The Royale Theme is a slick black theme for Windows XP which originally leaked out of Microsoft and onto the web in 2005.

There's no way to know but it seems to have come out of the new version of Windows Media Centre that Microsoft developed for XP. The Royale theme is remarkably similar to XP's default "Luna" theme but is a much sleeker shade of black. If you are tired of the default theme then you'll surely find something that appeals in Royale. It's also a remarkably small download at 2MB so there's no need to worry that it's going to slow down your machine although it does take up slightly more RAM so if you're on a slow machine, you might want to think twice before installing it. The installation is very simple - simply download the theme and run the EXE and it will ask you automatically where you want to install it. If you choose C:\WINDOWS path the files will automatically be placed in the Resources Folder on your computer. Once it's installed, you'll still need to activate the theme by right-clicking on you desktop, selecting Properties, then Appearance and finally Windows and Buttons. Select the Media Center Style option and click apply and the screen may go black while the theme is applied.

If you're bored with XP's default theme, this is an excellent free way to spice up your desktop and Windows itself.

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I'm about to convert to Mac myself but if I wasn't, I would definitely use Mac OSX Tiger Theme 1.3 to at least feel like I'd converted.

The skins feature the classic Aqua and Graphite schemes and the newly introduced Platinum scheme which you can find in the System Preferences and Mail programs in Mac OS X 10.4. They've also included Brushed with over 20 substyles added for good measure. The Apple menu is unfortunately, not an exact copy of the original but it's pretty close. It's basically a stripped down Start Menu that has been made to look like the Apple menu in Mac OS X. In addition, there are also left and right handed titlebar buttons for those that want their PC to look like a Mac but at the same time keep their right handed Windows buttons. The look and feel is remarkably Apple although Windows keeps creeping through especially with it's annoying sounds sometimes to spoil the illusion. If you have any widgets installed, you may also find that they don't show with this installed.

A great skin for those that either can't afford a Mac or those that simply prefer the elegant Mac look and style.

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If you’re one of those people who spends most of their free time tinkering with your mobile phone ringtone or reorganizing your bedroom, then StyleXP could become your new favorite toy. The application promises to expand the customizability of Windows XP and gives you the power to install new themes that break the mould of the existing XP shell.

The program works by patching your operating system to accept unassigned styles, scores of which are available for download from the web. Once you’ve applied a style you can tweak virtually any aspect of the appearance, including the font size, screensaver, colours, menu transparency, or even the boot screen. What’s more, if you’re particularly artistically minded you can create your own elements in a graphics editor and apply them to the skin.

Although the developer has made strides towards making the interface as simple as possible, there are so many customization options that it can be a little daunting for new users to the program.

There’s no doubt that the temptation to make Windows look like OSX or apply a ‘Windows Pirate Edition’ boot screen is pretty appealing, but pimping your OS in this way does come with a risk. It’s worth bearing in mind that because of the way the application writes files to your System Folder you could end up doing damage to your machine, especially if you install a patch or a new service pack.

Having said this, we’ve experienced no problems yet (touch wood) and also found that it runs pretty smoothly without sucking too much RAM. You can choose to keep Style XP locked in the System Tray, or release it so that it uses no resources, which is a refreshing thing to see from a developer. With so many themes and customization options available, Style XP is well worth a look if you fancy a change of scenery on your desktop, but keep in mind the risks involved in using a patching program such as this.

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Even if you don't have Vista, the Inspirat Bricopack will make your PC look like it’s been fitted with Microsoft’s latest Operating System. Not limiting itself to one visual style, Universal Vista Inspirat is a bulky (483 MB) yet complete theme pack made up of wallpapers, icons and appearances that will give your PC a complete makeover.

We were impressed by this Vista theme pack. Not only do you get the sleek dark menu bar characteristic of Vista, but the theme also sets up a Mac-like dock where you can nest icons of your favourite applications. They even magnify when you roll over them. With the Ubericon feature you can get that magnifying touch for every item you double click. Y’s Shadow is another feature that separates Universal Vista Inspirat from other simple Vista Themes. This feature gives a cool drop shadow to your windows, which you can easily increase or decrease and even apply to your taskbar.

Universal Vista Inspirat ingeniously improves the feel of your XP menu yet we felt a little more sceptical about the cosmetic changes it applies to other Microsoft applications. Word and Outlook are given a fresher, whiter look, but we were unimpressed by how Windows Media Player appeared, with a dubious purplish hue replacing the default sleek dark feel.

Universal Vista Inspirat is an impressive theme pack filled with original features that definitely separates it from typical Vista themes. Despite a slightly lengthy installation process and bulky file size, this theme is probably the closest you’ll get to Vista without dishing out $200.

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If you´re a fan of the current European champions and want to show you support for the club at all times then this is the desktop for you. The theme will deck your Windows desktop out in red, complete with LFC wallpaper, team kit icons and all manner of customizable treats.

Download Liverpool desktop theme in Softonic

Creating the look of Vista on XP has become something of a cottage industry, mainly because most people know that Vista IS XP just with a few fancy skins on.

VistaXP v2 VS is an excellent Vista skin for XP which gives you all the benefits of the Vista look, without paying hundreds of dollars for the upgrade. The package is inspired by the original Windows Vista look (Codename Longhorn) and the package contains two Visual Styles - Black and Silver. The Start menu (which incidentally I hate in Vista) is very realistic and manages to compact all your programs into a shorter Star menu bar than you usually get with XP. There are only 3 different fonts to choose from which surely could have been increased although fonts are not the most important thing when it comes to the look and feel of your operating system. However, it does feature the original Segoe UI font although the wallpaper is limited to the now rather dated Vista Beta 1 wallpaper. It's a shame the developer chose not to include any widgets in this pack as that would really have made it much more realistic but combined with another Vista skin pack, this could make a really impressive Vista look.

A very good Vista skin for XP although it lacks realism in some aspects but for free, you can't complain.

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For many people, the only reason worth upgrading to Vista if for the look since the functionality and basic framework really don't differ that much from XP.

If you think the same way, then you'll be more than happy with Vista Transformation Pack. Once installed, the program makes superficial changes to XP that give it the Vista look. The main changes are that it "Vistarises" your start-up screen, cursors, sounds, screen-savers, tool bars, clock, etc. The transparent effect in Vista is hard to emulate on XP machines but by combining with Windows Blinds, Vista Transofrmation Pack does a surprisingly impressive job. Be warned however that some users have complained the program changes driver DLLs in XP which make it difficult to remove, or at least, it leaves problems behind when you do so.

To be fair to them, the developers advise you to view their user discussion board before installing to be warned of any potential problems as they readily admit that they are not aware of all the bugs it may cause. Note that if you're simply updating Vista Transformation Pack, there's no need to uninstall the original - just install the patch. They've also added a user selection feature whereby if you log onto your PC as a different user, you can select whether you want to transform your XP desktop to Vista.

This is probably one of the best transformation packs out there although be warned that it's likely that you'll suffer conflicts with programs from time to time, and may have problems with XP when it's uninstalled.

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If you’re yearning to experience the dapper new Windows Vista interface but don’t fancy splashing out for an upgrade yet, then VistaXP is the perfect antidote. There’s no doubt that the XP styling is well past its sell-by date and this Visual Style provides a classy alternative modelled on the new OS.

Although VistaXP takes a bit longer to apply than most Visual Styles, you’re rewarded with a very accurate recreation of Vista’s window bars, taskbar and Start Menu. The style applies a sleek gun metal shell to your windows and program icons in the taskbar glow a brilliant deep blue when rolled over. Likewise the Start button turns a gorgeous green when you hover over it.

Unfortunately the visual style doesn’t include a Vista background or any of the innovative new desktop features of Microsoft’s latest operating system. However, by installing the Vista wallpaper and Vista Sidebar, you can get a true feel for the OS. Of course, you won’t get access to the fancy new file management tools, but it’s sure to raise a few eyebrows when your friends and colleagues pass your computer.

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If, like many, you´ve been sucked in by the horribly addictive Sims video game on the PC then you´re sure to love this fully featured theme. It includes a wallpaper featuing some of the characters from the game, plus some clever icons that are made out of objects that you´ll recognize from playing.

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Theme Manager s a program for Microsoft Windows that allows companies to provide branded desktops. Theme Manager OEM can change virtually every part of the Windows environment -- title bars, Start bar, push buttons, icons, wallpaper, media players, and much more.

Stardock can provide both the software technology and the art resources to turn the Windows desktop into whatever you would like it to be. Your users can optionally turn it on and off with just a few clicks. It's a great way to promote your product or service, website, film, game, or just to have a branded desktop in your company.

Download Theme Manager 2.3 in Softonic

This smart theme gives you all manner of goodies related to Discovery on your Windows desktop. Besides two wallpapers, the program contains logos, webview, start-up and shut-down screens, icons with icon folders, cursors, screensavers and loads of cool sounds and SFX.

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For anyone obsessed with space travel and sci-fi, this is the ultimate desktop theme. Based around a colony of millions of people deep in the middle of space, the futuristic theme includes a series of sounds, matching icons, cursors, logos and wallpaper.

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This collection of 12 different themes sees Scooby, Shaggy and the rest of the ghost-catching crew take over your PC. The different elements of the themes include 12 desktop wallpapers settings set to stretch to any screen size, with matching color schemes, icons and sound files.

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After all these years, Superman is still the ultimate superhero movie, that by which all others are measured. This remade desktop theme includes new wallpaper, resampled sounds, and a screensaver with widescreen images from the DVD.

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This stylish desktop theme pays tribute to the second installment of Tarantino´s kung-fu epic, and contains lots of treats for fans of the movie. Besides a classy wallpaper, you also get 7 icons, 14 cursors, 14 sounds and 3 logos. A must for anyone who likes the film.

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The James Bond films will always be remembered for the gorgeous girls that star alongside whoever happens to be playing Bond at the time. This desktop theme features a collection of some of your favorite Bond girls and includes an 800x600 wallpaper, 7 icons, 14 pointers, 14 sounds and 3 logos.

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It´s a sure-fire bet that you´ve watched, and probably enjoyed the movie E.T., so why not show your appreciation for the classic film by getting hold of this authentic desktop theme? The program includes wallpaper, pointers, sound effects and logos - all based around the weird look creature from beyond the stars.

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Twinkle Bulbs is the ultimate holiday desktop accessory. It lets you place flashing holiday lights on or around your computer screen, select your favorite bulb sets and colors, configure flashing mode and rate and more.

You can decorate your desktop with flashing holiday lights and select from hundreds of options, including bulb style, color, flashing rate and mode, background music, desktop wallpaper and more.

The program includes over 200 bulb sets plus an editor so you can make your own. The background music player can play MP3, WAV and MIDI music formats. You can also configure the wallpaper changer to cycle your wallpaper. This software program can put you in a festive mood all year long!

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Christmas Tree Interactive Desktop will brighten your day with Holiday cheer. You can decorate your desktop Christmas tree with dozens of unique ornaments and lights, place presents and toys under the tree, choose from different Christmas tunes, and change the outdoor scenery.

Options within this fun desktop theme include dynamic lighting adjustment, solid and blinking lights, jukebox, volume controls, scenery changer, and slide out ornament selector. This makes it perfect for putting you in the festive mood.

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Perhaps the best known reggae musician of all time, and famous for popularising the genre outside of Jamaica, Marley has had a massive influence on the music industry. Now you can download a virtual tribute to the man, complete with a series of wallpapers, icons and logos for you to customize your desktop.

Download Bob Marley theme in Softonic