As it is the case with its precursors, Windows 7 features, by default, a consistent volume of content, which could very well qualify as eye-candy. And just as Windows Vista, well, the Ultimate editions at least, came with the exclusive DreamScene video backgrounds, Windows 7 also offers tailored content unavailable to previous releases of the Windows operating system. In Windows 7, users will be able to customize their copy of the platform with Themes, which go beyond the standard wallpaper, although failing to match the richness of animated DreamScene backgrounds, or their array of problems and errors that has made them virtually unusable.

On top of the themes and wallpapers that are available out-of-the-box with Windows 7 Beta Build 7002 and later, including Builds 7022 and 7032, Microsoft has also made available for download a collection of items via its official Windows 7 hotspot on Microsoft.com. “A theme is a desktop background plus glass color, sounds, icons, and more to help you personalize your computer with one click. Clicking Download will download and install your chosen theme. You can revert to your original settings in the Personalization Control Panel,” the Redmond company stated.

Microsoft is currently offering for download no less than 15 themes: Butterfly, College of Fine Arts (Dresden, Germany), Maple Leaves (Japan), Beaghmore Stones (Northern Ireland, UK), Hana Highway (Hawaii, USA), Rocky Seashore, Niers Niederrhein (Germany), Blossoms & Mt Fuji (Japan), Llanrwst (Wales, UK), Shi Shi Beach (Washington, USA), Sunset Gold & Blue, Vineyards, (Germany), Tokyo Tower (Tokyo, Japan), Isle of Lewis (Scotland, UK), and Crater Lake Sunset (Oregon, USA).

“A desktop background, formerly called wallpaper, is a picture on the desktop that provides a backdrop to your open windows. Clicking Download will open your chosen desktop background. You can revert to your original settings in the Personalization Control Panel,” Microsoft revealed.

The company is allowing users to grab just 13 wallpapers: Arches Nat. Park, Azaleas, Bison, Carreg Coetan Arthur, English Bluebells, Grasmere Village, Mosel near Bremm, Purple Flowers, River in Bavaria, Rural Vermont, Trave in Lübeck, Waterfall, and Yumi-ike Pond. And the Redmond giant is promising that more content will be added for Windows 7 RTM.

“Information about Windows 7 is preliminary and subject to change. Themes and wallpapers provided during this beta release are for testing purposes only. A greater selection will be available at the time of final release of Windows 7,” Microsoft concluded.