ObjectDock 1.90 Build 536

Jealous of that slick Mac interface? Check out ObjectDock, a free utility that replaces the Windows Taskbar with a colorful, animated dock similar to the taskbar in Mac OS X.

ObjectDock displays icons for currently running applications and can hold quick-launch icons for your favorite programs. As you pass the cursor over each icon, ObjectDock magnifies it and displays relevant information, helping you find what you need even when you're running several programs at once. An attractive clock rounds out the toolbar. The tiny utility comes with a dozen attractive skins, and users with slow computers can reduce the animation quality to increase speed.

There is one major drawback: the lack of a system tray. There is a free, imperfect docklet plug-in available from a third-party provider that valiantly tries to remedy the problem, although it's a bit buggy. You can also upgrade to the Plus edition for $20, which includes system tray support, tabbed docks, support for multiple docks and multiple monitors, and other features.

If you're dissatisfied with the Windows Taskbar or just want to spice up your Desktop, ObjectDock makes a very good, no-risk choice.

WindowBlinds 6.4

Customize the look and feel of Windows XP and Windows Vista with WindowBlinds. It's a Windows utility that enables users to personalize nearly every aspect of the Windows graphical user interface. WindowBlinds can 'skin' your title bars, push buttons, Start bar, radio buttons, and nearly every other part of Windows. There are thousands of freely available skins to choose from. Use WindowBlinds to make Windows look like another operating system (Mac, Linux) or give it your own unique look and feel. You can also create your own skins using the freely available SkinStudio. WindowBlinds eliminates the need for any stay-resident program and its design actually uses less memory and resources than the default Windows XP and Windows Vista visual styles. It also takes advantage of hardware acceleration on modern video cards to increase performance over the default Windows XP/Vista experience.

CursorFX 2.01

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.