Vistapack XP basically changes the Start menu, icons, toolbar, adds transparencies, changes sounds, cursors etc etc up to around 240 file changes according to the developers - not bad. The installation is easy taking you through the process gently and warning you about any changes it is about to make. They've also accounted for the fact that the program is wiped out in the case that you have to reinstall Windows. In which case Vistapack XP comes pre installed with "Vistapack Reloader" which monitors and replaces deleted files and reinstalls them all again when you reboot.

Vistapack XP also must be one of the first to support Windows 2000 as it comes with 32 bit support. The only problem however is that you'll invariably experience either slow downs due to the increased RAM consumption that some of the transparencies and graphics require or you'll find that occasionally, XP just freezes. However, the look is absolutely stunning and is enough to make any Vista users angry that they splashed out on the real thing.

Vistapack XP is a a superb Vista emulator that every XP user with decent RAM should put through it's paces.

Download Vistapack XP 2.3 Beta in Softonic

If you like the look of Mac OS X's dock and want some Mac flair on your computer, ObjectDock is the perfect application to give you a little taste of OS X. Many docks and desktop customization software that ship with computers are usually nothing more than shortcut launchers, but ObjectDock is different. It actually serves as a fully functional replacement for your Windows taskbar.

Add as many shortcuts to the dock as you want for easy application launching. There's also several widgets you can add to the dock. The weather widget is particularly useful, with auto-updating weather for your location. If you hover over it, the widget will expand with a beautiful animation to reveal a five day forecast.

In use, ObjectDock is incredibly smooth and stable. There are options to optimize for performance or for memory usage. ObjectDock is a viable replacement for your Windows taskbar as it shows minimized windows and shows you which apps are running. You'll have to fork over for the full version to get features like system tray support and the ever useful "Aero peak" feature introduced with Windows 7, though.

Overall, ObjectDock is a great taskbar replacement that's incredibly stable and useful. Highly recommended.

Download ObjectDock 2.0 in Softonic

Cameo is very easy to install: all you need to do is unzip the contents of the RAR file anywhere on your hard drive and then launch the blackbox.exe file. Voilà! Your desktop will suddenly display a new wallpaper, the taskbar will move from bottom to top and the start menu will be accessible from your right mouse button.

Cameo includes a bunch of portable apps – that's why the download file is a bit heavy – with which you can browse the web, play media files, edit images and take care of your system. Also, being a standalone desktop management system, you can store Cameo in a USB drive and take it anywhere with you.

Cameo is surely an original way to manage your computer, but if you're too used to Windows you may find it a bit confusing at first. Also, I missed having more color styles and more ways to customize its appearance.

Cameo gives you the opportunity to manage Windows desktop in a completely different way.

Download Cameo PDE Lite 1.11310 in Softonic

The data in Magic Desktop is not really included in the program, but downloaded from the Internet. The download can take a while depending on your connection and also on the number of items you’ve selected, and can sometimes delay the program’s startup. Also, bear in mind that the program will automatically restart your computer upon installation – no option for a later restart.

In general terms, Magic Desktop is very easy to use. All you need to do is select whatever you want to install – a theme, a wallpaper, a new set of icons - and the program will download and install them in a few minutes.

Besides customizing your desktop, Magic Desktop also lets you create special personal packs (called “suits”) by combining the different icons, cursors, themes and wallpapers included in the program.

With Magic Desktop you can easily customize your Windows desktop in just a few minutes with new wallpapers, themes and more.

Download Magic Desktop 5.1.4 in Softonic

Windows 7 was released with lots of pomp and circumstance. Those that shelled out for the new OS are probably sitting back and playing with all the cool features as we speak, but what if you can't - or don't want - to upgrade? That's where transformation packs come in.

There are plenty of options for making your system at least look like you have Windows 7 installed, as you can see from this how to tutorial at OnSoftware. One of the programs mentioned is Seven Transformation Pack.

The new, improved Seven Transformation Pack makes a few subtle changes, obviously influenced by the final version of Windows 7. The installation process is a little slow and requires a restart, as does almost any change you make after the program has been installed. Seven Transformation Pack has a welcome screen where you can configure the features yourself, as well as performing a few other tasks, such as repairing system files and joining an online community. Bear in mind that Seven Transformation Pack uses several third party applications to get the full Windows 7 look. There's a certain risk involved in this, but Seven Transformation Pack warns about it and the decision is ultimately yours.

Once installed, Seven Transformation Pack would definitely fool an onlooker into thinking you had the newest Windows operating system installed. The toolbar, desktop and start menu all have a real Windows 7 feel, right down to the Aeropeek function and window style. Obviously once you start to click around, you'll see what's missing, but program features such as WinFlip and ViStart certainly help to get that Windows 7 sparkle.

Seven Transformation Pack still isn't revolutionary, but it will definitely give you a taste of Windows 7

Download Seven Transformation Pack 5.1 in Softonic

Zune Skin Pack for Windows 7 is based on the Zune player by Microsoft. This Zune Skin Pack allows you to completely change Windows 7 and comes with an easy to use installer.

The result is a minimalist desktop with various icons, mouse cursors, fonts and windows in Zune style. The pack changes every aspect of Windows 7 giving your machine a complete Zune makeover. It's a bit dark but that's part of the Zune look and there's not much you can do about it.

If you're a Zune fan or just want a change for Windows 7, Zune Skin Pack transforms your desktop.

Download Zune Skin Pack 1.0 in Softonic

Thoosje Vista Sidebar's applications range from clock and calendar to more advanced options, like RSS feeds, network activity monitor and torrent search. These functions are chosen from a menu and then dragged wherever you want them on the sidebar. And don't let the name confuse you - Thoosje Vista Sidebar can be used on XP too.

The Thoosje Vista Sidebar gadgets all work well, but configuration options are limited. You can't choose the size of the icons, for example. It was also difficult to decipher when exactly Thoosje Vista Sidebar does appear, as it seems to minimize and maximize whenever it feels like it. Some of the gadgets can also be further customized, although on the day we tested, many of the links to skins etc. were broken.

Thoosje Vista Sidebar is perfect for sidebar freaks, but really doesn't cut it for the rest of us. All of the functions carried out by the sidebar can be performed more efficiently (and with more configuration options) by other tools, and the overall look of this windows sidebar is clunky and unappealing.

Dedicated sidebar fans will love Thoosje Vista Sidebar, but it will probably leave the rest of us cold.

Download Thoosje Vista Sidebar 3.1.0 in Softonic