Customizing Windows 7: Themes

Windows 7 has proven to be a very stable system, and with it comes a whole slew of new tools and options. One option that makes a return from Windows Vista is the ability to select Aero Themes for your desktop adding to the level of customization available. Microsoft also offers the ability to download new themes directly to your computer to expand the ones that are available. Or you can even create your own theme.

To get to the theme manager right-click an empty area of the desktop and select Personalize.

In this window you will notice there are already several themes to choose from. Clicking on a theme will change your theme to that one so you can see what it looks like. You will notice four buttons along the bottom: Desktop Background, Window Color, Sounds, and Screen Saver.

In the Desktop Background you can choose an image to use as a background or a set of images to use as a slide show of images. The windows color option allows you to choose the color of the windows border and set whether it uses the Aero transparency. Sounds allows you to set a sound theme from a list or configure the sounds for certain system events manually such as start-up or shut down. Screen saver allows you to choose a screen saver and manage the settings such as  how long before the screen saver activates and whether you need to enter your password after exiting the screen saver.

Under the My Themes section you will see two options, Save theme and Get more themes online. The first option will allow you to save a customized theme for later use. Get more themes online will launch a browser window that shows you a list of themes available for download. Clicking the download link on any of these themes will download it to your computer and set it as your current theme. There are themes available for any taste, whether you are an animal lover, a car aficionado, a movie buff or the outdoor type.

Windows themes can add individuality to your desktop and make your computer experience more enjoyable.  What’s your theme?

People who read this also read...

• Windows XP (and Vista) Tips and Tricks: Shortcuts
• Windows 7 – We’ve Upgraded, have you?
• Is Windows 7 Right For You?
• Use Windows Live Messenger to Stay In Touch
• PC Support Plans For Your Home or Small Business