Concomitantly with the worldwide general availability of Windows 7, on October 22nd, 2009, Microsoft also released a collection of new content designed to enable users of certain editions of the operating system to personalize their desktops. The Personalization Gallery on Windows.com is an online nook dedicated to offering users free resources for the customization of the Windows 7 operating system. Following the close monitoring of that space, we informed you that new themes for Windows 7 had been made available for download. It took Microsoft quite some time, but the company is finally explaining why end users can have Ducati, Ferrari and Porsche themes for free on their desktops.

“For the first time ever, Microsoft is working with other companies to enable them to offer their customers a branded experience on the desktop through Windows 7. The effort is part of a pilot program running until October 2010 by Microsoft Advertising. As of today, you will find themes from 7 global advertisers with well-known brands such as Coca Cola, Ducati, Ferrari, Infiniti, Pepsi, Porsche and Twentieth Century Fox on the Personalization Gallery for download. So if you are a fan of one of these brands, check them out,” Brandon LeBlanc, Windows communications manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, revealed.

All the themes up for grabs from the Windows 7 Personalization Gallery will work with the Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate editions of the operating systems. Users of Windows 7 Starter will not be able to personalize their desktops beyond what is offered by default. Another Windows 7 SKU that does not support themes, or Windows Aero, for that matter, is Home Basic.

“Our personalization features give Windows 7 the ability to be as individual and to reflect who you are! Adding to this is a new Personalization Gallery on Windows.com, launched on Oct 22nd. With Windows 7, we’ve made it easy for people to customize their PC with different themes. Each theme has a custom background (or a series of backgrounds that shuffle), different Aero Glass colors, and sounds. Not only will you find Windows 7 themes on the Personalization Gallery, you’ll also find desktop backgrounds and desktop gadgets to download as well,” LeBlanc added.