CursorFX 2.01

CursorFX is a program for Windows XP and Windows Vista that enables users to vastly improve the visual appearance and functionality of the Windows mouse cursor. Once installed, users can choose between hundreds of different mouse cursors with fluid animations, smooth edges, unique sizes, and more system event behaviors. In addition, CursorFX supports features such as smooth motion which the default Windows mouse cursor does not.

Sick of looking at that same old cursor? Us too. Click any of the animated 3D pointers on CursorFX to view the change before you even close the app. CursorFX starts you off with a handful of well-designed cursors, from the prim, sleek arrow replacement to a lightsaber look-alike or a grinding gear. More freebies await in Stardock's online user gallery.

These basic cursor-changing functions are free to use, but those seeking more performative tricks can upgrade to the Plus version. $19.95 unlocks features that have your cursor dot the screen with color each time you click or leaving trails of bubbles in its wake.

Anyone can tweak the custom cursor's look and feel and can easily revert to the standard model if you need a reminder of what you've left behind. CursorFX integrates into the Mouse panel, takes only about 1MB of RAM, and does not slow the cursor's movement. This free application is a must-have for upgrading Vista or XP's look.

Download Now (14.2MB)

LogonStudio 1

Longing for some change in your life? Why not start with that boring old Windows XP logon screen? With the freeware LogonStudio, choosing another screen is a matter of two clicks. Alternately, you can design your own with a built-in editor.

The first option is a lot easier. About 30 cool screens are available on the WinCustomize site, and the program can randomly select one on every boot. Editing is less straightforward. You build or modify logon screens by tweaking parameters on a lengthy list of elements. So you might, for instance, change the FirstColor parameter of the Centre Panel element to a new shade of blue. This allows you to customize everything from background to letterings to buttons, but beginners will find the process quite confusing. The sketchy online help isn't much assistance, either.

LogonStudio is best for users familiar with programming languages such as Visual Basic, whose development tools use a similar interface.

Download Now (1.82MB)

DesktopX 3.5

From Stardock :

DesktopX is a program that lets you design your very own desktop. Use widgets to enhance your desktop experience or build a completely new desktop interface from scratch. The program includes support for hot keys that can hide and show desktop widgets, and it supports animation, sound, and other features that can really turbocharge your Windows experience. It includes tools to make it easy to create your very own desktop designs and widgets.

The most unique feature of DesktopX is its ability to create and run simple programs, called objects, on your desktop. The default installation includes a variety of objects, such as a CNN Headline News ticker, an analog clock, and a simple MP3 player. You can easily download more objects. Interesting icon tweaks include expansion to just smaller than giant, as well as a feature that makes icons grow when you mouse over them. We like the themes, which provide a unique collection of objects, background images, and other tweaks that can switch your style in one swoop. All told, DesktopX offers extensive tools for redesigning your desktop.

Download Now (11.88MB)