Spruce it up with a colourful animated theme, add a jazzy screensaver, and make your desktop your neighbour's envy! Here's how…

Wallpapers Randomisers

Tired of changing your wallpaper? Have it done automatically. Wallpaper randomisers change the look of your screen at definite or set intervals. Paper v3.1, Winpaper v1.0, Wallpaper Picker v 1.0 are some such programs.

Wallpaper Switch is a freeware. Put all your favourite wallpapers in one directory, and then put a short cut in your startup folder to change the wallpaper everytime you log in.

WallMaster changes your wallpaper at a predetermined time interval (for eg 10 minutes). You can also customise the style (tile, center, or auto-fit). It supports many popular graphic formats (BMP, JPG, GIF, TIF), has a user-friendly interface and can be downloaded free.

More Links: Randomiser | Wallpaper Changer | Wallpaper Tools


Screensavers

Not only do they break the monotony of a static computer screen, they can also be a style statement or reflect your mood.

If you want more flexibility, you can create screensavers using your own images. You'll have to first download a program like Screensavers that allows you to add your own images for display. Other features available include password protection and an easy-to-use interface.

More Links: Screensaver Toolkit | Movie Screensavers | Adventure Screens | Screensaver Makers


Screens

Bored of the same dreary Windows screen and sound when you switch your computer on and off?

Install your own visual in place of the Windows startup screen. There's a whole list of programs you can download at PC World. With Fractal Logos, you can change all your Windows 95 logos.

Here are some other interesting screens shots you can choose from - elephants, horror themes, pinball and even a Christmas tree.

Most of these are shareware or freeware.

More Links: Creepy Night | Gromada | Logo Changer


Desktop Themes

This site explains how desktop themes work. Windows 3.1 and later lets you customise the look of your screen with colour combinations, screen savers and pictures. Desktop themes are designed to work with Microsoft Plus, but there are other programs that can take the place of Plus.

Different themes are available, most of them free. The best ones usually have all these components: logo screens, background, desktop icons, cursors, sounds, screensaver, colours and theme file.

ThemeWorld tells you how to create and install a theme on your PC.

Desktop Architect, a freeware theme management system, allows you to control theme elements. It also shows full previews. For a beginner, DebbiesThemes has a useful tutorial on theme programs.

More Links: Theme Creation | Using Themes | Theme of the Week | DesktopX

Desktop Managers and Shell Replacements

While a theme manager allows you to vary certain features, a shell replacement allows you even more flexibility.

Aston, compatible with Windows 9x/Me/NT/2K/XP, completely replaces the desktop and delivers a host of features including skins for all elements; and icons and toolbars of different sizes.

It contains all the main Windows desktop elements, like desktop, taskbar, system tray, main menu, DDE (without which, installers may corrupt) and drag and drop.

AltDesk is Aston's virtual desktop manager for Windows. It lets you to add more functionality and creates many virtual desktops that can be placed as you want. Other features include a skinnable interface and multi-language support.

Similar to this is Virtual Desktop. You can surf the Net on one desktop, write documents on the second and play games on the third.

More Links: Shell Enhancements | Desktop Managers


Desktop Utilities

Now for some utilities that make your work easier.

You can start by downloading an evaluation version of Quick Notes Plus that allows you to create colourful sticky notes on Windows Desktop. It can be used for reminders, to-do lists, etc. You can arrange them in memoboards to avoid too much of desktop clutter.

If you spend a lot of time in front of the computer, ProRem is sure to simplify work for you. It comes with voice email, notebook mode, desktop utilities and a reminder program.

Silly8ball is one program you can have a lot of fun with. It just sits on your desktop and provides silly answers to your questions.

More Links: Windows and Internet utilities | Desktop notes and stickys | Desktop utilities | Free utilities | Tucows