You'll still have to wait for the official Vista release to get core features such as DirectX 10, improved security, and the rebuilt network stack, but there's nothing stopping you from upgrading your XP user interface today. The Aero theme in Windows Vista updates the desktop look and feel with softer edges and translucent windows. There are several downloads that can help you achieve the Aero look on XP. Some packages, such as Vista Transformation Pack 4.0, are free downloads put together by dedicated users, but you can also buy programs created by established software developers, such as Stardock's WindowBlinds, if you want a polished package with support.
Woah. I'm defintely trying this one out. You can also get Stardock's Window's Blind's trial version at their website, but it isn't very good and there are barely a few good (thought really cool) skins. EDIT: Lookin' good, baaaaaaby!
Watch some of these packages. They're compiled by complete nubs and replace core parts of XP like the command prompt with some freeware command prompt which sucks ass. Also affects system performance and needs to replace critical system files. Be careful.
Will do. The souce I got it from seems reliable enough, because they have forum-users who have appreciated it and I haven't really found complaints so I'm keeping it going...
Yeah, trust me...I had that problem. I uninstalled it after it wasn't really working for me, and my Windows XP themes were gone, and I stayed up until 5 trying to fix it, and finally I got it working, so everything is all good. But VTP 4.0, you can trust mostly, like 98%. You just need to read all of the information carefully (and it's best to install this in Safe Mode just to be safe)
Yeah same here, apparently I deleted it and turned off my computer, last night...I turn it on this morning, it's changed to what I wanted. Nice.
Uhmm installing in safe mode isn't safe at all. Safe mode will allow you to modify some windows dlls and other system resources that you wouldnt normally be able to modify when the OS is running. Be careful what you do in safe mode because you can cripple your system.