ignorant of the amount of system resources themes consumed. I don't use them today, as I prefer to keep my system clean and optimized, but I still understand the appeal. Customizing your desktop with a new theme makes for a new experience.
The Skins Factory is trying to give its users a new experience when installing desktop themes. It has announced that its Windows desktop-theme software, Hyperdesk, is now DRM-free. According to the company, Hyperdesk had been using third-party software to handle its license key activations. Now however, all Hyperdesk themes sold on its site will no longer require a key.
This means a few things for Hyperdesk users. First, they will be able to install Hyperdesk on their personal systems an unlimited number of times. Second, no longer is an Internet connection required to install Hyperdesk. Third, according to The Skins Factory, "refunds will be more strict due to the lack of ability to deactivate license keys." And finally fourth, the price of all Hyperdesk themes have been increased from $9.95 to $14.95.
Jeff Schader, CEO of the company, states, "I absolutely understand the train of thought that many software publishers have about protecting their investment and products. On the other hand, as a consumer, I personally feel that DRM normally just ends up punishing honest users, while those who would steal the software have far less restrictions than legitimate end-users."
I agree. So, that begs the question: then why are you punishing consumers by raising your prices? Just seems weird to me that the company would talk about looking out for its customers and then turn around and hit them with a 50 percent price increase.
I have no idea what these new costs cover, but talk about having the other shoe dropping with an immediate and hard crash.
It's been more than a year since Windows Vista was launched and Windows XP is still going strong. In my opinion, it's still a great operating system--though, it's not that hard to look great when compared to Windows Vista. Once thing is undeniable, however: Windows XP is getting old, especially in its aesthetic.
For this reason, on Wednesday, July 30, The Skins Factory launched Hyperdesk, a software package that will spice up your Windows XP, and turn it into a world of exciting themes, skins, and wallpapers. The software even allows you to create widgets for other applications, such as iTunes or Windows Media Player.
Hyperdesk uses Microsoft's own skinning engine to apply the Windows themes, which means these changes won't affect the system's performance very much. The changes are also completely reversible, and you can switch between Windows XP's default theme and Hyperdesk themes with a single click of the mouse.
These themes are available now but, unfortunately, they are not free. Their prices range from $9.95 to $14.95.
iTunes and Windows Media Player rule the roost when it comes to media players, but they're certainly not the only show in town. In addition to media playback, JetAudio Basic features CD burning, audio recording, and conversion to other audio file formats. Special features include effects such as reverb, smooth transitions between songs, and the skinnable interface lets you personalize your player just the way you like it.
Still not convinced? Then check out this First Look video for JetAudio Basic from CNET Download.com's Jason Parker.
A few months ago, I shared a great-looking combo of themes that give Windows XP and Firefox a dark, unified look. WindowBlinds is an app that achieves the same end, but brings a large gallery of theme options to you. Dress your desktop up or down with default selections or choose specially-formatted third-party themes that download straight into WindowBlinds. Either way, the sharp visuals and full-featured, easy-to-use configuration manager make this application a recommended choice for anyone interested in pimping out their desktop. Aww, yeah.
(Credit:
CNET Networks)
While Power Downloader was sifting through criminal case files recently, he received an e-mail from Kitty Kilobyte who had gone back to school. After telling him of her latest "impossible" assignments and new "amazing" friends she had made, Kitty had an interesting software request. Kitty wanted some way to make her computer stand out from the rest of her classmates. She figured, if she's the niece of a famous software superhero, it should show--perhaps even if it's just in her computer's interface.... Read more
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