Desktop Themes: Enliven Your Workspace

You might have noticed the new trend of computer customization mania. It seems anything and everything on the computer is customizable these days. Varieties of customization options such as desktop themes, radio station themes, search themes, browser themes, etc. are hitting the computer user circles. Browser themes or 'skins' have all become the rage to get that unique browsing experience.

What is in store for a new user of desktop themes? What are the options available? There are many sites that offer simple desktop modification themes to completely customized Explorer replacements or 'shells'. Many of these are free to download while some cost a modest amount. These shells allow you to customize just about every user interface gadget that you come in contact with on the computer. Everything from the look of the wallpaper, the desktop, appearance of icons, windows, toolbar buttons, mouse cursor, lettering, etc. can be customized. Even sound clips can be assigned to different actions on the computer, such as minimizing windows, clicking on buttons, deleting a file, etc.

But why are they called themes? Each of the different choices you make is grouped into larger groups, so they are called themes. In our example of desktop themes, let's say you choose a space theme. You may then choose your wallpaper from among pictures of a comet, Mars Rover, Saturn, or the Moon. You may also choose to have a part of the wallpaper animated with an image of a spinning Earth or an astronaut walking on the moon. You can even set sounds for various common computer operations - sounds like a rocket, or a signature tune of Star Trek.

These themes are so popular primarily because individualism is glorified. Having the latest and greatest personalized desktop themes may well be in your working style. They do add some personal statements and show flair on the part of their user. It may be more interesting to look at a themed desktop rather than a bland one, all through the day. You can start making your desktop a little more 'you'. All you need to start doing is to shoot off searching for desktop themes and find millions just for the asking.