Customizing Windows 7

Windows 7 is one of the most commonly used Operating Systems these days. For PC users, there's really nothing better. Yet many people never fully understand just how personal you "Personal Computer" can really be. There's the easy things like changing your desktop wallpaper and your account picture and a few mild changes to sizes here and there, but ultimately Win 7 does not really come with out-of-the-box customizing. That doesn't mean it can't be done. Let me rephrase that: That doesn't mean it can't be done--easily.

That's right, it is actually EASY to modify your Windows 7 computer! All you need is some third-party software.  Here is a list of what I think are the coolest Windows 7 Third Party Customization utilities.

1. DeviantArt Themes + Universal Theme Patcher

If you've never been to DeviantArt before--do it. It's got some of the neatest art you'll ever see. Beyond that you can navigate to their customization section and on into Windows 7 utilities. There you can find hundreds of custom skins for your computer that can really help you to make all the menus, windows, and bars look just the way you want them to. The Universal Theme Patcher is what helps you to tweak the resource files and enable custom themes.

2. Docks

Okay, one of the niftiest tools in the Mac OS is the dock. Instead of using a start menu, most Mac users have a simple dock at the bottom of the screen to house their most used applications. This is not new! Windows has had this for quite some time, perhaps not in the same way... but launchers are so 2000. In any case, the Dock is a very helpful tool when accessing your programs. Some great ones to look into are ObjectDock and RocketDock. StackDocklet is an applet that allows you to put stacks into these docks, much like the MacDock.

3. Fences

Fences is a useful tool for those who have many icons on their desktop. It basically creates custom windows on your desktop to "fence in" your various programs files and folders. These fences can be re-sized, re-positioned, and are even scroll-able.

4. RainMeter

Do you like widgets but can't stand how they all seem to be a different style and size? Well then RainMeter might be the application for you. It puts a layer on your desktop that features customizable widgets that can call in e-mail reports, news, hardware information, weather, music and much more. You can download themes and packages that others have made directly from their website. Or for the more adventurous types, you can make your own from scratch!

5. Dexpot

Sometimes one desktop screen just isn't enough to keep all of your opened windows organized. Dexpot is a utility that creates multiple virtual desktops that you can separate your windows into and then move between them with ease. You can setup keyboard short cuts, or use the on-screen control to alternate workspaces. Featuring some cool 3D animations, this is definitely a program worth checking out.

Well there's my top Five programs in improve your Windows 7 experience. I hope you try them out and enjoy them!