Two exquisite wallpapers for Windows Vista are now available as free downloads from Microsoft. The images have been published by the Ultimate Extras Team and they illustrate a different approach to the style of the Vista background. On top of the wallpapers that ship by default with the operating system, these graphics build on the visuals of Windows Vista.

"We created something special just for Ultimate users. We got the awesome graphics artists on the Windows Experience team to create unique static wallpapers for your desktop. They gave us two compelling images that we're offering to you in three resolutions. We think the images cover the gamut of displays. Even those of you with Ultimate-worthy 30-inch flat panel monitors will find something to fit your screen. The resolutions available include both 4:3 and widescreen versions," revealed the Ultimate Extras Team.

The two wallpapers are offered in three dimensions, at resolutions of 2560x1600 pixels, 1920x1400 pixels and 1920x1200 pixels. The Windows Vista Start button with Ultimate styling and the Ultimate-centric wallpaper showing off the "strands" are however not limited to Windows Ultimate users. Microsoft is not restricting access to these wallpapers in any way.

"Whether you don't want to install the preview version of Windows DreamScene (that's fine!), have a computer running Ultimate that doesn't support Windows Aero, or just prefer backgrounds that don't move, these images might be just the thing for you," the Ultimate Extras Team added.

The Utimate Vista wallpapers, while being examples of amazing graphics, are no competition for DreamScene. Still, they represent an alternative.

Windows Ultimate Wallpaper - Start was tested by Softpedia as being 100% Free and is available for download here.

Windows Ultimate Wallpaper - Strands was tested by Softpedia as being 100% Free and is available for download here.