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.

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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.

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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.

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Ashampoo WinOptimizer 6.30

From Ashampoo :

Ashampoo's extensive pool of knowledge about Windows optimization is the basis for Ashampoo WinOptimizer. The program is designed to enable both novice and advanced users to cleanse and optimize their Windows system and adapt it to their own needs. Easy-to-use menus present the individual modules of Ashampoo WinOptimizer and make it possible to measure system performance, deactivate annoying autostart entries, or delete unnecessary files, all with a mouse click.

Version 6.30 improves Internet Explorer 8 and Firefox 3.5 support and fixes several possible minor bugs.

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Adobe Dreamweaver CS4

From Adobe Systems :

The striking new user interface of Dreamweaver CS4 is both an aesthetic pleasure and highly efficient. Web professionals of every stripe will find a workspace arrangement to fit their style, or they can customize their own. The revised user interface shares a uniform look and overall functionality with other key members of the Adobe Creative Suite 4 family including Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended and Adobe Flash CS4 Professional software. Bring the future of Web design to your desktop with the advanced code handling found in Dreamweaver CS4. From the integrated Web-standard CSS to support for world-class JavaScript frameworks, Dreamweaver CS4 redefines the world of web authoring.

With Dreamweaver CS4, you can: create next-generation web experiences; work in a real-world view of your CSS, JavaScript, and other dynamic, rich media content directly in Dreamweaver CS4; navigate precisely from a selected page element to its code, regardless of where it is located; integrate third-party Web widgets from the most popular JavaScript frameworks into your pages; learn best practices; design visually with CSS best practices. Create Ajax-driven interactivity while supporting accessibility and best practices in your completed pages; take control of your content; enable content authors to update Web pages directly in their browsers; add dynamic data to your site without a database or complex coding.

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WordWeb 5.52

WordWeb is a handy utility that gives you the definition, synonyms, and antonyms of any given word without requiring you to go online, though it can connect to the Internet for expanded functionality should you want it.

The interface feels like an expanded version of any major word processing app's dictionary function, giving users an instant familiarity--even if they've never used WordWeb. After you type a term into the Lookup dialog box, the word's definition will appear in the interface's top pane, along with tabs that link to various wiki functions.

The bottom pane offers tabs for such items as synonyms, antonyms, and related words. The app's most notable feature is its hot key support; you simply use a hot key combo when the cursor is pointed over any word, and WordWeb will pop up onscreen with all pertinent information.

There are tools for changing the database to one of several English variations, altering the text size, and disabling WordWeb from recognizing offensive terms. The depth and functionality of WordWeb would be worth paying for, but thankfully you don't have to redefine your budget to get it--it's free.

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