In four easy steps

Mar 26, 2007 11:18 GMT  ·  By

A Mac user one told me something in the line of, I don't remember exactly, so I will be paraphrasing, "You could build you own Toyota, but why would you want to? Most people just get a Toyota from the production line." This was his answer to my argument that Windows Vista and PCs in general reflect flexibility and user choice in comparison to Macs, where you go in the store and your options are something in the line of: "I want that one in the corner, just with a tad more RAM."

And what about custom built Toyota cars? Some people buy generic cars and customize them to the point where they are unique. But this is not a Windows vs. Mac article. This was just a prelude to the customization options delivered by Windows Vista.

The latest operating system from Microsoft delivers extensive customization possibilities, however I will focus only on the most basic options that will allow you to personalize the desktop in accordance with your personal taste and style. Via Start, Control Panel, Appearance and Personalization, Personalization, select Theme. Here you will be able to set Windows Aero as your desktop theme or another one that you have downloaded from the Internet.

And if you have a favorite selections of images saved in a location on your hard drive why not use them as your screen saver? In Personalization, click Screen Saver then select Screen saver list and then Photos. You will be able to specify a certain location for your pictures and adjust the slide show speed through the Settings.

Don't want to be a flower? Then how about selecting another image for the user account and Start Menu? Then simply make your way to Start, Control Panel, User Accounts and Family Safety, select Change Picture and browse to the image you want.

Also through Personalization you will be able to change your Desktop Background. You will be able to find a great selection of wallpapers for Windows Vista following this link.