BigJerm's Guide to Visual Enhancement in Windows XP

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been gwith visual enhancements in Windows XP, due to the boring look of the default GUI. The time I have spent, has been fully worth it, and now I am enjoying a beautiful interface.

First off, you need a program that will skin Windows, and allow you to use different visual schemes. There are many ways you can go about this, but one option in specific, I highly suggest. Instead of installing some 3rd party program, like WindowBlinds, you should consider the Neowin UXTheme Multi-Patcher. The patcher, allows all the customization to the GUI to take place in Display Properties, instead of using a program. Another pro to using the patcher, is the lack of system resources it has to use. It uses a dimal amount in comparison to WindowBlinds.

Download the Neowin UXTheme Multi-Patcher [here]

You can download visual themes, in many places, the Neowin Forums, is a good place to start. I have come across a couple of torrents, that are great for getting started. You can download these torrents below. To download these .torrent files, you require a Bittorrent program. I would suggest ether, Bitcomet or µTorrent.

Visit the Neowin Forums [here]
Torrent Link One [here]
Torrent Link Two [here]

Next up, is an option, that can be turned on in Windows XP itself. This is relativly easy, just follow the steps below.

1.) Get into the "Display Properties" (Right-Click on the Desktop)
2.) Next click on the "Apperances" Tab
3.) Click on the "Effects" button, in the bottom-right corner
4.) Once in the "Effects" section, check off "Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts"
5.) Now, from the drop down list, select "ClearType"

Voila, your done! This new enabled option, should result in smoother fonts. This makes a huge difference.

Sick of the old Windows XP icons? After looking at those icons for a couple of years, this is extremly plausible. So, your proably wondering what you can do to change from those old icons. Maybe not, but i'll tell you anyways. One word, IconPackager. This is the easiest way, I have discovered to changing the visual apperance of the icons in Windows XP. Overall, IconPackager is extremly easy to use, and shouldn't pose as any hassle. You can download IconPackager schemes, at Wincustomize. The schemes are relativly easy to install, thus I will not explain the mind-numbing 'process'.

Download IconPackager [here]

The program, is somewhat optional, but adds that small pinch of spice that you have been yearning to add to your GUI. Y'zToolBar, changes the apperance of your Windows ToolBar, and IE (Internet Explorer) Bar. Below, is a screenshot, of my current Theme that I am using with Y'zToolBar. It matches, my current Windows VS (Visual Scheme) perfectly. Thats not to say that it will match whatever them you are using. Experiment!

Download Y'zToolBar [here]


























The next program, is somewhat optional; however, I can't live without it. ObjectDock, allows a Windows user to emulate the Mac Dock, that is native to Mac. Although, not a perfect representation, of the original Mac Dock, it does do a damn fine job. There are many programs out there that function similar to ObjectDock, if you want freeware. Y'zDock, and MobyDock are just a few to mention. From my experiences, ObjectDock, is the best of them. Below, you can see a screenshot, of my current setup of the ObjectDock. In terms of high-res icons, search DeviantArt for them. There are loads of user created icons.



























Lastly, cursors. New cursors are not essential, to get the feel of a good visual scheme; however, it does give that extra something. If you are looking for some new cursors, I would suggest visting the Neowin Forums.

Thats it for visual enhancements, but take it upon yourself to pioneer. There are lots of great things out there, that can improve the visual apperance of the Windows XP GUI. I hope this small guide helped, and if I find anything else, that is worth posting, I will be sure to do so.

Lastly, I will post my current visual scheme. Below are the fruits of my 'labour'.