I just formatted my computer to be Vista-XP-Ubuntu triple boot. Now, I'm comfortable in both XP and Ubuntu fairly well, and I know how to navigate around in it. What I would like to know are just a few pointers in Vista. First off, I'd like to know a few good apps you use for tweaking the GUI of it. I have Rocket Dock and Desktop Cube, for an example, but I want to know some others you all have. Secondly, I want to know how to lower the opacity of the Aero effect. It's distracting and slows down my computer. Thirdly, I want to know some other tweaks I can do with Vista without having to download any more things.
Firstly, you got a flash drive? Stick it in. It should ask you if you want to use ready bost. do it. Second, opacity. Right click desktop>Personalize>Windows Colour and Appearance Third, for the GUI go to Deviant Art. The categories for customizing the GUI for Vista is in the list. My fave [currently using] is this one. You don't need a program to customize Vista. Just need to overwrite a couple system files then you just put the themes in the themes folder in Vista. %systemroot%\Resources\Themes Also get this 'patch' for Vista first, makes things real easy in the long run. [safe boot is for noobs] Add "Take Ownership" to Explorer Right-Click Menu in Vista :: the How-To Geek Anything else?
Another good app is Launchy. Rocketdock + Launchy =Never having to look at your start menu again. Also, to lower aero effects right click on computer, go to advanced system setting go to performance settings, click custom, and uncheck everything except Smooth-Scroll list boxes, Use Drop shadows for icon Labels, and Use Visual Styles on windows and buttons. Those settings will improve performance without killing your graphics (if you care about how your comp looks). Also, go to Control Panel > Power Options > Then Click High Performance. All these changes will help your comp run alot faster. Also try uninstalling all the retarded apps that they give you that you don't really need. You've probably already done that though.
Oh as for your other special effect you have in Linux, like fire on the desktop and such among a few other really cool tools see; Ave's Vista Apps