An Introduction to Desktop Enhancements

Let's face it: the default Windows desktop is a bit vanilla. However, life doesn't have to be so boring on the surface of your PC. An abundance of fantastic goodies are standing by to personalize and improve your Windows desktop experience. Look at our picks for the best free desktop-enhancement software for excellent programs at no charge.

Desktop enhancements are great for three reasons--they're useful, personal, and playful. They'll help you transform the look and structure of Windows to a style that works best for you. It's a cinch to turn your favorite pictures into Windows icons or find existing, attractive icons for cultural heroes such as the Simpsons or the kids from South Park.

With such boundless possibilities, begin by thinking about your goals. If you're looking for a spruced-up desktop, try snazzy background wallpaper. For desktop tools that offer real-time weather, sports scores, and stock prices, try the Widgets & Gadgets category, which includes the popular Yahoo Widgets Engine, formerly known as Konfabulator. The Shell & Desktop Management category also includes small programs such as alarms and clocks, clipboards, program launchers, and alternatives to Notepad.

Nothing is sacred when you're customizing your desktop. Boring mouse pointers and hourglasses are easily stylized with the shareware tool CursorXP. Icons can morph from bland to bling with the popular program IconPackager. You can select from a tremendous range of screensavers, or even make your own with your favorite images and music. Skins and themes are programs for personalizing everything in Windows from the start-up and shutdown screens to the entire look and feel of your desktop. Take a deep breath and dive in!