[TUTORIAL] Basic guide to Desktop Modification!

Disclaimer
Please don't hold me responsible if your computer screws up. Only you know whats best for your computer.

Ever came across a screenshot of a "pimped" out desktop then saying " I wish I had that look". Well, I will tell a few simple steps that could go a long way.

1. First and foremost, change your wallpaper from you Windows one to a custom one. There are many websites offering very nice wallpapers or backgrounds.

• www.deviantart.com
• Google search
  
• www.wincustomize.com

2. Changing your boring Windows theme is a great start. To change your Windows theme by using third-party Visual Styles, you must have either WindowsBlind or style XP or UXtheme patcher. (More information on these products here). StyleXP and UXtheme patcher works in the same way, however StyleXP is able to customize much more of your computer, such as the icons, boot screen, logon screen, and more. UXtheme patcher is only able to change your Windows theme( taskbar, start menu, start button,). WindowsBlind is simliar to StyleXP but it enable the user to more customization, such as adjusting the withdt, height, colour, etc of the visual style. Honestly, I have never tried WindowsBlind. As of now, I am using Uxtheme patcher and it works brilliantly. Also, not to forget, Styler. This program is also able to change visual styles and your windows explorer toolbar. (After downloading the visual style, extract it to c:\windows\resources\themes\. Then, right click desktop> properties>appearance.)

• www.deviantart.com
• www.wincustomize.com

3. Icons are also customisable. You need to use either Iconpackager or Icon phile. However I recommend Iconpackager as it is easy and safe to use. Websites to obtain icons :

• www.deviantart.com
• www.wincustomize.com

4. You could also placed a calender on your desktop. Rainlender is a great tool. Its use low memory consumption and it is easy to use.

5. Yahoo widgets is also a great application for placing cool stuff on your desktop in easy and simple steps. Perfect for a user with little programming skills.

6. Docks are great tools both for appearance and also easy viewing of your programes. Docks also reduce the "messiness" of your desktop. Popular docks are ObjeckDock and RocketDock.
An Alternative to Docks would be 8start Launcher.