PC Hints and Tips

As the three colour schemes supplied with Windows XP (silver, green and blue) have little scope for customisation, it’s easy to tire of them. To tie in with its Zune portable media player (still, frustratingly, yet to be launched in the UK), Microsoft has created a special Zune theme for Windows XP, which you can use to breathe new life into a dull Desktop.

As this is an official theme, there’s no need to mess around with third-party customisation software or to edit any system files. The download comes with an installer that makes the entire customisation process as simple as possible. Display Properties box will open automatically - just make sure that Zune is selected from the drop-down ‘Color scheme’ menu and click OK. The black-and-orange scheme used by the theme gives Windows a moody but stylish look. The supplied Desktop image may not be to all tastes, but can easily be changed.

http://www.download.com/Microsoft-Zune-Theme/3000-2420_4-10818187.html

Much of the look of Windows Vista can be brought to XP using this transformation pack (http://www.jcxp.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=23824). Visit the link for details of the features in the latest version and a user guide. Choose from one of the download locations and then extract the file using compression tool WInRAR (http://www.rarlabs.com).

Install the pack and restart Windows when prompted. A Vista-style boot screen will appear. Additional tweaks, such as changing the system fonts and applying transparency effects to windows, can be achieved from the Welcome screen.

Depending on your computer hardware - ideally you need a DirectX 8 graphics card and at least 512MB of memory - extra features such as Taskbar pop-ups, a Flip 3D-style method of switching between open programs and a Vista-type sidebar are also available. Installation can be a lengthy process, but is trouble free and, as back-ups are made of any files that are replaced, you can easily remove the pack and revert to Windows XP.