The Desktop customization population of websites is a total mess.  Virtually anywhere you go to download wallpapers, screensavers, themes, styles, etc, you are bombarded with ads, fees, spyware, viruses, or some annoying “Registration Required” page.  What gives?

Luckily, there are a few desktop customization websites that still have good values and treat their visitors like real people.  It’s these sites that we hold true and dear when everything else seems lost, and when our desktop needs a total makeover!

Wallpapers for Vista was based off these values, but we don’t stand alone in the field of ethical sites in this genre.  Here are just a few of our favorite Wallpaper and desktop related sites:

  • Customize.org - A one stop place for downloading skins, wallpapers, themes, and other visual styles to spruce up your desktop.  No registration is required for downloads, but members do get access to cool features, as well as a personal profile.
  • WinCustomize - Another single stop for multiple desktop enhancements.  Although this site does require registration for unlimited & priority downloads, it makes up for it with its’ excellent news updated daily.  For those of us addicted to making our desktops look “purdy”, updates from around the net can be very helpful.
  • WinMatrix Forums - A vast community, with countless members constantly posting new desktop related material.  Users share their wallpapers, icons, widgets, tips, and much more!  I’ve been a member at these forums for a little while now, and so far have felt very welcomed.  No registration is required to browse the forums however.  They also have a collective summary of what’s new on the frontpage.
  • Tweaks.com - Offers a wide variety of articles that teach how to “Tweak” your version of windows.  Alternatively, you can visit TweaksVista.com, TweakXP.com, or TweakMCE (Media Center Edition) if you want to view tweaks for your version of windows only.  I’ve found some really cool programs and tricks here.
  • VistaStyles.org - It’s been really difficult finding some “Vista Desktop Customization” blogs around the blogosphere that don’t serve a whole lot of crap.  I guess since it’s a new hot topic, spammers find the need to take over immediately.  VistaStyles.org is one of the few blogs I have found that seems to be interested in providing some top quality themes related to Windows Vista.
  • Dreamscenevideo.net - Another one of the few Vista related blogs that is not breathing hot air for the search engines to index.  This blog is dedicated to bringing its viewers some of the coolest DreamScenes on the web.

Well, that’s it for our list.  As always, comments are appreciated!  Perhaps you have some favorite sites of your own!  Feel free to share!

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